WASHINGTON: SENIORS SHOULD CHECK ELIGIBILITY FOR TAX, RENT RELIEF

          PHILADELPHIA, January 22 – With the state Property Tax and Rent Relief Program gearing up, State Sen. LeAnna M. Washington (D-Phila. /Montgomery) today urged area seniors to determine if they qualify for this valuable program.

          “I am urging seniors in our area to check the eligibility requirements for this program to see if they qualify for benefits,” Washington said.  “Many additional seniors will qualify for this program this year, even those in Philadelphia.  It is important that older Philadelphians determine their eligibility.”

          Following enactment of a property tax relief bill Washington backed last year, nearly 150,000 seniors this year will see their property tax bill totally eliminated, and 420,000 more seniors in Pennsylvania will receive help paying their property taxes or rent.

          The expansion of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program is one facet of the landmark Pennsylvania Taxpayer Relief Act, which will provide the largest property tax cut in Pennsylvania history by triggering the use of an estimated $1 billion in gaming funds to cut homeowner property taxes.

          The new income limit, excluding half of Social Security income, was raised from $15,000 to $35,000. The maximum rebate was also raised from $500 to $650.