WASHINGTON URGES SENIORS TO APPLY FOR PROPERTY TAX/RENT REBATE

HARRISBURG, September 25 - State Sen. LeAnna Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today reminded senior citizens who are eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program that they must apply by Dec. 31 in order to receive a rebate check.

            “So many Pennsylvanians are eligible to receive money back, yet many seniors in our area are still missing out on this great opportunity,” Washington said. “More than half of those in Philadelphia and nearly forty percent of those in Montgomery County have failed to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.”

            The eligibility and the benefit amounts were expanded thanks to Act 1 of 2006, which taps revenue from Pennsylvania’s slots casinos. Rebates will now range from $250 to $650 depending on income levels. 

            Even though only five Pennsylvania casinos (of the eventual 14) have opened and generated revenue so far, the first rebate checks to senior citizens were already issued this summer.

            Eventually, a portion of the more than $1 billion that the state will receive annually from slots gambling will also provide significant wage tax cuts for Philadelphians.

            Seniors who earn $35,000 a year or less and who own a home are eligible for a rebate. Applicants can exclude half of their income earned from Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits.

            Applicants must be a Pennsylvania resident homeowner age 65 or older, or be a widow or widower 50 years of age or older, or must be permanently disabled or medically unable to work. 

            Renters who meet the age requirements and who make less than $15,000 per year can also get a rebate.