Disability / Limited Income

Exemption

The Disability/Limited Income Property Tax Exemption provides a property tax reduction of up to 50% of school, county, and town taxes for residential property owners who have a documented physical or mental impairment that substantially limits their ability to engage in one or more major life activities. Special district taxes are not eligible for a reduction. The annual income level of the owner(s) cannot exceed the maximum income limit of $58,399.

Ownership

All of the property owners must be persons with disabilities unless the property is owned by siblings or husband and wife. Applicants must submit a copy of their Deed or Certificate of Shares along with their application.

Residency

The property must be used for residential purposes and be the legal residence of the disabled person. As proof of residency, applicants must submit a copy of their SSA 1099, car registration, or 2021 New York State Income Tax Return.

Age

Each owner must provide proof of age (Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, Driver's License, Naturalization Papers, Military ID, or Passport).

Proof of Disability

The following are acceptable as proof of disability:

• An award letter from the Social Security Administration certifying the applicant's eligibility to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• An award letter from the Railroad Retirement Board certifying the applicant's eligibility to receive railroad retirement disability benefits
• A certificate from the State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped stating that the applicant is legally blind
• An award letter from the United States Postal Service stating that the applicant is certified to receive a United States Postal Service disability pension
• An award letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that the applicant is entitled to a Veterans' Disability Pension.

Income Definition

Income includes the combined income of all owners and is to be reported on the basis of the latest preceding “income tax year” prior to the date of application. Income includes gross Social Security; salary or wages;  IRA earnings; capital gains; pensions, annuities, and retirement plans; taxable and non-taxable interest/dividends;  disability/worker’s compensation/unemployment insurance payments; income from estates and trusts;  business income; rental income;  other sources of income (including alimony and child support); VA Disability Pension or Surviving Spouse Disability Pension.