Pennsylvanians Can Now File Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Applications Online

Eligible Pennsylvanians Encouraged to Use Mypath.pa.gov to File Rebate Applications for Property Taxes, Rent Paid in 2020

Harrisburg, PA — Older and disabled Pennsylvanians can now apply for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2020, the Wolf Administration announced today. This assistance is available through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which has delivered more than $6.8 billion to eligible Pennsylvanians since the program’s inception in 1971.

Officials with the departments of Revenue and Aging are encouraging applicants of the program to take advantage of a new online filing option that will allow them to submit their applications electronically. Applicants should visit mypath.pa.gov to electronically submit their applications. The Department of Revenue launched this online portal to make it easier for those who benefit from the program to submit their applications. Previously, all applicants were required to submit a paper application.

“Offering an online filing option gives us a new, user-friendly tool that helps us ensure everyone who is eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has a simple way to submit their applications,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “This online option will be especially helpful this year during the COVID-19 pandemic because it will provide applicants with a way to file their applications from the comfort of their homes. This will help us deliver needed support to more than half a million Pennsylvanians who benefit from this program each year.”

“Most seniors want to age in place by staying in their homes for as long as they are able. Every year, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program offers older adults a great opportunity to get some money back on what they have paid out. Many of them live on fixed incomes, so they benefit from the financial assistance provided by this program. The Department of Revenue’s new online option is a convenient way for older Pennsylvanians to apply for their rebate,” Secretary of Aging Robert Torres said.

A New Way to Apply for Your Rebate

Pennsylvanians can visit mypath.pa.gov to file their 2020 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program applications. Submitting your application online is easy and does not require you to sign up for an account. Applicants will be asked to provide specific information on their income and rent/property taxes. Applicants should check the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program instruction booklet to learn which information they will need to input/upload to complete the process.

Using the electronic option available through mypath.pa.gov offers many benefits, including:

• Fast processing and direct deposit options
• The Where’s My Rebate? tool to track the status of a claim online
• Error-reducing automatic calculators
• Instant confirmation that your application has been filed
• Security features to ensure your sensitive information is safe

Applicants who still wish to file a paper application form may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information on the Department of Revenue’s website or by calling 1-888-222-9190.

It’s free to apply for a rebate, and applicants are reminded that free assistance is available at hundreds of locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. The department encourages applicants to call ahead to their preferred location to confirm whether an appointment is required.

Applicants must reapply for rebates every year because rebates are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid in each year. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may file rebate claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in 2020 and meet all other eligibility criteria.

Visit the Property/Tax Rent Rebate page on the Department of Revenue’s website for further information on the program and how to apply for a rebate.

When Can You Expect Your Rebate?

Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. Here is additional information to keep in mind:

• If you provide your phone number on your Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form or in the myPATH electronic application, you will receive an automated call from the Department of Revenue when your claim posts to the department’s processing system. You will also receive another automated call when your claim is approved.
• The easiest way to check the status of your rebate is to use the Where’s My Rebate? tool. To check on the status of your claim, you will need your:
  • Social Security number
  • Claim year
  • Date of birth

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.

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. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.

Braddock, PA — In the two weeks since John Fetterman announced that he’s exploring a run for the U.S. Senate, grassroots donors have responded with an incredible 33,000 contributions totaling more than $1,000,000. Donations have poured in from all 50 states and from all 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties. Both the majority of donations and the majority of money raised have come from in-state.

“I’m sorry to sound like a broken record, but I am just continually overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support since I announced that I’m taking a hard look at this race,” said John Fetterman. “The way people have responded has been beyond anything we could have imagined. Gisele and I are humbled and thankful beyond words.”

Making the milestone even more impressive is the fact that 99% of contributions have been small-dollar donations under $200, with an average donation of $33.

“This is going to be the most important, most competitive race in the country in 2022,” said Bobby Maggio from Team Fetterman. “It’s clear that there’s incredible enthusiasm around the idea of John running for Senate and that we would be able to build a giant grassroots campaign to fight for every county, and every vote.”

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Due to a rockfall, southbound Route 51 (Constitution Boulevard) is closed between Franklin Avenue in the City of Aliquippa and Hill Road in Hopewell Township. Northbound Route 51 remains open. Southbound traffic is being detoured.

