Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT
For Immediate Release:
November 1, 2019
For More information:
Josue Jorge (203) 576-7201
josue.jorge@bridgeportct.gov
MAYOR GANIM ANNOUNCES RENTERS’ REBATE CHECKS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO BRIDGEPORT APPLICANTS
STATE REPORTS 47,000 CHECKS PROCESSED TO DATE
Bridgeport, CT –Today, Mayor Ganim announced to individuals enrolled in the State of Connecticut Renters’ Rebate Program that the first round of checks was processed and mailed on Friday, October 25th. Designed to benefit seniors and disabled renters to subsidize cost of living expenses and utilities, the City has been notified by the state that qualified applicants would be in receipt of their funds this week.
“After losing half the State funding for the Renters’ Rebate program in Fiscal Year 2018, we fought hard to bring it back” said Mayor Ganim.
“We want to assure those enrolled can expect a check in the mail thanks to the reestablished commitment by the State. Our senior residents and individuals with disabilities depend on these funds to pay for basic living expenses like heat and electricity.”
In 2017, the Governor and State Legislature did not allocate funding for the Renters Rebate program in their preliminary budget for the following year. Although an amendment was made, it required the City to absorb 50% of the cost. This condition was met by the City of Bridgeport due to the undeniable importance to residents who depend on the program, costing the city almost $1 million dollars. In 2018-19, the state budget fully restored Renters Rebate to fund 100% of the program.
By law, the Renters' Rebate Program provides rent and utility reimbursements to older adults or totally disabled renters whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Individuals apply annually to local assessors or their agents between April 1 and October 1 for reimbursement for payments made in the preceding calendar year.
Remaining checks to be distributed will be processed at the end of November and December, recurring on a monthly basis.
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