HARRISBURG, PA (August 3, 2023) – More senior citizens and people with disabilities will be able to access property tax relief through an expansion of the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The expansion, which increases the maximum rebate to $1,000 and increases the income limit to $45,000, was officially signed into law today by Governor Josh Shapiro.

“Many seniors in our area rely on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to help make ends meet,” Comitta said. “By expanding the program, we are bringing vital relief to more of our neighbors and helping more seniors stay in their homes.”

Under the expansion, nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvanians – including an estimated 2,300 in Chester County – will qualify, and many of the 400,000 seniors who already qualify will see their rebates nearly double.

Comitta, who serves as a member of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, voted in favor of the legislation (HB1100) earlier this year.

This is the first permanent expansion of the program in more than 15 years. The legislation also increases the income limit each year by the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index.

“For too long, seniors have missed out on relief, solely because of the automatic cost-of-living adjustment in their Social Security payment,” Comitta added. “With this expansion, we are making sure that seniors and individuals with disabilities can continue to take advantage of the program.”

Supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has distributed more than $7.6 billion to Pennsylvania residents since its inception in 1971.

Applications for the 2022 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are still open. Residents can apply for the program online at mypath.pa.gov or by completing the PA-1000 paper application. Applicants must submit copies of income statements from 2022 and paid receipts of property taxes from the year 2022 (local, school, county) or a Rent Certificate completed by a landlord.

Assistance with the application is available by appointment at Senator Comitta’s district office at 17 E. Gay St. in Downtown West Chester. To schedule an appointment, call (610) 692-2112.

 

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