Renter's Rebate Program

RENTER’S REBATE PROGRAM

Town of Essex Department of Social Services  860-767-4340 x 201

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, cable and internet) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. Application may be made at the town social service agency, between April 1st and October 1st.  

The Renters Rebate Program will start in Essex May 1, 2020 and runs through September 30, 2020

To qualify you must be 65 years or older or 100% totally disabled through Social Security and your income for 2019 must have been less than $43,900 for a married couple $36,00 for a single person.

The following information is needed to complete the application for the 2019 Calendar Year.

EXPENSES:  Rent receipts, letter from landlord stating what you paid for rent in the year 2019. Utility (Electric, water, oil and/or gas) receipts or statement from utility company for the year 2019. You can call Eversource for a printout at 1-800-286-2000 (have account number ready)

INCOME:  Social Security SSA-1099 statement or print-out from the Social Security Office, bank interest, pensions, VA benefits or any other sources of income. If you file a federal income tax return, a copy of your return is required. (Total Income for the year 2019)

If you are filing as 100% disabled, proof of disability is required every year by the State of Connecticut. A statement from social security  STATING TOTALLY DISABLED OR A TPQY FROM SOCIAL SECURITY DATED FOR CURRENT YEAR  stating that you were disabled the previous year.

You must have all information to file your application. Filing period is from May 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020.  

Documents can be submitted by mail with the Town of Essex local office or for those who live at Essex Court or Essex Place your Office Manager beginning asap. Remember we need copies not originals.  Application to the Renters Rebate Program will then be processed and a determination will be mailed to you from the Town of Essex Department of Social Services on behalf of the State of Connecticut Office of Policy & Management.  

Please note that Legislation allows for a reduction of renter’s rebate grants if claims exceed what is provided in the state budget for that program.  Therefore, the estimated calculated grant may be subject to reduction.