Why Stop Here with Rent Rebate Expansion?

The expanded Pennsylvania rebate program has helped thousands of newly eligible homeowners and renters. But could expanded eligibility provide a key to helping cost-strained people who can’t currently apply? 

If you’re a senior in Pennsylvania, or a person with disabilities, and meet the income guidelines, you qualify for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. 

Qualified participants receive a tax rebate between $380 and $1,000. The household income must be at or below $46,520. Other requirements are: be age 65 or older, be a widow or widower over the age of 50, or be a person with a disability 18 years or older. 

Three cities – Philadelphia, Scranton, and Pittsbugh – offer supplemental rebates on property taxes to those in the most need of relief. 

A 2023 expansion signed by Governor Josh Shapiro increased the income caps, which were previously set at $15,000 for renters and $35,000 for homeowners. Social Security income is counted at 50% of its value for eligibility purposes. The expansion made 175,000 more Pennsylvanians eligible for the program and increased rebates for many of the 430,000 Pennsylvanians who already qualified, according to Shapiro’s office.

PA has had the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program since 1971! It’s funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery (...”benefits older Pennsylvanians!”)  which generated a profit of $1.22 billion in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and by other gambling and gaming. 

Doing a pilot program to try something out on a small-scale is often a great way to get a bill passed, be able to see the real-life effects of a program, and work out glitches or unforeseen issues. The program has provided more than $8 billion in rebates since its inception. 

A pilot program for working people between the ages of 18 and 65 who are not permanently disabled would put extra money in folks’ pockets for groceries, gas, and - of course - the rent.