Southbound Route 51 Detour

• Turn right onto Franklin Avenue
• Turn left onto Brodhead Road (Route 3007)
• Turn left onto Route 151
• Follow Route 151 back to Route 51
• End detour

PennDOT officials and geotechnical engineers will evaluate the hillside today. Work to begin clearing the drop zone is anticipated to begin Tuesday morning.

(File Photo)

(New Castle, Pa.) A Rochester man is facing charges after he was accused of stabbing an adult victim earlier this weekend in nearby Lawrence County.

According to the New Castle Crime Unit of the State Police, Pa State Troopers were dispatched to a Bessemer, Lawrence County, residence around 3am on Saturday morning to investigate an incident in which a Rochester man is being accused of stabbing an adult victim.

Troopers say that during their investigation, 19-year-old Michael Conrad of Rochester was accused of threatening to kill two adults and a child at the residence earlier in the evening.  Officials say that Conrad then returned later and stabbed an adult man in the face and shoulder.  The condition of the victim is currently unknown.

Police say that a warrant was later issued Conrad and he is now in police custody.  He faces several charges including Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Center, Twp.) Central Valley School Board  authorized Dr. Nicholas Perry to begin implementing the project for all day kindergarten at last Thursday night’s meeting. The intended starting date is 2023-2024 school year. Five members voted in favor of  all day kindergarten. The board members voting no were: Tom Mowad , who said, “I’m questioning whether we are ready to implement all day kindergarten.” Joe O’Neil’s response was,” The district lost tax  appeals at the mall, and the district is losing money.”  “We have a 90% fixed cost budget, and only have 10% wiggle room.” Dr. Nick Unis said financially  all day day kindergarten will set us back.” George Zaritaki also voted  no, stating it would put the district in a concerning financial  position..

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver, Pa) Melinda Crisci, 31  of Aliquippa was found not guilty at her trial in Beaver County Court on charges she supplied fentanyl and heroin to Steven  Naim, 54 of New Brighton that led  to his death  on Christmas Eve 2019.  He was the brother of Aliquippa Police officer James Naim who was murdered  while on patrol in Aliquippa 20 years ago. The jury  did find her guilty felony drug possession with intent to deliver and  of a  drug deal to narcotics agents . Due to her past record of drug dealing she still faces prison time . Her sentencing will be in 60 days, according to Beaver County District Attorney David J. Lozier

(Aliquippa, Pa.) An unidentified male was shot in Aliquippa Saturday night just before 11 p.m.at Meadow and Irwin Streets.   Aliquippa Police requested assistance from PA State police who are investigating.  No new information is available as of Monday morning. It was reported that 20 shell casings were found at the scene. A resident living in the area said she heard  shots being fired at  the time the man was shot.

HARRISBURG – The calls for a Pennsylvania Congressman resign who is is accused of trying to help overturn the election results in Georgia, according to a report in the New York Times have intensified

According to the report, Rep Scott Perry connected former President Donald Trump with a member of the Justice Department that was willing to pressure Georgia election officials to overturn the results.

Rep. Perry has not commented but Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has said there must be consequences for Perry’s actions.

Keystone State News Connection

Andrea Sears

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Environmental advocates say President Joe Biden’s actions on clean air and climate will make a big difference for air quality in the Keystone State.

The executive orders signed by the president on his first day in office will start reversing some of the most aggressive moves by the Trump administration to weaken or eliminate clean-air and climate-protection regulations.

Joe Minott, executive director and chief counsel for the Clean Air Council, said that’s welcome news for areas such as Pittsburgh, which are consistently on the American Lung Association’s list of cities with the worst, year-round air pollution.

“We’re going to see a tightening of some of the pollution standards that will be allowed,” Minott observed. “And I think we may see better enforcement of environmental laws in general.”

While some Republicans are calling for Senate review of Biden’s order rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, Minott noted both major parties generally are in agreement on environmental issues.

“The new normal is coming back, where the Environmental Protection Agency is in fact going to protect the environment, which means protecting public health, and I think that’s a great thing,” Minott commented.

He pointed out many of the environmental regulations weakened by the Trump administration also are being restored by the courts.

Last week, a federal court overturned the Trump EPA’s replacement for the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan. Minott believes the trend will continue.

“I think that we will see a resurgence of regulations at the federal level to deal with mercury from power plants, greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants, and that is absolutely needed,” Minott contended.

He added because regulations such as auto-emission standards had been rolled back, new regulations will have to be even tighter to meet clean air goals, but the technology to do it is there