Conklin: Bonus Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments on the way

Older adults, those with disabilities will see payments

STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 1 – Older adults or those with disabilities shouldn’t be concerned if they receive an extra property tax or rent rebate payment from the state in their bank accounts this week or next – it’s all part of a state program to help folks on fixed incomes, said state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre.

“This year as part of the state budget, I voted to create a one-time property tax or rent rebate bonus payment program because I know how much it will help folks on fixed incomes,” Conklin said. “So, I don’t want folks to be concerned if they get an extra payment from the state – that money is theirs to help them and their family.”

The payments, which are being made to people who qualify for the commonwealth’s popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program will be equal to 70% of a claimant’s original rebate amount. Pennsylvanians who have already applied to the PTRR program do not need to take any action to receive the bonus rebate check. All PTRR claimants who are approved for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2021 will automatically receive the one-time bonus rebate.

“This year in Harrisburg we were working with a budget surplus, and I wanted to make sure that some of that money headed back to the folks who have paid into the system their entire lives,” Conklin said. “I was happy to support this program, and I’ll keep working for the people of our community to make a government that works for them.”

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income eligibility limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The deadline to apply for the program is Dec. 31, 2022. Additional information on the one-time bonus rebates is available here.

Claimants who received their original rebate earlier this year will receive their one-time bonus rebate through the same method they got their first check (direct deposit or mailed paper check). Claimants who have not yet received their original rebate may receive a single check combining their original rebate and the one-time bonus rebate.

The Department of Revenue is also mailing letters to claimants to explain that they will be receiving a one-time bonus rebate. The letter will provide a breakdown of the claimant’s original rebate amount plus the amount for the one-time bonus rebate.

Conklin said that older adults or people with disabilities who have questions should contact his office.