Brookline, June 4, 2010 — State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced that the deadline to apply for Property Tax/Rent rebates has been extended to December 31.

“In these tough economic times, it is important to older Pennsylvanians to make use of every available assistance program,” Fontana said. “I urge senior citizens to use this extension to make sure they applied, or recheck their eligibility.”

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 and older, people with disabilities 18 and older, and widows and widowers 50 and older. Fontana voted to expand the program in 2006, which increased the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 for homeowners and raised the maximum standard rebate for homeowners and renters from $500 to $650. The income limit for renters is $15,000.

The program expansion also provides for supplemental property tax rebates of up to $325 in addition to the standard rebates for homeowners in Pittsburgh. Fontana said the supplemental payments also apply to those in other parts of the state who pay more than 15 percent of income on property taxes. The maximum rebate for those homeowners is $975.

“Nearly 600,000 older Pennsylvanians and residents with disabilities are expected to benefit from the program this year,” Fontana said. “This is nearly double the number before the program expansion in 2006.”

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is one of five programs supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Fontana said rebates should start getting mailed out in July.

To obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000), related information, and to check the status of already filed claims go online to www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or call 1-888-222-9190.

Fontana said he and his local district office staff stand ready to help seniors obtain applications and apply. Forms and assistance are also available at Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.