Senior Resources

Senior Housing / Property Exemptions

Below are a list of programs and property exemptions that might be available to Town of Colonie senior residents.

Senior Housing Options
Home Maintenance Programs
Property / School Tax Assistance Programs
  • Senior Citizens Tax Exemption
    Local governments and school districts in New York State can opt to grant a reduction on the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying senior citizens. This is accomplished by reducing the taxable assessment of the senior's home by as much as 50%. To qualify for this property tax exemption, the homeowner must be at least 65yrs or older and meet certain income limitations as well as other requirements. For a detailed outline of the ownership and income eligibility requirements, please visit the NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance.
  • STAR Program (NYS School Tax Relief Program)
    If you are eligible and enrolled in the STAR Program, you’ll receive your benefit each year in one of two ways: STAR credit check or STAR exemption -reduction on your school tax bill. For more eligibility information on the types of property, homeowners and special housing situations, visit the NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance.
      Basic STAR
    • Available for owner-occupied, primary residences
    • Basic STAR credit income limit is $500,000, while the income limit for the Basic STAR exemption is $250,000
    • Based on the first $30,000 of the full value of a home
      Enhanced STAR
    • Provides an increased benefit for the primary residences of senior citizens (age 65+) with qualifying incomes:
    • $92,000 or less for the 2022-2023 school year
    • $93,200 or less for the 2023-2024 school year
    • Based on the first $81,400 full value of a home for the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Veterans’ Exemption
    There are three different property tax exemptions available to veterans who have served in the U. S. Armed Forces, including veterans who have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Obtaining a veterans' exemption is not automatic - If you're an eligible veteran, you must submit the initial exemption application form to the Town of Colonie Assessor’s office by the March 1st deadline. Proof of discharge under honorable conditions including times and places served in active duty (usually form DD-214) must be attached to the exemption application. To find out what level of benefit you are entitled to please contact the Town of Colonie Assessor’s office at (518) 783-2701.
Additional Housing Resources
  • Rental Assistance Program (Section 8)
    The Town of Colonie Rental Assistance program is a federally-funded program that assists low-income families and individuals with paying their rent. Eligibility information is below:
    • Who is eligible?
      • Individuals who are 62+ or disabled or have been displaced by government action.
      • Families of two or more members
      • Single persons who are under 62, not disabled and not displaced (although eligible single persons who are under 62, not disabled or displaced are given low preference and are not usually housed under this program).
    • Income limits: $37,100 individuals, $42,400 couples.
    • If approved and if the rental unit you live in now or the rental unit you will move to qualifies, The Town of Colonie Rental Assistance Program can reduce the rent you pay and provide you with better housing.
    • If you think you are eligible, please contact our office at (518) 459-5051, ext.2 to obtain an application as there is usually a wait list for these funds.
  • Town of Colonie Residential Rehabilitation Program
    The Town of Colonie Residential Rehabilitation program provides grants to low-and moderate-income families who reside in the Town of Colonie, Village of Colonie, and Village of Menands who want to repair their homes. Funds for the program are provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Town's Community Development Block Grant. Income determines what percent grant a family will receive with grants ranging from 40% to 100% of the cost of bringing the home up to Federal Housing Qualification Standards. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligibility information is below:
    • Own and occupy the residence that is to be rehabilitated.
    • Residence must be located in The Town of Colonie, Village of Colonie or Village of Menands and can provide proof of stable ownership.
    • Meet the following income limits: $59,400 individuals, $67,850 couples.
    • If you think you are eligible, please contact the Town of Colonie Community Development at (518) 783-2718 to apply.
  • NYS Weatherization Assistance Program
    The Weatherization Assistance program helps lower energy costs, helps to conserve energy and improve safety & health standards for income-eligible households. The income guidelines are outlined in the below chart. If you feel that you are eligible, please contact our office at (518) 459-5051, ext.2 for assistance in completing an application. 2022-2023 Income Eligibility Guidelines

    Family Size

    Monthly Gross Income
    1 $2,852
    2 $3,730
    3 $4,608
    4 $5,485

Contact

(518) 459-5051
Email Us
Senior Resources Department
Located At 12 Metro Park Road Suite 103
Albany, NY 12205