KITCHEN: PROPERTY TAX/RENT REBATE DEADLINE APPROACHING

HARRISBURG, December 5 - State Sen. Shirley Kitchen today reminded her older constituents that the Dec. 31 deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is fast approaching.

“While there’s still a few weeks left for senior citizens to take advantage of this extended deadline and see if you qualify, I urge individuals to take advantage of this program as soon as possible,” Kitchen said. “Many older Philadelphians will see significant relief, thanks to the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program.”

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.

Last year, Kitchen voted for a new law that expanded the rebate program by increasing the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 for homeowners and raising the maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650. Applicants can exclude, as income, one-half of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits. 

            The expanded household income limits and rebate amounts are:

· $0 to $8,000                 $650 rebate

· $8,001 to $15,000         $500 rebate

· $15,001 to $18,000       $300 rebate

· $18,001 to $35,000       $250 rebate

For more information and for Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) call 1-888-222-9190 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. or visit the Web site www.revenue.state.pa.us