KITCHEN TO SENIORS: CHECK ELIGIBILITY FOR PROPERTY TAX, RENT RELIEF

          PHILADELPHIA, January 22: Many older Philadelphians are eligible for the state’s new Property Tax and Rent Rebate program, according to state Sen. Shirley Kitchen.

          The senator urges seniors to check out the eligibility requirements for the new program.

          “Many older Philadelphia homeowners and renters may think they don’t qualify for this program, but that’s simply not true,” Kitchen said. “Hundreds of thousands of seniors statewide will see significant relief from the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program, so I urge local seniors to see if they qualify.”

           To obtain a rebate form, call 1-888-222-9190 or visit Kitchen’s Web site, www.senatorkitchen.com, where folks can access an online free form, estimate the amount of relief they will receive through an online calculator and learn more about the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program.

          This year, nearly 150,000 seniors 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 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.

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