City schedules public hearing on disability property tax exemption

NORWICH – The City of Norwich is considering passing a property tax exemption for residents who are severely disabled and have a low income.

At last week’s meeting of the City of Norwich Common Council, members discussed the possibility of passing the tax exemption, which would closely mirror the current exemption for low income seniors.

The property tax exemption allows disabled city residents with an annual income of under $16,700 to receive an exemption of 20 percent or more. The system would operate on a sliding scale, similar to that used for the senior property tax exemption.

First Ward Alderman Robert Carey asked how the city would determine who would qualify for the exemption. “How are you going to determine who is severely disabled?” Carey asked.

Mayor Joseph Maiurano said the eligibility is set by state law. Carey also asked if disabled individuals who receive Social Security Disability payments would automatically be eligible for the property tax exemption.

“You will only receive this if you are receiving nothing else,” Maiurano said. “If you’re receiving Social Security Disability, you will not be entitled to this.”