Buffalo, NY—Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown and Councilmember Ulysees O. Wingo, submitted a resolution to the Buffalo Common Council extending the senior citizen and the persons with disabilities and limited income exemptions through 2021 at the same level as the 2020 Roll Year. On December 29, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law the “COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020”, which makes it legal for local governments to carry over these exemptions. Approximately 1,200 applications for the exemption have not been received and were at risk of not having their exemptions renewed.
Mayor Brown said, “This action ensures that the most needy and vulnerable residents of our City maintain these vital exemptions during this time without unnecessary travel or financial burden. The passage of this resolution in accordance with State law, ensures that the exemptions for thousands of seniors and persons with disabilities will continue, without requiring the completion of any additional paperwork.”
Councilmember Wingo said, “This resolution advances The City of Buffalo’s efforts to protect our most vulnerable populations, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and low-income residents. This action allows these individuals to forego the need to visit the post office, and any costs associated with postage, to renew their exemptions. I commend the Mayor and our partners in State Government for their leadership to ensure that our residents who have fallen on hard times are able to stay in their homes during this pandemic.”
Approximately 7,000 City households receive one of these two exemptions: 6,500-Senior Citizen, 478-Persons with Disabilities and Low Income. For further information, please call the Department of Assessment and Taxation-Exemptions office at 716-851-5733, Option 3.