BETHLEHEM, Pa. — There's good news for older, disabled residents of the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania.
Thousands are now eligible to apply for a rebate of up to $1,000 through an expansion of the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.
Gov. Josh Shapiro made the announcement Tuesday during a visit to the Litzenberger House, a senior apartment complex in Bethlehem.
The expansion is a $350 increase from the previous maximum rebate of $650, according to a news release.
“The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has long been a lifeline for our seniors, especially those on a fixed income,” Shapiro said in a statement. “And that’s why my administration brought together folks on both sides of the aisle to expand this tax rebate to an additional 175,000 Pennsylvanians.”
An additional 175,000 people now qualify statewide, including 4,500 more in Lehigh County and 3,700 more in Northampton County.
Income limits to become eligible for the program are now tied to the cost of living, safeguarding people from becoming ineligible due to inflation.
“The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has long been a lifeline for our seniors, especially those on a fixed income."Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
State Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton County, was the prime sponsor of the legislation, which Shapiro signed into law last year.
“We increased the income limits for the first time in 17 years and we are providing larger maximum rebates for those who qualify,” Samuelson said at the news conference.
State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, underscored the importance of the increase. She said too many Pennsylvania seniors and those with disabilities are faced with the threat of losing their home due to property tax increases.
U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley, applauded the expansion.
“I’ve long fought to help lower costs for our seniors and protect the benefits they’ve earned after a lifetime of hard work,” Wild said. “I look forward to continuing to work with my partners in the state and local government to make life easier for older Pennsylvanians.”
Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits residents 65 and older; widows and widowers 50 and older; and adults with disabilities.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to use myPATH — the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue's online filing system — to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid in 2023. The filing period opened Tuesday, according to the state.
Recreation grant
Also on Tuesday, Bethlehem was awarded a state grant of more than $108,000 to upgrade its recreation plan.
The announcement came from Samuelson and and state Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh County.
“We are fortunate that Bethlehem has a robust park system with 34 locations throughout the city,” Samuelson said in a news release. “This grant will help to guide the city as it plans improvements to the recreational facilities so that everyone can continue to enjoy time outdoors.”
Samuelson also credited Boscola with helping to secure the grant.
Samuelson said the grant was provided through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which funds projects that involve development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation.
Grants can be awarded for up to $250,000 for any project. A 15% match of the total project cost is required.
