State of the State 2026: Proposals Affecting Older New Yorkers

On January 13, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State address, outlining policy proposals focused on affordability, public safety, and economic opportunity across New York. Several initiatives included in the address may affect retirees, seniors, and people with disabilities, particularly in the areas of housing, aging services, consumer protection, and access to public benefits.

Changes to Rent Freeze Programs for Seniors and People with Disabilities

The Governor announced proposed changes to rent freeze programs that apply to tenants in rent-stabilized apartments and Mitchell-Lama housing. These programs, known as the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE), allow eligible tenants to have rent increases offset through property tax credits, effectively freezing their rent.

Under the proposal, income eligibility limits for these programs would increase from $50,000 to $75,000 in New York City. Similar changes would be available for local opt-in programs in Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. Income limits for these programs have remained unchanged since 2014.

Investments in Home- and Community-Based Services

The State of the State also included proposals to expand funding for services intended to support older adults living in their homes and communities. The Governor proposed increased investment in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), which are housing developments or neighborhoods with a high concentration of older residents and on-site supportive services.

In addition, the Governor proposed renewing a $35 million investment in fiscal year 2026 to reduce waitlists for non-medical in-home services, including personal care, case management, home-delivered and congregate meals, and transportation. The address also announced the launch of the CAPABLE program (Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders), which would provide in-home visits offering nursing, occupational therapy, and home modification assistance to approximately 2,600 older adults.

Elder Abuse, Scam, and Fraud Prevention

To expand efforts related to elder abuse and fraud prevention, the Governor directed the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) to develop virtual training modules focused on prevention and response. The training would be made available to the public at no cost.

Proposal for a Centralized Benefits Access System

The Governor also announced the creation of a short-term, multi-agency council tasked with identifying state, local, and federal benefits that older New Yorkers may be eligible for, including tax relief programs, veterans’ benefits, nutrition assistance, prescription assistance, energy assistance, and healthcare programs.

The council would be responsible for compiling a comprehensive list of available benefits and making recommendations to the Governor on the feasibility of a centralized “one-stop shop” that would allow individuals to pre-screen for eligibility and identify programs they may qualify for. The council would also explore the development of a universal benefits application.

Additional Information

The full 2026 State of the State Book is available on the Governor’s website. RPEA will continue to monitor these proposals as details emerge through the budget and legislative process and will share updates as more information becomes available.