ICYMI: Across the Commonwealth, Governor Shapiro Visits with Seniors As More Than 442,000 Rebates Totaling $266 Million in 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Checks Begin to Go Out

​Harrisburg, PA- All across the Commonwealth, Governor Josh Shapiro has been meeting with Pennsylvanians to hear how the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program will help seniors and Pennsylvanians with disabilities stay in their homes - providing a critical lifeline to ease the burden of rising costs. Over the last week, the Governor visited Delaware, Dauphin, Centre, and Lackawannacounties to announce over 442,000 rebates on property taxes and rent paid in 2023 totaling $266 million have already gone out to Pennsylvanians.

While campaigning and in his first budget address, Governor Shapiro made a commitment to Pennsylvania seniors to ease the burden of rising costs - and the Governor delivered on that promise in August 2023, signing into lawa historic expansion of the PTRR program and delivering the largest targeted tax cut for seniors in nearly two decades.

Governor Shapiro also recently announcedthat the deadline for older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2023 has been extended to December 31, 2024 - and encourages eligible Pennsylvanians to go to pa.gov/PTRRto apply.

Read what Pennsylvanians who are receiving their checks are saying about the expanded PTRR program:

• Delaware County resident Diane Henry: "I've been a poll worker for 10 years here, and I'm committed to the Upper Darby community. This is my third year in my house receiving a rent rebate. I got my letter last week, stating that I will be getting my check in the next few weeks. I was excited to learn the state legislature and Governor Shapiro passed the expansion of this important program. This will help me to buy different things for my house and for my family room, like a living room set and this ultimately helps me to support my family and make ends meet by paying our bills. I appreciate this program helping us to stay in and enjoy living in our home."

• Dauphin County resident Liz Bryant: "It's been a pleasure having the rent rebates as a senior, and before being a senior, I was a disabled person, the rent rebate always came in the middle of summer. It was like Christmas in July - and I think all of the seniors feel the same way. Living on a fixed income is very hard. I had started a part time job last year and I was not eligible for the rent rebate. Governor Shapiro raised the ceiling for the amount that you can make this year - and now I can get the rent rebate, and I thank you for that."

• Centre County resident and first-time PTRR recipient Darlene Harper: "This is the first time I was qualified to receive the rent rebate because they raised the earning limit this year. This will relieve some of the pressure of my financial burden and then for the quality of my life. I will use that money for groceries and medicine and to relieve the stress of any emergency that may come up. Also, I will use some of the money on my two grandchildren for Christmas. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is how senior citizens supplement their income. This allows them to pay their expenses without worrying where they will get the money. I want to thank Governor Shapiro here and his Administration for raising the income level. It will give us peace of mind, which is precious to us."

• Lackawanna County resident and first-time PTRR recipient Joann Rinaldi: "I have lived in the Dunmore High Rise for the last ten years. I am grateful that Governor Shapiro and the state legislature raised the income limits and expanded the Property Tax Rent Rebate program. Thanks to the expansion, I qualified for the rent rebate program for the first time this year. I am glad to say that my check is on the way, and many people in this building have received their rebate already. I plan to put the extra money towards my upcoming vehicle inspection, gas, and grocery items. I encourage anyone over the age of 65 who is eligible to apply for this rebate."

Read what elected officials are saying about the Governor's work to cut costs for Pennsylvanians:

• Senator Tim Kearney: "The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is truly invaluable and significantly impacts our Commonwealth, with the new income limits especially benefitting 4,000 more constituents in my district who were not previously eligible for the program. I want to thank Governor Shapiro and his administration for keeping their promise and ensuring that timely rebates reach our neighbors, helping those who are cash-strapped tackle rising housing costs."

• Representative Gina Curry: "The Property Tax Rent Rebate program is an example of good policy on how state government provides power to the people. These rebates put money back into the pockets of Pennsylvanians and help to ease the burden of daily life. I thank Governor Shapiro for continuing to support this program that benefits our seniors and those living with disabilities."

