HARRISBURG, PA — To ensure more Pennsylvanians receive the financial relief they are entitled to, Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced an extension for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program application deadline. Eligible older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities now have until December 31, 2024, to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2023.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of this extension. “After hearing from seniors across the Commonwealth that we needed to do more to cut costs and put money back in their pockets, my administration worked hard to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for the first time in nearly 20 years,” he said. “The PTRR program has long been a lifeline for our seniors and people with disabilities, especially those on a fixed income. This is what it looks like when we work together, put partisanship aside, and get stuff done for Pennsylvania.”
The program’s expansion includes higher income limits for renters and homeowners, allowing thousands more Pennsylvanians to access this critical support. As a result, applications have surged. Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne reported that approximately 445,000 rebate applications have been received so far this year—100,000 more than at the same time last year. Notably, nearly 80,000 of these applicants are first-time filers.
Secretary Browne also highlighted the efficiency of the program, noting that the Department of Revenue (DOR) has processed and approved 92% of PTRR applications. The remaining applications require additional information or correction of errors. The DOR urges applicants who receive outreach to respond promptly to expedite their rebate approval.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to file their applications online via the myPATH portal. This digital platform simplifies the application process, offering instant confirmation of successful submission, automatic calculators, and other helpful features. Filing online does not require account creation and provides immediate feedback.
Applying for a rebate is free, and assistance is available at numerous locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, and state legislators’ offices. Each applicant must reapply annually, as rebates are based on yearly income and property taxes or rent paid during the previous year.
The PTRR program’s significance extends beyond financial relief. For many seniors and individuals with disabilities, stable housing is key to maintaining health and independence. Higher living costs can erode fixed incomes, making programs like PTRR essential for sustaining quality of life.
Governor Shapiro’s extension of the application deadline reflects a commitment to ensuring that this crucial support reaches as many eligible Pennsylvanians as possible. By easing the financial burden on some of the state’s most vulnerable residents, the PTRR program helps them remain in their homes and communities, fostering stability and well-being.
In conclusion, the extended deadline for the PTRR program is a strategic move to provide comprehensive support to those who need it most. With increased accessibility and a streamlined application process, Pennsylvania aims to bolster the economic stability of its senior citizens and disabled residents, ensuring that they continue to thrive.
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