Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation this week to support New Yorkers with disabilities by easing the financial burden on home repairs and taxes.
Legislation S.9699A/A.10457, allows the Access to Home and Access to Home for Heroes programs to cover the cost of important home repairs that accompany accessibility modifications for low- and moderate-income households with disabilities, according to a news release.
Legislation S.8903/A.9948 also expands the real property tax exemption for people with disabilities and makes it easier for New Yorkers with disabilities to apply for parking permit renewals.
“Those living with disabilities face discrimination and additional barriers every day – it is crucial we do what we can to fix it,” Hochul said. "Ahead of the anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act, I am signing this legislation because people with disabilities deserve to enjoy the rights and privileges that all New Yorkers do.”
Legislation S.9699A/A.10457 amends the Access to Home and Access to Home for Heroes program to permit home repairs to be financed with program funds so long as they are related to the accessibility modifications being paid for by the program and do not constitute more than 60% of project costs. The bill will help expand participation and provide better, safer conditions for persons with disabilities, including veterans, helping them to continue to live comfortably in their homes.
The bill will also expand property tax exemptions for people with disabilities. The bill closes a gap in the law that excluded many people with disabilities from an important tax benefit by making eligible people who have their primary residence in a special needs trust and property owners who have a life tenant with a disability.
