Applications Now Available for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, Says Causer

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today announced that forms for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for 2014 are now available.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2014. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. 

Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (Homeowners and renters).
• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (Homeowners and renters).
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (Homeowners only).
• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (Homeowners only).

Due to a law passed last year to ensure claimants aren’t disqualified from rebates solely because of Social Security cost-of-living-adjustments, homeowners and renters may be eligible for rebates even if their eligibility income is greater than these limits. Any homeowner who collected Social Security, received a property tax rebate in 2013 for claim year 2012 and had annual income last year – discounting half of Social Security – up to $36,129, is encouraged to apply for a rebate for claim year 2014. Any renter who collected Social Security, received a rent rebate in 2013 for claim year 2012 and had annual income last year – discounting half of Social Security – up to $15,484, is also encouraged to apply.

Causer reminds residents that they need not pay a private entity for assistance in filing the forms. Copies of the forms, as well as assistance with filing them, are available at Causer’s office at no cost. Applicants should be prepared to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately. Applications are due by June 30.

For additional information or assistance, visit www.RepCauser.com or contact one of Causer’s offices:

• 78 Main St., First Floor, Bradford – 814-362-4400.
• 107 S. Main St., Room 1, Coudersport – 814-274-9769.
• 55 Fraley St., Kane – 814-837-0880.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, $5.6 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.