Provides retroactivity to the original date of eligibility in certain cases for the senior citizens rent increase exemption (SCRIE) and disability rent increase exemption (DRIE)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Backdates SCRIE and DRIE eligibility to the original date a tenant would have qualified, in certain cases, delivering retroactive relief for rent increases.

REFERRED TO AGING

Overview

Bill Number: A 7851

Title: Provides retroactivity to the original date of eligibility in certain cases for the senior citizens rent increase exemption (SCRIE) and disability rent increase exemption (DRIE)

Status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Aging

Introduced: April 11, 2025

Sponsor: Linda Rosenthal (primary)

Classification: Bill (Assembly)

What the bill would do

The bill provides retroactive relief by dating the eligibility for SCRIE and DRIE back to the original date a tenant was eligible, in certain specified circumstances.

The intent is to address situations where individuals should have qualified for SCRIE or DRIE earlier but did not receive benefits due to issues related to eligibility timing, processing, or other criteria that prevented timely access to benefits.

The retroactive treatment would apply to cases meeting the bill’s defined “original date of eligibility,” ensuring that affected tenants (and, by extension, their housing costs) would receive benefits consistent with their initial qualification.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by the bill’s description)

Establishes retroactive eligibility for SCRIE and DRIE to the date the person would have first qualified under the program.

Applies in “certain cases” identified by the bill, potentially including instances of administrative delays, processing backlogs, or other barriers to timely receipt of benefits.

Aims to ensure backdated relief aligns with the original eligibility period rather than a later eligibility date or enrollment date.

The bill would authorize retroactive benefits or credits where appropriate, subject to program rules and any implementing regulations.

Who would be affected

Tenants in New York who receive or would qualify for SCRIE (Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption) or DRIE (Disability Rent Increase Exemption).

Households experiencing rent increases that are mitigated by SCRIE/DRIE, particularly those who encountered barriers preventing timely enrollment or receipt of benefits.

Administrators of SCRIE/DRIE (notably local or state agencies responsible for administering the programs) would implement the retroactive provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and (on the same date) referred to the Assembly Committee on Aging (April 11, 2025).

Status indicates ongoing consideration in the Aging Committee.

Related Senate companion and prior-session bills exist, suggesting cross-chamber interest and potential for alignment:

Related Senate bills/companion: S 2534 (companion), plus S 5881, S 3224, S 3920, S 5262 (prior-session)
Companion references indicate policy intent has been explored in multiple forms and across chambers.

Additional context and considerations

Fiscal impact: Backdating SCRIE/DRIE benefits could have a cost to the state or local governments, depending on back payments and retroactive credits authorized. Implementation details would likely appear in the bill text and any fiscal notes.

Administrative considerations: Clear guidelines will be needed to determine which cases qualify as “certain cases” and to administer back payments or credits accurately.

Bill