Harrisburg, PA – (June 9, 2017) The deadline for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which helps many older adults and residents with disabilities to pay their rent and property taxes, has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2017, Sen. Michele Brooks announced today.
“Last year, nearly 600,000 seniors and people with disabilities benefitted from this important program,” Sen. Brooks said. “With this six-month extension, I hope even more eligible senior citizens and citizens with disabilities will apply. Applying is free, and assistance is available for those who need help with the forms.”
The application window applies to taxes and rent paid in 2016.
“This important program helps seniors and residents with disabilities to keep pace with property taxes and rents without fear of losing their home or apartment due to rising costs,” Sen. Brooks said.
Each year the Department of Revenue evaluates the program as the statutory June 30 application deadline approaches to determine whether sufficient funds are available to extend the deadline.
As of May 26, the Revenue Department had received 465,064 rebate applications. By law, rebate distribution cannot begin until July 1. Because July 1 falls on a Saturday this year, payment for processed applications of direct deposit recipients will occur on July 3. Applicants requesting a paper check can expect to receive their payment by mail several days after July 3. After June 30, rebates will be distributed as claims are received and processed. Applications take four to six weeks to process.
Applicants may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-222-9190.
Local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices can help seniors to apply.
Claimants who already applied for rebates may check the status of claims online at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-PATAXES.
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Revenue Department automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.
Since the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program’s 1971 inception, older and disabled adults have received more than $6.5 billion in property tax and rent relief. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.
Contact: Diane McNaughton (717) 787-6725 dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov