HARRISBURG, June 5, 2012 – State Sen. Wayne Fontana today announced that the filing deadline for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for seniors and the disabled has been extended to December 31.

“This deadline extension gives people more time to apply,” Fontana said. “I urge area seniors to check on their eligibility for a rebate check.”

[frame align=”right”][/frame]The Lottery-funded rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.  Following a 2006 program expansion Fontana supported, the income limit is now $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded from the calculation.

The maximum standard rebate is $650. However, Fontana said eligible seniors living in Pittsburgh with incomes under $30,000, and those in other parts of the state who pay more than 15 percent of their income on property taxes, are eligible for a supplemental property tax rebate of up to $325, on top of standard rebates.

Fontana said rebate checks will be mailed out beginning in July. After June 30, rebates are sent out as claims are received and processed.

Fontana added that he and his district office staff are more than willing to help people determine if they are eligible, or assist seniors in filing their rebate application.  For assistance or to obtain an application, contact the senator’s district office in Brookline (412) 344-2551, Kennedy Township (412) 331-1208, or Beechview (412) 343-2080.

Applicants can also get  Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at www.revenue.state.pa.us; or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-222-9190. He said forms and assistance also are available at Department of Revenue district offices (listed in the government section of phone directory), local Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers.

Those who already applied can check the status of claims online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling toll-free 1-888-PATAXES.

Since the program’s 1971 inception, Fontana said older and disabled adults have received more than $5.1 billion worth of property tax and rent relief. He said the expanded portion of the rebate program is funded with revenue from slots gaming.

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