DETROIT – Detroit is giving eligible homeowners a chance to apply for the Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount early, so the discount is reflected on their summer property tax bills.
The early application window runs now through April 15. This year’s full solid waste fee is $270. But with the 50% discount, qualified seniors would pay $135.
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Previously, applications were accepted only from July 1 through Sept. 15. This period will still be available for homeowners who didn’t apply.
The city also said a “single application covers homeowners indefinitely.”
Because summer tax bills are mailed beginning the first week of July, approvals under the old schedule often arrived after bills were issued, forcing homeowners to pay the full fee and then wait for the city to issue a refund.
“We encourage all eligible senior homeowners to apply for their 50% off garbage fee discount early, so they won’t have to pay the total fee first, then wait for a City refund,” said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. “Our goal is to help our senior homeowners keep more money in their pocket and this early application period does just that.”
Requirements and how to apply
Here are the requirements to receive the garbage fee discount:
- Age: Applicant must be at least 65 years old.
- Residency: The home must be the applicant’s primary residence according to City records.
- Ownership: Applicant must be the listed property owner on the city’s tax roll.
- ID: Homeowners must submit a copy of a photo ID, driver’s license or state ID.
- One-time application: Homeowners need apply only once; one approved application covers the homeowner indefinitely.
People can click here to apply online or in person at the Detroit Taxpayer Service Center, CAYMC, 2 Woodward Ave., Ste. 130, Detroit, MI 48226.
For more information, residents can call 313-224-3560.