How to apply for a Pennsylvania property tax rebate or rent rebate

[FakeNoose]

(Spotlight link) https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/09/pa-property-tax-rebate-status-pennsylvania-guide/

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s rent and property tax rebate program — which helps older and disabled residents offset the rising cost of housing — got a major, one-time boost this year as part of the state budget.

But as Spotlight PA reported in a new investigation, fewer and fewer people receive rent and property tax rebates each year, largely because state lawmakers haven’t increased the income limits to qualify in more than 15 years. Still, many people who could benefit are missing out because they don’t know about the program. State officials estimate that about one-third of eligible Pennsylvanians don’t apply each year.

How do I know if I qualify?

If you’re 65 or older, or receive disability benefits, and paid rent or property taxes last year, you qualify if you meet the income requirements. The income limit is $35,000 per household for homeowners and $15,000 per household for renters. If you receive Social Security benefits, the state only counts half of that towards the income cap. (Some veterans’ benefits aren’t counted at all.)

You could also be eligible if you’re a widow or widower and over the age of 50. More detailed information is available from the state Department of Revenue, which administers the program. One thing to bear in mind: the income limit doesn’t change based on how many people are in your household. If you are married and live together, you and your spouse’s combined income still needs to be at or under the threshold in order to qualify.

If you think you might be eligible, contact your state lawmaker’s office, a regional office of the state Department of Revenue, the Area Agency on Aging in your county, or a local senior center. None should charge you a fee for letting you know whether you qualify or helping you apply.

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[Goonch]

1. Deadline to apply:

"Applications must be postmarked by June 30. The PA-
1000 booklet, used to apply for rebates, is available in
late February at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling,
toll-free, 1-888-222-9190. Once you qualify for your first
rebate, the department will automatically send you an
application the next year unless you prepared and filed
your claim using computer software. If you used software
for a rent rebate, the department will send you a copy
of the rent certificated for the next year to complete
and provide with your software completed claim form.
Rebate checks are mailed beginning July 1 each year."

https://www.revenue.pa.gov/FormsandPublications/FormsforIndividuals/PTRR/Documents/rev-573.pdf