More Than 310,000 Pennsylvanians Receive Rebates Early to Provide Support During COVID-19 Pandemic

Harrisburg, PA — Governor Tom Wolf and Treasurer Joe Torsella today announced more than 310,000 Pennsylvanians have received their rebates early through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which provides support to older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities.

Governor Wolf called on the Department of Revenue, the agency that administers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, to work with the Treasury Department to issue rebates before July 1. Today is typically the earliest day that rebates can be issued under Pennsylvania law. However, the signing in May of Act 20 of 2020 allowed rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2019 to be issued earlier than normal to provide financial support to eligible Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These rebates on property taxes and rent have added importance this year, because they have provided support to our older and vulnerable residents at a time when they may need it most,” said Gov. Wolf. “I thank Treasurer Torsella and the department for distributing the rebates earlier than normal. We will keep that hard work going in the coming weeks so that we continue delivering rebates to older Pennsylvanians and others who benefit from this program.”

“Treasury has worked tirelessly knowing how important each rebate is to so many Pennsylvanians during what is an already difficult time,” said Treasurer Torsella. “Nearly $162 million in payments have been distributed a month and a half ahead of the usual July 1 start date. Treasury is grateful to the General Assembly for the swift action to help this coordinated effort and will continue to work closely with the governor’s administration to process rebate payments making sure those that benefit from the PTRR program receive them quickly.”

Revenue and Treasury officials are also reminding claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program that the process for distributing rebates is different than in prior years. Although 311,785 rebates have been issued, there are still claims that are being processed.

The claims will be processed on a first-in-first-out basis, meaning some claimants will receive their rebates earlier than others. This process is different than in prior years, when there was a large distribution of rebates on July 1 that accounted for the vast majority of rebates that were issued in a given claim year.

It’s free to apply for a rebate, and claimants who need help with their application forms should know that free assistance is available at locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. Claimants are encouraged to call ahead to make sure that the location they plan to visit has resumed operations. Additionally, the Department of Revenue is asking claimants who plan to visit the department’s district offices to call ahead to make an appointment. Check the department’s COVID-19 information page for updates and contact information.

“We recognize that many people who benefit from this program have been staying at home while the locations where they typically go for assistance with their applications have been closed,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “We want claimants to know that we are here to help them file their application forms, whether that is over the phone or at one of our district offices.”

Steps to Follow if You Haven’t Submitted Your Application 

For eligible applicants who have yet to file their Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application, the Department of Revenue is offering help for those who need it. Eligible claimants are encouraged to call 717-772-9236 for guidance. Please keep in mind that department staff will work as quickly as possible to help claimants with their applications.

The Department of Revenue website has the Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim form (PA-1000) and related information.

Tips for Checking the Status of Your Rebate

Applicants who included their bank account information on their Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form (PA-1000) will receive their rebates through direct deposit. Applicants who requested a paper check to be mailed to them should expect to receive their payment in the mail.

The Department of Revenue is encouraging claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to use online tools and other automated resources to check the status of their rebates or ask a question.

• Claimants who already applied for rebates may use the Where’s My PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate? tool to check the status of their rebate. You will need your Social Security number, claim year and date of birth to use this tool.
• Call 1-888-PATAXES to check the status of your rebate. This automated toll-free service is available 24 hours a day. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth and the anticipated amount of your rebate to use this service.
• Claimants who included their phone number on their Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application form (PA-1000) will receive automated calls from the Department of Revenue updating them on the status of their claim. Claimants should know that these automated phone calls require no further action. They will not be asked to key in any numbers or to provide any additional information.
• Claimants can visit the department’s Online Customer Service Center to find helpful tips and answers to commonly asked questions about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The Online Customer Service Center also allows you to submit a question to a Department of Revenue representative through a secure process that is similar to sending an email.

About the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. It is free to apply for a rebate.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Department of Revenue automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.

Since the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program’s 1971 inception, older and disabled adults have received more than $6.9 billion in property tax and rent relief. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.

HARRISBURG―Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that his office’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has saved nearly $1.65 million for Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Bureau of Consumer Protections focuses on mediating complaints from Pennsylvanians who, among other things, have been cheated out of services or products they never received, and during the COVID-19 pandemic were also tasked with assisting consumers who had paid for events, vacations, and camps that were cancelled due to the pandemic.

“With 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians out of work — this is a critical time to step up and protect people’s pocketbooks. Every dollar counts, and our office is making sure consumers are treated fairly  by bad actor companies, scams, and from cancellations,” said Attorney General Shapiro.

The Office of Attorney General has returned funds to consumers for a wide range of scams and fraudulent practices, including refunding full payment or deposits for a cancelled summer camp and travel cancellations, scams, and services not rendered by promised. More than four thousand consumers had cases mediated during the pandemic.

