HARRISBURG (Jan. 25, 2019) — Sen. Michele Brooks reminds eligible residents that application forms for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available in her district offices, and she and her staff are happy to help applicants complete the forms.
It costs nothing to apply or receive help. Claimants must reapply every year for rebates, which are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid each year.
If an applicant has passed away recently, spouses, personal representatives or estates may file rebate claims on his or her behalf, as long as the claimant lived at least one day in 2018 and meets all other eligibility criteria.
The deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2018 is June 30, 2019. Rebates will be distributed after July 1.
The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people who are permanently disabled and age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income can be excluded from the calculation for eligibility.
Some applicants who received rebates in the past may continue to qualify, even if they have received Social Security cost-of-living adjustments that may have pushed their income above the eligibility limit.
You must provide proof of age if you are a first-time filer. For first-time filers who are permanently disabled, applicants must provide a copy of their award letter. They must submit proof, such as photocopies, of all annual income (1099s), including Social Security, pension, wages, interest and dividends.
Property owners must provide photocopies of their 2018 real estate tax bills that have been marked “paid” by the tax collector. Renters must provide a rent certificate signed by their landlord.
Since the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program began in 1971, older and permanently disabled adults have received more than $6.9 billion in property tax and rent relief. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.
“My staff and I invite you to stop by one of our district offices, and we will help make it easier for you to apply for this benefit,” Sen. Brooks said. “Please visit us to get answers to your questions and find experienced help, in our Greenville, Meadville and Edinboro offices.”
Please check Sen. Brooks’ website for office locations, at www.senatorbrooks.com.
Media contact: Diane McNaughton, 717-787-1322 dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov