March 7, 2023
State Sen. Jim Brewster issued the following statement today on Gov. Shapiro’s inaugural budget address:
The governor’s budget provides a solid framework for building upon recent improvements to education, public safety, and the environment. I’m looking forward to working with the administration to fill out the framework with the details that will help communities thrive and keep our neighbors safe and healthy.
Pennsylvania’s economy has provided revenue that will in turn provide opportunity to address long-term and systemic neglect of our public education system, a system that has been declared unconstitutional in its inequity.
At the same time, I applaud the governor for outlining a way to change the way we fund the State Police to create sustainable long-term investments in public safety through the expansion and continued improvements to training and equipping our troopers.
From improvements to childcare to expansion of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, the budget should lift Pennsylvanians of all ages in all regions. It is a thoughtful and balanced approach to governing and I’m looking forward to filling in the details over the next several months. For more details on the budget visit pasenate.com/budget.
June 14, 2022
Harrisburg, June 14, 2022 – The deadline to apply for a property tax or rent rebate has been extended to December 31st, State Senator Jim Brewster announced today.
The program is open for qualifying seniors or residents with disabilities. The previous deadline to apply was June 30.
“I am pleased by the Department of Revenue’s decision to extend the deadline to apply for property tax and rent relief,” Brewster said. “This is an important program to help seniors and those with disabilities manage their property tax bills.”
Brewster said by extending the deadline, there will be ample time for qualifying seniors or residents with disabilities to apply and receive financial help.
The senator said that his offices are open, and staff can help constituents file applications.
“I encourage eligible seniors who have not yet applied to receive their rebate to please do so as soon as possible,” Brewster said. “This program is a good way to channel funds back to those who need help.”
To be eligible for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, a person must be 65-years of age or older, or, if a widow or widower 50-years of age or older, or be a Pennsylvanian with disabilities earning less than $35,000 per year for homeowners and $15,000 per year for renters. When calculating income, half of social security is excluded. The maximum rebate is $650 for most homeowners.
For more information about the program or to contact Brewster’s office about any other state-related matter, constituents can call 412-664-5200 or visit Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (pa.gov) to apply online.
June 11, 2018
Harrisburg, June 11, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said the property tax and rent rebate program has extended its application deadline to December 31, 2018.
The program assists seniors and individuals with disabilities reduce their property tax and rent bills. Depending on income, seniors may be eligible for rebates of up to $650.
“The extension will give seniors and individuals who may be eligible to receive assistance through the property tax and rent rebate program more time to apply for help,” Brewster said. “Extending the deadline to the end of the year gives residents the opportunity to gather information and complete applications.”
The original deadline for the program was June 30.
Brewster reminds residents who qualify for the program that it is free to apply and his district office is equipped to assist those looking to fill out an application.
“I encourage any individual who thinks they may be eligible for property tax and rent rebates to visit with my staff at any of my district offices or during satellite office hours,” Brewster said. “My staff is very experienced at completing the applications and will be able to answer any question about the program.”
Eligible residents for the program are Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Nearly 600,000 seniors and disabled individuals received assistance through the program in 2017.
Since the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program’s inception through the Department of Revenue in 1971, more than $6.7 billion in property tax and rent relief has been granted to older and disabled adults in Pennsylvania.
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December 22, 2017
Harrisburg – December 22, 2017 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is reminding constituents that the deadline to apply for the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate program is January 2, 2018.
“The property tax and rent rebate program has been an excellent resource in providing relief to those with high property tax and rent bills,” Senator Brewster said. “I want to remind those who are eligible of the program’s Jan. 2 deadline and strongly encourage residents to apply.”
The program is available to Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities age 18 and older. The maximum standard rebate through the program is $650.
Brewster said his district office staff is available to assist those who need help in completing the application. There is no application fee for the program.
Senator Brewster has district offices located in Monroeville, McKeesport and New Kensington.
“My staff is experienced in assisting seniors and other residents who can benefit from this rebate program,” Senator Brewster said. “They are happy to answer questions and help with the application process.”
Since the program’s inception, $6.1 billion in property tax and rent rebates have been received by approved applicants.
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February 9, 2012
PITTSBURGH, February 9, 2012 – State Senator Jim Brewster today reminded people eligible for the state Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program that he and his local office staff stand ready to assist people for free.
Brewster said some companies are charging seniors up to $50 to help them file for the Lottery-funded property tax/rent rebate program.
“While it’s not illegal to charge people to help them apply for a rebate, I want to remind seniors and others that there is no need to pay for such a service because my office and other state government entities stand ready to provide that help for free,” Brewster said.
The Property Tax and Rent Rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians who are 65 years old and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Brewster said he and his local district office staff stand ready to help constituents determine if they are eligible, and assist residents in completing and filing their rebate application. For assistance or to obtain an application, contact any of the Senator’s District Offices:
• One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike, Suite 350, Monroeville (412) 380-2242;
• 201 Lysle Bvd., McKeesport (412) 664-5200; and
• New Kensington City Hall, 301 11th Street., Suite L (724) 334-1143
Forms can also be found online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or by calling 1-888-222-9190.
“Again, I hope folks understand that it is not necessary to pay for something that my staff and I will provide for free,” Brewster said.
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