• Delaware County Council President Dr. Monica Taylor: "It is my distinct honor to stand alongside Governor Josh Shapiro to highlight the essential supports he has offered to our senior citizens here in the Commonwealth. As we all know, our seniors are the bedrock of our communities. They have dedicated their lives to building and sustaining our society and it is our duty to ensure they enjoy a dignified and comfortable life in their golden years. The property tax rent rebate program has been a lifeline for many here in Delaware County, providing crucial financial relief by reimbursing a portion of the property taxes or rent paid by our low income seniors. Governor Shapiro has been a steadfast advocate for this initiative, ensuring that it remains a top priority and continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of our senior population."

• Representative David Madsen: "The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been available to Pennsylvanians for decades and it still remains one of the most important programs to benefit older and low-income families in Pennsylvania. Thanks to the determined efforts of House Democrats and bipartisan support, we are finally providing meaningful relief to seniors and low-income families who have long struggled with rising property taxes and rent."

• Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins: "We'd like to thank Governor Shapiro and his team for joining us in Centre County to make this announcement. You're warmly welcomed to the Philipsburg Senior Center - one of six senior centers that the Centre County government operates. This complex houses many people who are eligible for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, making it an easy choice of location for the event. For years, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has offered assistance and relief to seniors in Centre County and throughout all of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And recently, thanks to the Governor's efforts, more people are eligible for the program. It's a breath of fresh air to bring additional well-deserved attention to our senior population, which is one of the goals of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program."

• Representative Scott Conklin: "Since the inception of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, I cannot recall a Governor more dedicated to enhancing this program so that it may benefit more citizens of our state."

• U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08): "I applaud Governor Shapiro for leading this historic expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, the largest targeted tax cut for seniors in nearly two decades. Thanks to the Governor's dogged efforts, and with bipartisan support, the Shapiro administration is providing meaningful relief to seniors right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania."

• Senator Marty Flynn: "I came into office as a state representative back in 2013 - and year in and year out, I would see people come into my office about the rent rebate and I would see them miss qualifying for the rebate by $20, by $100. This is probably one of the first times where I felt like we've really accomplished something to change people's lives. It was no easy lift, as the Governor could tell you, but we actually got it done with common sense, knowing that that people are struggling day in and day out. It's great to be with the Governor to see our tax dollars at work - and let's not forget, this $260 million is going back into the economy because this money is going to be spent by Pennsylvanians in Pennsylvania, and that's going to help stimulate the economy."

• Representative Kyle Mullins: "For too long, our seniors struggled to keep up with their property taxes and rent. And for too long, politicians only talked about helping them out. But thanks to the leadership of Gov. Shapiro and area legislators, more money is now going back into the pockets of many more senior citizens who deserve and need it. Today is a proud day for Pennsylvania."

• Dunmore Mayor Max Conway: "Governor Shapiro's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is a testament to his dedication to ensuring that everyone, especially our seniors, those with disabilities, and those on fixed incomes, can afford to stay in their homes. Whether it's through programs like the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, or his work pushing for faster permitting for businesses and professional licensing, or grant opportunities that were previously unavailable, Governor Shapiro is bringing real results to people in Dunmore and throughout the Commonwealth."

See what Pennsylvanians are reading about the expanded PTRR program:

The Scranton Times-Tribune: Rebate program a lifeline for seniors

WNEP: Gov. Shapiro highlights tax rebate program

Centre Daily Times: 'Real relief' coming with expanded property tax, rent rebates program, Shapiro says in Philipsburg

StateCollege.com: Shapiro Visits Centre County to Tout Expanded Relief from Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The Delaware County Daily Times: Shapiro visits Upper Darby senior center to tout state property tax, rent rebate expansion

CBS Philadelphia: Pennsylvania rolls out increase in property tax, rent rebates program for seniors

KDKA: Pennsylvanians say Property Tax and Rent Rebate program will help them make ends meet

ABC 27: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program payments in PA to be distributed

PennLive: Larger property tax and rent rebates to start going out July 1

WFMZ: 'I heard you loud and clear': Gov. Shapiro touts program expansion, allowing larger rent rebates to more seniors

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