Older adults and those with disabilities can now claim tax rebates of up to $1,000 thanks to an updated program in Pennsylvania.
Applications are open for Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program after an announcement by Governor Josh Shapiro on Tuesday. The rebate rate has been increased from $650 to $1,000 for those who meet certain criteria after Shapiro signed bipartisan legislation into law in 2023.
Income limits have also been increased to $45,000, which Shapiro has said will open the program to an additional 175,000 people.
"The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has long been a lifeline for our seniors – especially those on a fixed income – and that's why my Administration brought together folks on both sides of the aisle to expand this tax rebate to an additional 175,000 Pennsylvanians, Shapiro said in a statement. "This is what it looks like when we work together to put partisanship aside and get stuff done for Pennsylvania."
Shapiro said he had heard "firsthand from seniors" across the state about struggles with rising prices. He said: "Whether it's in the Lehigh Valley or out in Erie, rising costs are affecting Pennsylvanians in every corner of our state – and I promised that my Administration would lead the way to cut costs and put money back in your pockets."
State Senator Lisa Boscola lauded the plan's expansion, describing the changes being made as "critical."
"Too many Pennsylvania seniors and persons with disabilities are faced with the threat of losing their home because of property tax increases," she said.
Who is Eligible for the Program?
The criteria for the program includes those who are 65 and older, widows age 50 and older, and any adult with a disability.
Eligible individuals can now claim rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000, depending on their annual income. Those earning under $8,000 per year are entitled to the maximum amount, but some are able to claim supplemental rates as well.
Those who can claim supplemental rates must be a property owner with $30,000 or less income whose property taxes are more than 15 percent of their annual income. Supplemental rates are also only available to those who live in Scranton, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Applications for the rebate are due by June 30, with rebates distributed beginning on July 1.
Newsweek has reached out to Shapiro via email for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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