New Law to Help Seniors Keep Property Tax/Rent Rebate Eligibility, Causer Says

HARRISBURG – With just over two months left to apply for the 2013 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, a new law aims to insure continued eligibility for people who received Social Security cost-of-living increases this year, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).

“A modest increase in Social Security payments pushed some people above the income limits for the program this year,” Causer said. “But those increases were meant to help with the day-to-day cost of living, and property tax or rent assistance is still sorely needed by these senior citizens and people with disabilities.

“This new law ensures they continue to get the support they need,” he added.

Under Act 156 of 2014, any homeowner who receives Social Security, was paid a property tax rebate in 2013 for claim year 2012 and had annual income up to $35,298 last year would still qualify for a rebate for the 2013 claim year. Similarly, renters who receive Social Security, were paid a rent rebate in 2013 for claim year 2012 and had annual incomes last year up to $15,128 would qualify and are encouraged to apply.

The increased income limits apply only to individuals who were previously eligible for the program and whose income increased solely due to the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. Otherwise, income limits remain as follows (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)

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid. 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 permanent disabilities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is automatically reviewing previously denied applications where the rebate was denied for income in excess of $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters. In cases where the overage is due solely to Social Security COLAs, the department will reopen, process and pay these claims.

Additional information and assistance with applying for the program are available by contacting Causer’s offices in Bradford (78 Main St., first floor, 814-362-4400) or Coudersport (107 S. Main St., Room 1, 814-274-9769) or by visiting www.RepCauser.com.  

For residents who have already applied for and/or received their 2013 rebates, the 2014 program will open for applications in early 2015.