PA Issuing Property Tax, Rent Rebates 6 Weeks Early
PENNSYLVANIA — The state has announced they will distribute property tax and rent rebates six weeks early this year to help alleviate struggles faced by sensitive populations amid the coronavirus crisis.
Specifically, older homeowners, individuals who rent property, and those with disabilities will receive rebates immediately. The typical date for these rebates to begin disbursing is July 1.
"What it means more broadly than the numbers is the message we're sending," Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella said in a news conference Tuesday. "We understand that your government should work for you."
A total of 111,000 of the payments will be issued Tuesday, he said. In addition, an estimated 60,000 tests will be distributed in each week thereafter.
"Even having a small amount of money can make a difference," Gov. Wolf said Tuesday.
The early distribution was authorized by Gov. Wolf's signing of House Bill 1076 Tuesday.
“Older folks and our less well-off neighbors rely on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for help," Torsella added in a statement. "They’re also among those bearing the heaviest burden of the COVID-19 pandemic."
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but certain qualifying homeowners can get back up to $975. Pennsylvania residents are eligible for this program if they
Torsella said that latest anyone will get their payment under the new system would be the earliest they would get it under the old system.
Applicants who included their bank account information on their rebate application (form PA-1000) will have their rebates sent through direct deposit.
If you want to check on the status of your rebate, you can use the "Where's My Rebate?" tool online here.
If you have not yet applied, you can obtain the needed form here on the Depatment of Revenue's website.
This article originally appeared on the Phoenixville Patch
