Older and disabled Pennsylvanians can now apply for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2021. The assistance is available through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which has delivered more than $7.1 billion to eligible Pennsylvanians since the program’s inception in 1971.
Eligible applicants can visit mypath.pa.gov to electronically submit their applications. The Department of Revenue launched this online option last year to make it easier for the nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians who annually benefit from the program to submit their applications.
“Last year, we saw thousands of eligible residents take advantage of the easy-to-use myPATH filing option to submit their rebate applications,” said Department of Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell. “Filing online saves you a trip to the mailbox and the costs of mailing in a paper application. If you know anyone who might be eligible, please encourage them to visit mypath.pa.gov to fill out an application. We want to do everything that we can to ensure that everyone who is eligible receives this vital assistance.”
After checking eligibility requirements, you can file your rebate application online using myPATH, which 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 instruction booklet to learn which information they will need to input/upload to complete the process.
Benefits of using the electronic option include: 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; and security features to ensure your sensitive information is safe.
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 2021 and meet all other eligibility criteria.
Applicants who still wish to file a paper application form may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online or by calling 1-888-222-9190.
It’s free to apply for a rebate. Free assistance is available at many locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.
Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. If you provide your phone number on your 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 and date of birth.
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 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.
Since its inception in 1971, the program has delivered more than $7.1 billion to eligible Pennsylvanians. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.
