Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
November 6, 2008

There's Still Time to File for A Property Tax or Rent Rebate!

Property taxes are a concern for all Pennsylvanians, but particularly for senior citizens on a low or fixed income.

Pennsylvania seniors can find substantial relief from school property taxes through the Property Tax Relief and Rent Rebate program.

Funded by the Lottery, this program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.  The General Assembly expanded the program beginning last year.  Using revenues turned over by the casinos, legislators increased the income limit for homeowners from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) and raised the maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650.

Last year, hundreds of residents in my district who were eligible did not apply by the December 31 deadline.  This year, I hope that all eligible residents check into it.  The guidelines are pretty straight forward, and applying is easy.

The household income limits and rebate amounts are:

Applications and information can be obtained through the state Department of Revenue's website, www.revenue.state.pa.us, or by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190.  

First-time filers will need to provide proof of age and residency using a PA Driver's license, PA Photo ID card, birth or baptismal certificate, Medicare or PACE/PACENET card, or other identification.

Claimants are reminded to provide copies of all the necessary income information from 2007 and receipted property tax bills from 2007, or a rent certificate, if applicable, for their claims to be processed accurately and quickly.  Rebates can be mailed in the form of a check, or direct deposited in a savings or checking account. 

To check on the receipt and status of a claim, call the department's automated FACT and Information Line at 1-888-PATAXES (1-888-728-2937).  Touch-tone telephone service is required. Callers will need their Social Security number and the amount of their rebate.  Individuals can also call 1-888-222-9190 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for help.

It's unfortunate that so many area seniors have not applied.  It may be that many residents haven't heard of the program, or they aren't aware that we expanded the income limits to make more people eligible.  But I encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to look into this program and take advantage of the assistance.

UPDATE on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program: Federal funding for this program has been increased to $280 million, which will be combined with $36 million in federal contingency dollars, $12 million reserved from last fiscal year, and the possibility of up to $10 million from the recently passed Energy Independence legislation (depending on the feasibility of a bond issue).  New eligibility income limits, set at 210 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guideline ($23,110 for one person, $30,221 for a couple), will permit about 80,000 more Pennsylvanians to qualify under the regular program and 30,000 more to receive crisis funding.  Cash and Crisis grant amounts could also increase.  Applications are available from the Erie County Assistance Office at 13th and Holland or by calling 814-461-2002.  The application may also be completed online at www.compass.state.pa.us.  Don't be left out in the cold!