Q: In the past, the state has extended the date for property tax and rent rebates. Are they going to do it again?
A: Yes. The Commonwealth has extended the deadline to Dec. 31.
If you have already completed the paperwork, your rebate will arrive after July 1.
Q: I could really use some extra money. What are the eligibility guidelines?
A: This rebate is for taxes paid in 2011. If your taxes have been paid here are the income limits: $15,000 for renters and $35,000 for homeowners. The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650. Other guidelines apply.
You qualify for this rebate if:
During the period for which you are claiming a rebate, you either owned or occupied your home (rebates are for primary residences only); or rented and occupied a home, apartment, nursing home, boarding home or similar residence in Pennsylvania; and you meet one of the following three categories:
1. You or your spouse (if living with you) are 65 years or older as of Dec. 31, 2011; or
2. You were a widow or widower during all or part of 2011 and were 50 years or older as of Dec. 31, 2011; or
3. You were permanently disabled during all or part of 2011 and you were 18 years of age or older during 2011, and you were unable to work because of your medically determined physical or mental disability, and your disability is expected to continue indefinitely (you are not eligible as a disabled claimant if you applied for Social Security Disability and were denied benefits); and
Your total eligible annual income, including the income of your spouse who lives with you was $35,000 or less in 2011. You may exclude 50 percent of your Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement benefits when calculating your total eligible annual household income; and
You must have owned and occupied a home or rented and occupied a home, boarding home or similar residence in Pennsylvania during the period for which you are claiming the rebate.
Qualifying participants in the program will receive a max rebate of $650 for homeowners whose income is $0-$800; $500 for those with $8,001-$15,000; $300 for those with $15,001-$18,000; and $250 for $18,001-$35,000. Renters with an income of $0-$800, will receive a maximum of $650, and those with $8,001-$15,000 will receive a maximum of $500.
Q: How do I get an application?
A: For an application to be mailed to you, call 800-362-2050. Service for those with special hearing and/or speaking needs can call 800-447-3020. Forms also can be ordered at www.revenue.state.pa.us There is also a 24-hour fact line available (a touch-tone phone is required) at 888-728-2937.
For assistance in applying or more information, call the Centre County Office of Aging at 355-6716.
Farmers market vouchers are still available. Call the Office of Aging for a distribution schedule. The guidelines are: one person, $20,655. and two people, $27,991.
Sandy Schuckers is the administrative officer of the Centre County Office of Aging. Send your questions by mail to Aging Q&A, Centre County Office of Aging, 420 Holmes St., Bellefonte, PA 16823, call 355-6716 or e-mail aging@co.centre.pa .us.
