HARRISBURG — Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, to ease the burden of rising costs for Pennsylvania seniors.
The bill increases the income cap for renters and homeowners to $45,000 a year and ties the cap to increases in the cost of living so seniors don’t lose out if their Social Security payments increase. Additionally, nearly 175,000 more people will qualify for the program, and many of the 400,000 seniors who already qualify will see their rebates nearly double. The maximum rebate for seniors rises from $650 to $1,000.
“This bill provides a crucial update to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program that will finally ensure more of Pennsylvania’s seniors get the relief they need,” Shapiro said in a statement. “I’m proud to sign this bill into law and help make a difference in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians.”
The new law:
- Increases the income cap from $35,000 to $45,000 for homeowners.
- Increases the income cap from $15,000 to $45,000 for renters.
- Automatically increases the income cap to grow with inflation, beginning in claim year 2024.
- Increases the maximum rebate from $650 to $1,000.
The bill was passed by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate with bipartisan support. It is the first time the program has been expanded since 2006.
In Franklin County, an additional 2,200 residents are now eligible for the program.
The new law takes effect immediately. Seniors who believe they may be eligible for the program can apply online or by mail. The deadline to apply for the 2023 tax year is December 31, 2023.
