Stout: Help is Available for Renters and Homeowners

HARRISBURG, June 9, 2009 - State Sen. J. Barry Stout today announced that the deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for seniors and residents with disabilities has been extended from June 30 to December 31.

The rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians who are 65 years old and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.

"It is important for residents to know that there are options out there, like the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, that can help them,” Stout (D-Allegheny/Beaver/Greene/Washington/Westmoreland) said. “Every year thousands of people that could get help don’t apply. We need friends and family to remind seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians that they may qualify for this program.”

Stout supported a 2006 program expansion that increased the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) for homeowners and raises the maximum standard rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650.

The program expansion also provides for supplemental property tax rebates of up to $325 to homeowners who pay more than 15 percent of income on property taxes. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue automatically calculates the supplemental rebates.

As of May 29, the department had received more than 517,000 rebate applications. About 578,000 older Pennsylvanians and residents with disabilities could benefit from the program this year, as compared to 310,000 before the 2006 program expansion.

“There are just a few simple steps to see if you’re eligible and help is available,” Stout said. “Taking these steps can mean hundreds of dollars for the average renter or homeowner.”

As specified by law, rebates will begin to be distributed on July 1.

More information and Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) are available online at : www.senatorstout.com. Forms and assistance also are available at Department of Revenue district offices (listed in the government section of telephone directories), local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and by calling 1-888-222-9190.

Claimants who already applied for Property Tax/Rent Rebates may check the status of their claim online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-PATAXES.

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