HARRISBURG — Applications for 2018 property tax/rent rebate program are now available, and free assistance is available through state representatives offices.
“In recent years, for-profit companies have been offering to complete these forms for a fee, but it is not necessary for anyone to pay for this service,” state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said. “I encourage people who are eligible to take advantage of this helpful program, and my office is ready to help file the necessary paperwork at no charge.”
In addition to providing assistance at the Bradford, Coudersport and Kane legislative offices, Causer has also scheduled a series of Property Tax/Rent Rebate clinics at area senior citizen centers.
The schedule is as follows:
Feb. 13, Kane Senior Center, 100 S. Fraley St., Kane – 1 to 3 p.m.;
Feb. 20, Eldred Senior Center, 169 Main St., Eldred – 9:30 to 11 a.m.; and Smethport Senior Center, 119 W. Main St., Smethport – 1 to 2:30 p.m.;
Feb. 27, Harrison Valley Community Building, 205 E. Main St., Harrison Valley – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Emporium Senior Center, 213 ½ S. Maple St., Emporium – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Appointments preferred. Call 814-486-3707.); and Port Allegany Senior Center, 216 N. Main St., Port Allegany – 1 to 2:30 p.m.;
March 5, Bradford Senior Center, 60 Campus Drive, Bradford – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.;
March 6, Oswayo Valley Senior Center, 106 S. Oswayo St., Shinglehouse – 9:30-11 a.m.; and Coudersport Senior Center, 171 Route 6 West, Coudersport – 1-2:30 p.m.
Residents are reminded to bring all necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.
The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. Eligibility income limits are set at $15,000 for renters and $35,000 for homeowners, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits. Also, applicants with veterans disability benefits and/or pensions do not need to declare that income.
