From staff reports
It can be hard for older folks and people with disabilities to cover property taxes or rent, but Pennsylvania’s property tax/rent rebate program can help.
It’s not too late to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes and rent paid in 2016, and eligible property owners and renters will soon be able to sign up for 2017 rebates.
Older adults and people with disabilities have until Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018 to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid in 2016, Department of Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said.
“The deadline was extended to ensure those who are eligible have ample time to apply for property tax and rent rebates,” Hassell said.
“If you know anyone who might qualify, encourage them to fill out an application so they can take advantage of the program.”
So far this year, more than 540,900 households have applied and rebates totaling $259 million have been sent to homeowners and renters in Pennsylvania.
The deadline to apply for a rebate was initially June 30, 2017, but it was extended to give more time for claimants.
Early next year the Department of Revenue will make forms available for eligible older adults and people with disabilities to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid in 2017.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.
Applicants may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling (888) 222-9190.
Applying is free, and free filing help is available at hundreds of locations across the Commonwealth, including local Area Agencies on Aging, senior community centers and state legislators’ offices.
The Clarion County Area Agency on Aging Office is at 12 Grant Street behind Memorial Park in Clarion.
To speed processing, claimants are reminded to provide all required income, property tax or rent information. Applications must be postmarked by Tuesday, Jan. 2.
The Property Tax/Rent 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 limits are $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded.
The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.
People who have applied for rebates may check the status of claims at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling toll free at (888) PATAXES.