FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Todd A. Eachus D-Luzerne www.pahouse.com/eachus

Checks are in the mail for property owners/renters

HAZLETON, July 1 – State Rep. Todd A. Eachus announced that the state will begin mailing rebate checks today to residents of the 116^th Legislative District who applied for the state's highly successful Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.

Earlier this year, Eachus encouraged residents to schedule appointments with his Hazleton office staff to receive assistance with the program's application process. In total, 450 residents visited the office and applied for the program, amounting to more than $187,000 in rebate checks.

"We have hundreds of local residents who will soon be getting as much as $650 back from the state," Eachus said. "We are currently facing one of the most difficult economic situations since the Great Depression. These rebates will be a welcome relief to so many of our seniors and older citizens."

Eachus said there is still time for eligible homeowners and renters to apply for the program. The deadline to submit Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms has been extended to Dec. 31.

To qualify, homeowners must have a household income of $35,000 per year or less, and renters must earn $15,000 per year or less. Eligible applicants must be 65 or older, a widow or widower 50 or older, or a permanently disabled resident 18 or older. As always, only half of an applicant’s Social Security or federal Railroad Retirement Tier I income is counted against the income limits. Rebates of up to $650 are available to those who qualify, based on income and taxes or rent paid. The annual deadline to file for a rebate is June 30, unless it is extended.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program forms for next year can be filled out online or can be requested to be mailed by going to www.revenue.state.pa.us/ptrr. In addition, residents may contact Eachus' Hazleton office at 570-450-7905 for information on the program.

"I still encourage any resident who may think they are eligible for a rebate to contact the state or my office for assistance or information," Eachus said.