“This was a great process,” said Jesille Perez, a consumer who was refunded $2,267 for a cancelled summer camp. “It was seamless, and I was satisfied with the very quick response I received. The Attorney General’s agents keep in touch with me regularly to follow up.”

“So surprised and thankful to get the refund so quickly during this crisis,” said two seniors from the Pittsburgh area who were refunded $6,856 for a cancelled trip. “The agent was great to work with.”

“The Attorney General’s Office saved me time, trouble, and aggravation,” said Peter Hatton, one consumer who was refunded $4,000 for payment on a car.  “With their assistance, I got full satisfaction.”

“I think that once the Office got involved in my case, the store was more willing to work with me,” said Donald Heiges, a consumer who was refunded $1,009 for gift cards that were never received.

“Millions of Pennsylvanians have lost income during the health emergency, and we are stepping up, working non-stop, to make sure consumers are treated fairly.” said Attorney General Shapiro. “We have helped thousands of Pennsylvanians recover their hard earned money. Every dollar counts, if you need help with a cancellation or a refund, I want to know.”

Pennsylvanians can file a complaint online at https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/consumer-complaint or by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or calling 800-441-2555.

Philadelphia to keep some virus restrictions as cases rise
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Philadelphia is bringing a halt to its plans to allow indoor dining, bars, gyms and fitness centers to reopen. Officials said Tuesday that the city is seeing rising case counts and could be affected by a growing epidemic elsewhere in the country. Those businesses had been scheduled to reopen this Friday. Across the state, Allegheny County recorded another single-day record high of new cases reported Tuesday. The county, which includes Pittsburgh and is Pennsylvania’s second-most populous, saw hospitalizations grew by seven. Over the weekend, officials ordered a halt to drinking alcohol in bars and restaurants due to what they called an “alarming” spike in COVID-19 cases.

Fauci: US ‘going in wrong direction’ in coronavirus outbreak
By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer
Dr. Anthony Fauci says the U.S. is “going in the wrong direction” with coronavirus cases surging in some regions, and that’s putting the entire country at risk. With about 40,000 new cases being reported a day, Fauci said he wouldn’t be surprised if the daily count reaches 100,000 if things don’t improve. The government’s top infectious disease expert told a Senate hearing Tuesday that he’s “very concerned.”  He said school openings will depend on how widely the coronavirus is spreading in each location. The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told the senators that more opening guidelines for local school systems would be coming soon.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 618 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 86,606

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 30, that there are 618 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 86,606. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,649 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 35 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up 18 cases since yesterday at 669. 649 confirmed cases and 20 probables. 6136 people have tested negative and the county stands at 78.

“As nearly the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in all phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 633 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 677,581 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• 24% are ages 50-64; and
• 27% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,735 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,261 cases among employees, for a total of 20,996 at 692 distinct facilities in 52 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,539 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,569 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, June 29:

• Provided an update from Pennsylvania State Police on business closure enforcement actions.
• Visited UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic to thank staff, urge mask-wearing.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Nate Wardle, Health, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov

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Changes in military recruiting may endure after pandemic
By LOLITA C. BALDOR Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on military recruiting, shuttering enlistment stations around the country and forcing thousands of recruiters to woo potential soldiers online. Recruiters have had to abandon their normal visits to high schools and malls. Instead they rely almost exclusively on social media to reach young people. And as that effort builds, Army leaders believe it may evolve into a new system that will allow them to scale back the size and staffing at enlistment storefronts and reduce the number of recruiters. The head of the Army’s recruiting command says recruiters are going to be empowered “to allow for more autonomous recruiting.”

Extended Benefits (EB) are additional UC benefits payable to qualified workers whenever the state’s unemployment rate reaches a certain level determined by law. The last time the EB program was triggered in Pennsylvania was 2009.

The current EB period began May 3, 2020, but benefits are not payable until an individual has exhausted PEUC benefits. EB payments will begin with the week ending July 4, 2020 and are payable only for weeks of unemployment during an EB period.

Important information about the EB program follows and will be sent by mail to all individuals who potentially qualify for the additional benefits.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for EB if:

• You are totally or partially unemployed;
• You have exhausted your regular state benefits on your most recent UC claim, or your most recent UC benefit year has ended; and
• You have received the maximum amount of PEUC that you were eligible to receive.

Additional eligibility information is available here.

How to Receive EB

​If you collect the maximum amount of PEUC that you are eligible to receive, an EB Notice of Financial Determination will be mailed to you.

