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Senior Citizen Homeowners' Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners' Exemption (DHE) Program Updates

Due to a new law passed in response to COVID-19, most Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) recipients are not required to renew their benefits this year. We will mail you a renewal letter if you need to take any action; otherwise, your benefit will be automatically renewed at its current level and you will continue to receive it.
 
Note: If your income decreased in 2020, you have the option to submit a renewal application   so that we can determine whether you are eligible for a larger benefit. Please note that if your income last year was less than $50,000, you are almost certainly receiving the largest possible benefit.  

If you have questions, please contact us at www.nyc.gov/contactpropexemptions.
  • On December 28, 2020, the governor   signed into law the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act, removing the requirement for 2021 SCHE and DHE renewal applications to be filed for eligible property   owners who received a SCHE or DHE benefit in 2020.

  • No renewal application is required for eligible 2020 SCHE or DHE recipients to continue receiving the exemption benefit at the same amount. However, if your income decreased in 2020, you have the option to submit a renewal application so that we can determine whether you are eligible for a larger benefit. (Please note that most homeowners are already receiving the largest possible benefit.)

  • The state law allows the City to pass a local law requiring a renewal application from homeowners whose eligibility may have changed due to the death of a benefit recipient or any of the following:

    • Changes to the recipient’s primary residence

    • The addition of another owner to the deed

    • The transfer of the property to a new owner 

  • If such a local law is enacted and you fall under one of the exceptions listed above, you will be required to file your SCHE or DHE renewal application before the March 15, 2021, deadline. We will send you a letter if you need to take any action.