CM Louis on Intro 978A raising income threshold to $75,000
Council Member Farah Louis presents Intro 978A to increase the SCRIE/DRIE income ceiling from $50,000 to $75,000 retroactive to July 1, 2026, citing DOF data showing 67,677 enrolled versus 158,214 eligible households, and noting median rent-to-income ratios of 56% for SCRIE and 62% for DRIE recipients.
Good morning and thank you, Chair.
I am Councilmember Farrah Lewis.
I'm a black woman wearing a lilac suit and mid-length hair.
I want to thank Chairs Zhuang, Lee, and Hanif for convening today's hearing and for your support to bring Intro 978A before the Council.
I am proud to sponsor Intro 978A, which would amend the Administrative Code to increase the maximum household income for eligibility for senior citizen rent increase exemption,
also known as SCRI, and disability rent increase exemption, also known as DRI.
From $50,000 to $75,000 beginning in July 1, 2026, making it retroactive to date.
This legislation is necessary because the need for rent stabilization among our seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities is significant and growing.
According to the Department of Finance, 67,677 households received SCRI
or DRI benefits in 2024, while 158,214 households were potentially eligible in 2023.
That gap demonstrates that thousands of New Yorkers who could potentially benefit from these protections remain outside of the program.
For those who are enrolled, the program provides meaningful relief.
In 2024, the average monthly SCRI benefit was approximately $200.
while the average DREE benefit was approximately $261.
In Brooklyn, the average monthly benefit was $243.
Yet the underlying affordability challenge remains severe.
The 2025 report found that the median rent to income ratio among SCRI recipients was 56%, and among DREE recipients, it was 62%.
By raising the threshold to $75,000, we can extend this important protection for more New Yorkers and strengthen housing stability for people who have spent decades building their lives and communities here in New York City.
I look forward to working with my colleagues, the administration, advocates, and our constituents to ensure that this expanded protection reaches every eligible New Yorker who needs it the most.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Since we have ASL interpreter here, we will give the testimony for Mr.
So first.
Mr.
Saul?
Then we'll go to the administration.
Thank you.