Harrisburg – June 6, 2016 – The application deadline for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has been extended from June 30, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2016 according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

“Opening the application window wider will help attract more applications and result in greater relief for qualifying seniors, widow, widowers and people with disabilities,” Brewster said. “This is an excellent program that helps reduce exposure to high property tax and rent bills.”

The program is open to Pennsylvanians aged 65 or older, widows, widowers and individuals with disabilities aged 18 or older with incomes less than $35,000 per year for homeowners and $15,000 for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded. The rebates are for property taxes paid in 2015.

The program’s maximum rebate is $650 but there are supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners in certain circumstances that can boost the rebate to $975.

“I encourage seniors and others who may think they are eligible to contact my office for more information,” Brewster said. “Changes were made in the program last year to account for past Social Security cost-of-living adjustment.”

As of late May, the state Department of Revenue had received 439,686 applications. Rebate distributions begin July 1.

Brewster said that those interested should contact any of his district offices or visit his website at www.senatorbrewster.com. Brewster’s offices are located in Monroeville (412) 380-2242, McKeesport (412) 664-5200 and New Kensington (724) 334-1143.

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