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For Immediate Release
7/7/06
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Pippy: Seniors, People with Disabilities, Widows/Widowers Have More Time to Apply For Property Tax/Rent Rebate

New deadline is December 31. 

Harrisburg -- The deadline to apply for Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, according to state Sen. John Pippy (R-37). 

Pippy said the deadline is expected to allow an additional 36,000 applicants to apply for the rebate program.   

"This is an opportunity for seniors and others to make property taxes and rent payments a little more manageable," said Pippy.  "I urge anyone who is eligible but hasn't signed up to take advantage of the extended deadline and look into this program." 

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $500 based on their property taxes or rent paid during 2005.  The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.  The household eligibility income limit is $15,000, excluding one-half of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits. 

Rebates for more than 240,000 applicants are being prepared for distribution on July 1, as specified by law.  After June 30, rebates will be distributed as the claims are received and approved.  Recipients can have their rebates directly deposited into their checking or savings account.       

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) are available online through the state Revenue Department's Web site, www.revenue.state.pa.us.   Forms and assistance also are available at Senator Pippy's district offices in Moon Township, Peters Township, Mount Lebanon and Sewickley. 

Revenue Department staff is available to answer questions and assist people with their rebate applications Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190.  

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is one of four programs supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery.  More than $123.6 million was paid to claimants for taxes or rent paid during the 2005 claim year.  

CONTACT: Matt Campion (412) 262-2260