More Seniors in King County Are Aging in Place Thanks to Expanded Property Tax Relief
For many seniors, the dream of aging in place—remaining in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes—can be threatened by rising living costs, especially property taxes. Fortunately, King County’s recently expanded property tax relief program is making it possible for more seniors and disabled homeowners to stay in their homes, thanks to broader eligibility and improved accessibility.
What Is King County’s Senior Property Tax Relief Program?
King County’s property tax relief program provides vital exemptions and deferrals for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals. This initiative is designed to ease the cost of property taxes, which can be especially helpful for those living on fixed incomes.
Who Qualifies for Property Tax Relief?
Recent updates have made the program much more accessible:
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 62 years old.
Residency: You must have owned your residence for at least one year before applying.
Income Limit: Annual income must be below $84,000 (including Social Security and other sources). This is a significant increase from the $36,000 threshold just a few years ago, reflecting the rising cost of living in King County.
These changes mean that thousands more homeowners are now eligible for relief—applications have jumped from about 3,000 in 2017 to nearly 13,000 in 2024.
How to Apply: New Online Options and Community Support
To keep up with the growing number of applicants, the King County Assessor’s Office has made the application available online, making the process more efficient for many. However, recognizing that not all seniors are comfortable with computers, King County has partnered with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (UL) through the H.O.M.E.S. project to offer in-person assistance.
If you or a loved one needs help, you can visit the Urban League’s resource center at 901 Rainier Avenue South, where staff and volunteers are available to guide you through the application process.
Why Spreading the Word Matters
Despite these improvements, many eligible seniors still don’t know about the program. Community organizations and county officials are working hard to raise awareness, holding outreach events at senior centers, churches, and community panels. They encourage everyone to share information with family members who might qualify.
How Much Can You Save?
The amount of property tax relief varies, but some homeowners see their bills reduced by up to 50%, potentially saving thousands of dollars each year. For many, this difference is crucial: it can mean being able to stay in their home rather than being forced to move.
Take Action: Don’t Miss Out on This Valuable Benefit
If you are a senior or disabled homeowner in King County, or if you have a loved one who might qualify, now is the time to explore this opportunity. Reach out to the King County Assessor’s Office or the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle for help.
Questions about property tax relief or other elder law matters?
Contact Des Moines Elder Law at (206) 212-0220 or info@rm-law.com. We’re here to help you navigate your legal options and protect your future.
Source: The Seattle Medium, “More Seniors Are Staying In Their Homes Thanks To King County’s Revised Tax Relief Program” by Sydney Goitia-Doran.