Property tax, rent rebate program opens early

Pennsylvania homeowners and renters age 65 and up, plus the disabled and widows and widowers age 50 and older can begin applying for property tax and rent rebates on Wednesday.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed House Bill 1076 Tuesday authorizing early distribution of the rebate to provide help to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

The application deadline is Dec. 31. The program typically begins July 1.

Wolf thanked the House and Treasurer Joe Torsella for working quickly to provide financial support to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

“As public officials, all of us in state government are working to find every way we can to help Pennsylvanians get through this health and financial crisis,” said Torsella.

The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded. There is no cost to apply for a rebate.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.

The state Department of Revenue automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.

Applicants who included their bank account information on the form will receive their rebates through direct deposit.

Those who requested a paper check should expect to receive their payment in the mail.

The claim form, PA-1000, and additional information is available on the Department of Revenue’s website or by calling 888-222-9190.