The deadline for eligible seniors to apply for 2012 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has been extended from June 30th to December 31st. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate is a program where eligible Pennsylvanians receive a rebate of some of their real estate taxes or rent.
To qualify for the program:
1. You must have owned and occupied a home, or rented and occupied a home, apartment, nursing home, boarding home, or similar residence during the period for which you claim the rebate;
2. If you’re a homeowner, you must have paid property taxes before applying;
3. You or your spouse must be at least 65 years old as of December 31 of the claim year, OR you were a widow during the claim year and at least 50 years old as of December 31, OR you were at least 18 years old and disabled during the claim year;
4. You must meet income qualifications. For a property tax rebate, your household income must be below $35,000, and for a rent rebate, your household income must be below $15,000 (applicants may exclude one-half of social security income).
You may obtain an application for the program at no cost online (see the link below), from Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. or over the phone at 1-888-222-9190.
ALERT: We recommend seniors do NOT engage or pay a fee to private companies who are contacting older Pennsylvanians by mail, offering to prepare Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications for a fee. Free assistance is available if you need help preparing this application!
For more information, please CLICK HERE.
SeniorLAW Center can also answer questions about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate as part of its newest project, Property and Inheritance Tax Aid for Elders. SeniorLAW Center’s Homeowners Assistance Program (“HAP”) also enables low-income elderly homeowners maintain their homes and remain in their communities. Seniors 60 and over residing in Pennsylvania are invited to call our SeniorLAW HelpLine at 877.727.7529 (877.PA SR LAW) to obtain legal advice, information and/or representation.