• Senior citizen homeowners can apply early for the 50% off solid waste (garbage fee) discount to make sure the savings are reflected on summer property tax bills
• Garbage fee is $270 but eligible senior citizen homeowners pay $135
• The early application period is open NOW through April 15
• Once enrolled, Senior discount is automatically renewed in following years

The City of Detroit is helping to ease the financial burden for senior citizen homeowners in a small but meaningful way. The city’s Office of Treasury has opened an early application period for the Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount to allow seniors the chance to apply early so the 50% off discount can be reflected on summer property tax bills.

The early application period is NOW through April 15. This year the solid waste fee is $270 and with the 50% off discount, senior citizens will only pay $135.

Previously, the only period was July 1 through September 15 which meant senior citizen homeowners who applied and were approved wouldn’t see the discount on their summer property tax bills because summer tax bills are mailed out starting the first week of July.  As a result, senior homeowners approved for the discount would have to pay the full solid waste fee first, then wait for the City to process a refund.  With the early application period, senior homeowners would see the discount on their summer tax bill.

The July 1 through September 15 application period will still be available to those homeowners who didn’t apply and a single application covers homeowners indefinitely.

"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.   Our goal is to help our senior homeowners keep more money in their pocket and this early application period does just that,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield.

“This early application period for the Solid Waste Discount allows us to send out summer tax bills that are up-to-date and reflect the savings our senior homeowners deserve,” said Deputy CFO, Acting Treasurer, Valerie Agolli.

Requirements, when and where to apply

Seniors can apply TODAY through April 15 during the early application period to make sure the 50% off garbage fee is reflected on the summer property tax bill.

The requirements are:

• Be at least 65 years of age
• The home must be your primary residence on City records
• Applicant must be the listed property owner on City’s tax roll
• Homeowners must provide a copy of their photo ID, Driver’s License or State ID
• Homeowners need only apply once.

Homeowners can apply online at detroitmi.gov/dtsc 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.