E-News: Happy holidays! Your donations have been felt across our communities!

Rep. Heather Boyd December 20, 2024 | 4:08 PM

PA Representative Heather Boyd banner image

Dear Neighbor,

The holiday season has arrived, and I hope it brings you moments of joy with family, friends and loved ones.

Please note that my office will be operating by appointment during the holidays. Please call (484) 200-1563 to schedule an appointment at my district office in Clifton Heights.

In the meantime, and on behalf of my office, I wish you all a safe and joyful start to 2025! As the Pennsylvania House of Representatives begins a new two-year session, I look forward to staying connected and meeting more of you throughout the year at my district events.

A quick reminder: All PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Wednesday, December 25. For a full schedule of holiday closures at PennDOT centers, please visit their website. If you plan on using one of PennDOT's Online Messenger Service Centers, be sure to call ahead for holiday hours.

For those traveling during the holidays, remember to prioritize safety. Always designate a sober driver when necessary. To learn more about becoming a HERO designated driver, click here.

Before hitting the road, check www.511PA.com for up-to-date traffic and weather information, including delays, forecasts, speed data, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. The 511PA service is also available via a smartphone app for iPhone and Android, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional alerts on X.

Finally, thank you to everyone who came out to Joyful Nights and Bright Delights, hosted by Pettaway Pursuit Foundation, in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Today’s Child.

My office was represented during their regular giveaway, where recipients were treated with refreshments, raffle prizes and enjoyed access to free diapers, feminine products, pajamas, stuffies and toys!

Thank you to this event’s sponsors. So many are having a brighter Christmas this year! Learn more about the Pettaway Pursuit Foundation here, and the Pampering Parents Program Event here.

Sharing is caring!

It was fantastic joining my colleagues in the Philadelphia House Delegation and Southeast Delegation to prepare food at Sharing Excess and support those who are in need this holiday season. We moved nearly 7,000 pounds of food for people in Delco and surrounding areas, including Upper Darby and Collingdale!

If you would like to volunteer with Sharing Excess, I highly recommend it, and you can find more information here.

Thank you for your donations!

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously donated to this year's Toys for Tots campaign. Your kindness and support have made a tremendous difference in the lives of children in need, ensuring they will have a brighter holiday season. Because of your contributions, many families will experience the joy and excitement of receiving a gift this Christmas.

I’d also like to thank you for your diaper donations, as well! We had such a nice turnout this year. For many low-income households, purchasing diapers can be an overwhelming financial burden. By donating diapers, we help ensure that babies, young children and adults stay healthy, clean and comfortable, which is essential for their well-being and development!

More retirees now qualify for reduced vehicle registration fees

PennDOT announced that the annual income threshold for a retired Pennsylvanian to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee has been increased, allowing more people to be eligible for this benefit. Additionally, some veterans may now be eligible for free vehicle registration and titling fees.

Previously, the annual income threshold for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 annually was $19,200. Beginning December 16, 2024, the annual income threshold increases to $29,906 and will be subject to annual Consumer Price Index adjustments.

For qualifying customers to receive the reduced vehicle registration fee of $11, they must complete and submit Form MV-371, Application for a Retired Person’s Processing Fee of a Vehicle Registration.

Empowering historically disadvantaged small businesses

The Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program is open and accepting applications from established nonprofits, economic development organizations, and educational institutions to create Business Assistance Service Centers across Pennsylvania to support and empower our small, diverse businesses. The Business Assistance Service Centers will provide technical assistance and business support services to increase access to capital, promote economic empowerment, and boost the number of diverse small businesses in our communities.

Guidelines and more information can be found here.

Applications will be accepted through January 22, 2025.

SSI COLA Information for 2025

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025.

The 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to nearly 68 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2024. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits)

Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program before December 31 deadline

Eligible Pennsylvanians who have not yet applied for a rebate through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program should do so prior to the filing deadline on Tuesday, December 31.

Although the Department of Revenue has already processed nearly 520,000 rebates totaling more than $311 million during the current year, there are still thousands of older adults and people with disabilities who are eligible for a rebate but have not yet submitted an application. Eligible applicants can easily submit a rebate application online through myPATH or contact my office for help applying.

The PTRR Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.