Pennsylvania Residents Eligible for $1,000 Rebate: Latest Stimulus Check Update

Residents in Pennsylvania may be eligible for a $1,000 benefit following the state’s enhancement of its property tax and rent rebate program. 

Governor Josh Shapiro pledged increased financial assistance for older residents in 2024 through the enactment of Act 7 of 2023, which expanded the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program to deliver a more substantial tax reduction for seniors in Pennsylvania.

As a result of the expansion, approximately 175,000 additional residents in Pennsylvania will be eligible for the property tax or rent rebate. 

Moreover, a substantial portion of the initial 430,000 qualifying individuals will experience an augmentation in their rebates.

Commencing in mid-January, the Department of Revenue for the commonwealth will initiate the new filing period for the rebate program. 

This rebate is applicable to all property taxes and rent payments made in the year 2023.

Pennsylvania Increases Maximum Rebate to $1,000 for 2024

In 2024, Pennsylvania’s maximum rebate will be $1,000, a notable increase from the $650 offered in 2023.

The income cap for both renters and homeowners has been adjusted, expanding eligibility to more individuals.

Now, individuals earning $45,000 or less annually can qualify for the rebate, compared to the previous thresholds of $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters.

It is highlighted that future income caps will be linked to the cost of living, ensuring that recipients won’t lose eligibility unfairly over time.

There are additional supplemental rebates accessible in certain cities such as Philadelphia, Scranton, or Pittsburgh.

Residents earning $30,000 or less in these cities, who meet the initial criteria and pay property taxes comprising 15 percent or more of their income, can claim up to $1,500.

It is important to note that the Property Tax/Rent rebate is exclusively available to Pennsylvania residents aged 65 and older, widows aged 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older.

The deadline to apply for the rebate is approaching swiftly, set for December 31, 2023. Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne encourages eligible Pennsylvanians to utilize the online filing option through myPATH, with over 80,000 applicants having already taken advantage of this method.