• You must complete your weekly EB online certification in order to claim EB for weeks that you are totally or partially unemployed.
• Each EB online certification corresponds to one specific week, as indicated on the web form. Individuals who opt to use paper claim forms should only use the form that is specifically dated for the week of unemployment you are claiming.
• If you do not receive your Financial Determination within two weeks after you receive your final PEUC payment, call the UC Service Center at 1-888-313-7284.

EB Weekly Benefit Amount

• EB weekly benefit payments are the same as regular UC.
• The total amount of EB that you may receive is 50 percent of the amount of regular UC you were financially eligible to receive on your most recent claim. Example:
  • If you were financially eligible for 26 weeks of regular UC, you may receive up to 13 weeks of EB.
• There is an additional wage test for EB eligibility, so not all individuals will financially qualify.
• EB may only be paid for weeks ending during an EB period.
• If you are entitled to Trade Readjustment Allowances, you may receive fewer weeks of EB.

EB is currently fully federally-funded through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Public Law (Pub. L.) 116-127, specifically Division D, the Emergency Unemployment Insurance Stabilization and Access Act of 2020 (EUISAA).

Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits Payment Information

Since March 15, more than $21.5 billion in benefits has been paid:

• $9.6 billion from regular UC
• $9.6 billion from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program (extra $600 per week)
• $2.2 billion issued so far to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants (self-employed, gig workers, independent contractors)
• $129 million through Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program (extended benefits)

Of the eligible claimants that applied for benefits between March 15 and May 30, and who filed for continued claims, 90.2 percent received payment as of June 29.

Important Resources and Links

• What’s Wrong with my Unemployment Claim – Troubleshooting Guide
• L&I Press Releases
• L&I COVID-19 Guidance and Resources
• L&I COVID-19 Media Center

Additional unemployment benefits information is available on L&I’s website, Facebook or Twitter.

State Police, Liquor Control Board Remind Licensed Liquor Establishments to Require Masks, Follow Social Distancing

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today called on licensed liquor establishments and their patrons to abide by social distancing and masking requirements to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

On June 17, the Wolf Administration issued updated guidance for businesses in the restaurant and retail food service industry as part of the commonwealth’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Among other requirements, all businesses and employees in the restaurant and retail food service industry authorized to conduct in-person activities are mandated to:

• Require all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business (face masks may be removed while seated). Further, employees are required to wear masks at all times.
• Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
• Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.

On June 18, the PLCB issued guidance to licensed liquor establishments choosing to resume on-premises service of alcohol counties in the yellow and green phases of reopening. The guidance incorporated and reinforced the governor’s mandates, including those noted above.

“Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts have been among the most successful in the country in slowing the spread of this dangerous virus and allowing for the cautious reopening of restaurants and other licensed liquor establishments,” said PLCB Executive Director Charlie Mooney. “Just as the PLCB requires masks for employees and customers at our Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, licensees must remain vigilant in order to stay on the path to recovery and keep our businesses operating.”

A licensee that fails to comply with requirements mandating the wearing of masks, providing at least six feet between parties at tables, and ensuring that maximum occupancy limits are observed risks citation by the BLCE. Penalties may be assessed for each violation and include a fine of up to $1,000 and possible suspension and/or revocation of the liquor license. Continued operation in violation of the guidance after a warning or citation risks further enforcement action by BLCE and ultimately puts the liquor license at risk, both through the citation process and upon application for renewal to the PLCB. Licensees are reminded that any person who violates the Liquor Code may be charged criminally with a misdemeanor.

“Our enforcement officers have found that the vast majority of licensed liquor establishments statewide are voluntarily complying with mitigation requirements, and we remain focused on education and working with licensees during this challenging time,” said Major Jeffrey Fisher, director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. “However, the commonwealth remains in the midst of a public health emergency, and serious consequences are possible for businesses that fail to take the necessary steps to keep their employees and customers safe.”

Since mid-March BLCE officers have conducted compliance checks at over 15,100 licensed liquor establishments. Officers conduct an average of 1,500 compliance checks each day and have issued 162 warnings and 103 notices of violations to date. Complaints regarding licensees not complying with COVID-19 mitigation mandates may be directed to the BLCE at 1-800-932-0602 or reported through the BLCE’s online complaint form.

Pittsburgh protesters sue police, allege excessive force
By CLAUDIA LAUER undefined
A group of protesters is suing Pittsburgh city and police officials, saying officers used unnecessary, excessive force to disperse a crowd protesting against police brutality and officials lied about the protesters’ behavior to justify that response. They say police officials lied about the events that led to the use of smoke, bean bags and alleged tear gas to disperse the protesters June 1. The protesters allege their constitutional rights were violated. Police have said an officer was threatened, and that bricks and other projectiles were thrown at officers before they used force to disperse people. They’ve denied they used tear gas when breaking up the protest.