Haddock: 10,000 seniors from Lackawanna, Luzerne to benefit from Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion
Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski August 25, 2023 | 1:27 PM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – State Rep. Jim Haddock joined residents from both Luzerne and Lackawanna counties in Pittston this morning to speak about updates to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and how more folks will be eligible for money starting in 2024.
“We fought hard this budget season to improve the quality of life of those who live in our communities. We were able to make 175,000 more Pennsylvanians eligible for this program and specifically, 10,000 more people right here in Lackawanna and Luzerne County will have access to extra money in 2024 that they didn’t before. Many who I represent here in both Luzerne and Lackawanna County are seniors who benefit greatly from the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program,” said Haddock. “However, if we can work to improve the program and make more people eligible, we will, and that is exactly what we did.”
State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, Kyle Mullins and Bridget Kosierowski also talked about how the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program will benefit their communities.
“Our seniors worked hard to provide all of us the freedoms and services we need and enjoy today. They are wise and respected, but many also struggle to make ends meet. That’s why this program expansion is so important. It’s been years – 17 to be exact – since updates were made to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Even a little bit of extra money can mean the difference between putting food on the table or paying for medication. We fought to increase both eligibility and rebate amounts in this program to get that extra money to those who need it,” said Pashinski.
“For too long, residents struggled to keep up with increasing property taxes and rent, and for too long, politicians only talked about helping them out. But finally, under the leadership of House Democrats and with bipartisan support, we are delivering for our seniors and others who will qualify for the program and see more money back in their pockets,” said Mullins. “However, this relief only reaches those who are aware of and apply to the program, which is why events like today are so critical. I know my elected colleagues and our office staff members are eager and energized to help our constituents in applying for their rebate."
“My colleagues and I in the House worked hard to make sure we are providing benefits to everyone who resides in our communities, which includes seniors,” said Kosierowski. “While this event was specifically about the changes to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and how those changes will benefit seniors, it’s important to note that we are working for seniors and working families in many other areas, including PACE and CHIP. My office, along with my colleagues’ offices, offer help with these services and a host of other programs that can help people of all ages. It was important that we met with many seniors today to let them know what we are doing for them and keep them informed.”
This is the first time the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been expanded since 2006. The update raises the maximum rebate for seniors from $650 to $1,000, increasing the income-eligibility limit for renters and homeowners to $45,000 a year, and tying that cap to the cost of living so seniors don’t lose out on the Property Tax/Rent Program benefits through no fault of their own.