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HARRISBURG -- More than $1.1 billion in property tax and rent relief has been distributed to eligible older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities since Gov. Josh Shapiro took office, according to the administration.
The money was distributed through approximately 1.9 million rebates under Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which Shapiro expanded during his first year in office.
The expansion raised the maximum standard rebate from $650 to $1,000, increased income eligibility limits for both homeowners and renters and tied those limits to annual cost-of-living adjustments.
Eligible Pennsylvanians still have time to apply for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 31.
So far this year, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has processed nearly 455,500 rebates totaling $276.6 million, according to the administration. That number is expected to grow as additional applications are received.
"Because we came together across party lines to expand and strengthen this program, more seniors and people with disabilities are getting the relief they deserve -- including tens of thousands of first-time filers," Shapiro said.
The program is available to Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
For the 2025 claim year, the income eligibility limit is $48,110.
Maximum standard rebates are based on income. Applicants with income of $8,550 or less may qualify for up to $1,000. Those with income between $8,551 and $16,040 may receive up to $770; those earning between $16,041 and $19,240 may qualify for up to $460; and applicants earning between $19,241 and $48,110 may receive up to $380.
Applicants must reapply each year because eligibility is based on annual income and the amount paid in property taxes or rent during the previous year.
The administration said nearly 167,000 first-time applicants have received rebates since the program was expanded.
Last year, 513,534 rebates totaling $315 million were processed for property taxes or rent paid in 2024. In 2024, 522,434 rebates totaling $319.2 million were issued for the 2023 claim year.
By comparison, 405,493 rebates totaling $192 million were processed in 2023, before the expansion took effect.
Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne said the increase in the maximum rebate provides meaningful assistance to residents struggling with household costs.
"With the maximum standard rebate now up to $1,000, that's real money that can help someone put food on the table, stay in their homes, and keep up with their bills," Browne said.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has distributed more than $9.2 billion since it began in 1971 and is funded through gaming revenue.
Eligible residents may apply online through myPATH or seek assistance through Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging or state legislators' offices. More information is available at pa.gov/ptrr.