Program Description

State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room, or living in cooperative housing or a mobile home may be eligible for this program. Renters' rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons. The renters' rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. Application may be made at the town social service agency, or the Assessor's Office, depending on the town, between May 15 and September 15th.

The Renter Question & Answer Booklet is available for this program. The municipal Claim Form (M-35c) is also available.

For Further Information, Please Contact:
Frank Intino: phone (860) 418-6382 - fax (860) 418-6493 - e-mail - frank.intino@ct.gov

Program Objective Statement

To provide a direct, partial reimbursement of rent and utility bills paid by certain elderly renters and certain totally disabled renters. (See ELIGIBILITY below.)

Eligibility

Recipient or spouse must be 65 years of age or older, or be 50 years of age or older and the surviving spouse of a renter who at the time of the renter's death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such renter at the time of the renters’ death, or 18 years of age or older and permanently and totally disabled. Must meet a one year state residency requirement. Grants are based upon income requirements shown in CGS Section 12-170e.

Grant Activity

Fiscal Year 2009 - Paid Out: - $20.12 million: Recipients: - 41,559 individual participants.

Key Dates

By May 15, 2009 - Distribute Application Computer Software to towns.

Between June 30 - October 31, 2009 - Receive completed Claim Data back from towns.

Between September 15 - December 31, 2009- Prepare and certify monthly Payment List for Comptroller.

By March 1, 2010 - Submit Year-end Report to the General Assembly.

Statutory References

Connecticut General Statutes (CGS): Sections 12-170d, 12-170e, 12-170f, 12-170g, 12-170h and 12-170bb.

Regulatory References

Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies: §12-170f-1 and §12-170f-2.

Funding Source(s)

State: General Fund (100%).

Account Number

11000 - 16017 - 51006 - 55070.

Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

Not applicable.

General Statement of Process

Distributes Application Computer Software to towns. Receives data and completed Claim forms back from towns. Processes requests for penalty waivers; assesses penalties. Reviews Claims for accuracy and completeness. Modifies, approves or denies Claims and reconciles modifications with towns. Prepares and certifies Payment List for Comptroller. Files Year-end Report with General Assembly.