PA Department of Revenue. (File photo.)
Pennsylvania has begun distributing $258 million in property tax and rent rebates to approximately 425,000 residents, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced, marking the start of payouts for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program for taxes and rent paid in 2024.
State law mandates the distribution of these checks to begin on July 1.
While the initial check distribution has begun, rebates will continue to be sent out as applications are received and processed.
The table below shows how much homeowners and renters who fit the eligibility criteria are eligible for, depending on their income in 2024:
The PTRR program provides checks to eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Eligibility and rebate amounts are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid in the prior year.
The application deadline for 2024 rebates has been extended to Dec. 31.
Applying online through myPATH (available in English and Spanish) offers instant confirmation and access to calculators.
It is free to apply, and assistance is available at various locations statewide, including Department of Revenue district offices, the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging, and state lawmaker’s offices.
In addition, an online lookup tool from the state can help find the nearest assistance.
The status of a rebate can be checked using the “Where’s My Rebate?” tool on myPATH, requiring a Social Security number, claim year and date of birth.
Applicants who provided bank account information will receive rebates via direct deposit. Those who requested paper checks should expect them in the mail. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is still processing some applications and may contact individuals for additional information to confirm eligibility. Residents are urged to respond promptly to these requests.
Last year, the program issued 522,434 rebates totaling more than $319 million.
Shapiro, a Democrat, spoke earlier this week and pointed to the bipartisan support that led to a significant expansion of the PTRR program last year.
The expansion has opened the door for approximately 150,000 first-time filers to receive a rebate, according to the governor’s office.
“The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is a lifeline for Pennsylvanians, and thanks to the historic expansion we passed in my first year in office, more people than ever are getting the help they need,” said Shapiro. “This was the first time in nearly 20 years the program was expanded – and now rebates are going out to hundreds of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities all across the Commonwealth. We worked together to cut costs and put money back in people’s pockets, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
Pat Browne, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, noted the program’s impact.
“If you think you might be eligible for a rebate, you can visit our website, at pa.gov/ptrr, to check the program guidelines and find helpful tips to apply. There are also a number of options where you can find in-person filing support, including at Department of Revenue districts offices,” Browne said.
Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director, underscored the program’s importance for seniors.
“In our most recent survey of Pennsylvanians age 45 and older, 86 percent said it’s extremely or very important to them to be able to stay in their own homes as they age. At the same time, 59 percent told us that rising property taxes could threaten their ability to age in place in their homes or communities. It’s data like this that made us immediately and enthusiastically support the Governor’s expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program,” Johnston-Walsh said. “This expansion is putting money back into people’s pockets, helping them age in place and better afford essentials like food, utilities, and prescription drugs.”
Since its inception in 1971, the PTRR program, which is supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery and funded by gaming, has provided over $8.6 billion in property tax and rent relief.
