How does Disability Rent Increase Exemption work?

Even if your landlord raises the rent, you keep paying what you were paying before. Your landlord gets a tax credit to cover the difference. What you need to know: Renew your DRIE enrollment each year to keep your rent frozen You’re not required to file taxes to qualify You don’t need your landlord’s permission to apply The NYC Rent Freeze program also offers the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) for seniors 62 and older

Am I eligible for Disability Rent Increase Exemption?

To qualify for DRIE, you’ll need to meet basic requirements, live in certain types of apartments, and receive a qualifying disability benefit. Basic requirements You’re 18 years old or older Your name is on the lease Your household income is $50,000 or less per year You spend more than one-third of your monthly income on rent Where you live Rent stabilized apartment Rent controlled apartment Mitchell-Lama development Limited Dividend development Redevelopment company development Housing Development Fund Company (HDFC) Cooperative development Section 213 Cooperative unit Rent-regulated hotel or single-room occupancy unit Qualifying disability benefits Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension or compensation Disability-related Medicaid

What do I need in order to apply to Disability Rent Increase Exemption?

When you apply, have copies of these documents ready: Proof of identity and age: Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, state ID) Proof of where you live: Current lease, recent rent receipt or payment confirmation Proof of income: Last year’s tax return, W-2s, pay stubs, and benefit letters for all household members Proof of your disability benefit: Award letter from SSI, SSDI, VA, or Medicaid

Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)

How it works

DRIE helps keep your rent the same if you receive a qualifying disability benefit.

Even if your landlord raises the rent, you keep paying what you were paying before. Your landlord gets a tax credit to cover the difference.

What you need to know:

Renew your DRIE enrollment each year to keep your rent frozen
You’re not required to file taxes to qualify
You don’t need your landlord’s permission to apply
The NYC Rent Freeze program also offers the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) for seniors 62 and older

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for DRIE, you’ll need to meet basic requirements, live in certain types of apartments, and receive a qualifying disability benefit.

Basic requirements

You’re 18 years old or older
Your name is on the lease
Your household income is $50,000 or less per year
You spend more than one-third of your monthly income on rent

Where you live

Rent stabilized apartment
Rent controlled apartment
Mitchell-Lama development
Limited Dividend development
Redevelopment company development
Housing Development Fund Company (HDFC) Cooperative development
Section 213 Cooperative unit
Rent-regulated hotel or single-room occupancy unit

Qualifying disability benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Veterans Affairs (VA) disability pension or compensation
Disability-related Medicaid

Immigration status requirements

DRIE doesn’t ask about immigration status.

Required documents

When you apply, have copies of these documents ready:

Proof of identity and age: Government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, state ID)
Proof of where you live: Current lease, recent rent receipt or payment confirmation
Proof of income: Last year’s tax return, W-2s, pay stubs, and benefit letters for all household members
Proof of your disability benefit: Award letter from SSI, SSDI, VA, or Medicaid

How to apply

Applying for the first time? The fastest way to apply is online through the NYC Tenant Access Portal.

Schedule a virtual appointment for help with your application.

Apply online

Applying for the first time? Print an application at home (available in multiple languages) or call 311 to request one.

Mail completed applications and supporting documents to:
Rent Freeze Program – DRIE
P.O. Box 3179
Union, NJ 07083

Download application

Apply at a Department of Finance Assistance Center. You may need to schedule an appointment.

Find a center

Get help

Learn more online

Visit the NYC Rent Freeze Program website for more information.

Call 311

Ask about DRIE.

Get application assistance

Call 929-252-7242 to get one-on-one help from an NYC Public Engagement Unit Specialist.

Call DRIE using TTY

Call 212-639-9675 if you’re hard of hearing.

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Last Updated May 11, 2026

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Rent freeze for people with disabilities