Rhoades Urges Seniors to Sign Up for Property Tax and Rent Rebates

HARRISBURG – Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) is urging eligible district residents to apply for the state's expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.

The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older and those with disabilities 18 years or older. Participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on property taxes or rent paid during 2006.

"The expansion of the program made an additional 420,000 Pennsylvanians eligible to receive a property tax or rent rebate," Rhoades said. "I would encourage all older homeowners to take a closer look into the valuable rewards offered through this program."

Under the expanded income limits, seniors can receive a rebate on property taxes if household income does not exceed $35,000, excluding 50 percent of Social Security payments, Supplemental Security income and Railroad Retirement benefits. Renters can earn up to $15,000 and still be eligible for a rebate.

Applicants can sign up now to have a Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim form mailed to them. District residents can sign up by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190 weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. or visiting www.papropertytaxrelief.com. Individuals who qualified for a rebate in 2005 will automatically receive a form for the program and do not need to sign up for the mailing.

Claim forms can be accessed online at www.revenue.state.pa.us. Rhoades said that Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms and additional information are also available at his district offices.

Constituents who have already submitted an application can check on the receipt and status of their claim by calling 1-888-PATAXES on a touchtone phone. Rotary phone users may dial 1-888-222-9190.