HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett has signed into law legislation supported by state Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield) that will maintain eligibility in Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program for many senior citizens. The bill, which was unanimously passed by the House last year, was unanimously supported by the state Senate Oct. 15.
“This is especially good news for senior citizens in light of last week’s announcement of a 2015 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients,” said Gabler. “Before this legislation became law, that COLA would have left many of those same individuals ineligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program in the current tax year.”
Act 165, which was originally House Bill 1067, was signed into law last week by Corbett. The legislation prevents COLAs from counting as household income when figuring an individual’s eligibility for PTRR.
“Until now, there were Pennsylvanians who were ineligible for the 2013 tax year rebate due to last year’s COLA,” Sankey added. “Anyone who thinks they may now be due for a rebate should contact one of our district offices to check on their eligibility. Members of our staff will be happy to help free of charge in any way, including filling out the appropriate paperwork.”
Anyone wishing to schedule an appointment or have questions answered should contact Gabler’s office in DuBois 814-375-4688 or St. Marys 814-781-6301, or Sankey’s office in Clearfield 814-765-0609 or Osceola Mills 814-339-6544.