Giving Our Wisest Neighbors a Boost in their Bank Accounts
Rep. Joanna E. McClinton July 7, 2023 | 3:03 PM
Every year hundreds of thousands of our wisest neighbors and other eligible Pennsylvanians benefit from the state’s popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Under the program, which was established more than 50 years ago, seniors 65 or older, widowed people 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older can receive a rebate of up to $650 on the property tax or rent they paid the previous year if they have an income below a certain threshold.
But over the years, fewer Pennsylvanians have qualified for a rebate because their income had increased due to modest Social Security cost-of-living adjustments and surpassed the threshold. In fact, the income limits and the rebate amounts haven’t changed in nearly 20 years.
But that is about to change.
This year House Democrats led the charge to give this important program a facelift. Soon the PTRR income threshold will get a needed boost. The income limit is increasing to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, and the income limit will rise annually based on changes in the cost of living.
Updating the income limit means an additional 173,000 Pennsylvanians will qualify for a rebate!
Plus, because the existing rebate amount hasn’t kept up with inflation, we’re bumping that up too! Under the improved Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, the maximum rebate will increase from $650 to $1,000.
These updates to the PTRR, which garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the legislature, are great news for Pennsylvanians across the state and right here in Philadelphia.
Updating the PTRR Program is a great example of how there can be a meaningful impact on our neighbors when Harrisburg puts people first. In fact, my Democratic colleagues and I are 100% committed to putting people first and finding ways to help our working families, our seniors and our students. We want better jobs, better schools and stronger communities across Pennsylvania.
There is still time to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate from rent or property taxes paid in 2022. Call my office at 215-748-6712 to learn more or see if you qualify.
PA Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton represents the 191st District, which includes portions of Philadelphia and Delaware County.