CM Marte on Intro 307 universal SCRIE application portal
Marte details how Mitchell-Lama tenants must use HPD's paper-only SCRIE process while other tenants use DOF's online system, causing confusion and delays, and explains Intro 307 would create a single universal online application and recertification portal regardless of agency.
Along with Councilmember Lewis, Intro 978, we must pass these bills immediately to increase housing affordability for renters and homeowners alike.
We are also hearing my bill, Intro 307, which will require a universal online
SCRI application portal.
While most of SCRI is handled by Department of Finance, Mitchell Lama tenants receive SCRI through HPD.
Despite the fact that it's exact same benefits, the process is different for each agency.
The DOF has a user-friendly website that makes it easy to apply, recertify, and stay on top of your SCRI application while also having a paper option.
HPD, on the other hand, only has a different paper application that you can mail in or email to a general inbox or even sometimes fax.
Yes, we're talking about faxing documents in 2026.
For many seniors,
tenants in Michilama, this can be incredibly confusing.
People accidentally submit DOF applications to each HPD, not realizing they are different.
My
My office has had constituents who had applied to SCRI multiple times because they mailed in their application to HPD and waited months only to find out that HPD had no record of their application.
This system of two different processes for the same benefits only leads to delay and confusion.
Intro 307 will simplify this process requiring a single online application for recertification portal for SCRI regardless of which agency you're applying from.
This easy fix will make SCRI more accessible to Mitchell Almatonets all over New York City.
I look forward to today's hearing and urge my colleagues to support these bills so we can quickly pass them.
Thank you.
Thank you.
And thank you, Councilmember Marte.