The East Hartford Town Council Approves an Increase to the Income Eligibility Requirements for the Elderly & Disabled Homeowners' Tax Relief Program

East Hartford, CT – The East Hartford Town Council approved changes to the Town’s Tax Credit Program for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons at their meeting on April 19.  Residents are advised that revisions to these property tax exemptions increase the town program income eligibility criteria to $61,400 for married persons, and $53,100 for single persons.  These income requirements were revised from $11,000 to $15,000 above the State requirements.  The Town Council also increased the maximum property tax credit from $700 to $900.

The Town Council approved these revisions to the tax program by application for emergency ordinance, which means the changes are effective immediately and apply to this year’s application process.

“We recognize that some homeowners are facing significant tax increases due to revaluation, and I thank the Council for approving a mechanism for additional relief to our taxpayers,” said Mayor Michael P. Walsh.

Residents are advised the deadline to apply for this year’s elderly and disables homeowner’s tax relief program is still May 15, 2022. Individuals that were not eligible under the prior income criteria can still apply if you now qualify based on the new income limits.

East Hartford Social Services, in partnership with the Assessor’s Office, administers several exemption programs that benefit the elderly, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  Applications are accepted from February 1 through May 15 at least every two years. Eligible individuals may receive a credit ranging from $100 to $900. For details regarding eligibility and documentation requirements, please visit the Assessor Exemption Programs webpage. Residents that need assistance with application process can call the Social Services program at 860-291-7248 to set up an in-person or phone appointment.

Requirements:

• Be at least 65 years of age as of December 31, 2021 or you must be over 18 and permanently and totally disabled. Proof of 100% disability from Social Security (form TPQY) required.
  Own the property or hold a tenancy, which makes the applicant liable for payment of taxes (CGS Sec.  12-48). The property must be the applicant’s primary residence as of October 1^st.
• Be a permanent resident of the State of Connecticut as of October 1, 2021.
• Meet income limits determined by the State & the Town.  The 2021 income limits for the State Programs are $46,400 for married persons, $38,100 for single, Town Programs are $61,400 for married couples and $53,100 for single persons.
• Please note for Town tax exemption programs your assets, excluding the value of your primary residence and any tax deferred retirement investments, cannot exceed $100,000.
• Include a copy of your 2021 Federal Income Tax Return & all Schedules if you have filed one, and Social Security 1099 forms.
• If no income tax return was filed, please submit the following proofs of income with your application:

• Total Income from 2021 (all sources);
• Social Security Income for 2021 (form SSA 1099), if 65 or older and not yet collecting, note required from Social Security Administration stating you are not yet collecting SSI;
• Pension Benefits for 2021;
• Interest Statements, dividends from stocks & bonds for 2021; and
• Railroad Retirement for 2021.

Additional Information:

• Residents whose property tax does not exceed 7% of income will not be eligible for this program.
• When state and local assistance combined exceed 75% of your property tax, eligibility for this program stops.