Pennsylvania launched the largest in history distribution of property tax and rent rebates in the history of the state, a historic milestone in monetary alleviation for eligible residents. Starting July 1, 2025, the Commonwealth started issuing $258 million rebates to about 425,000 eligible residents through the enhanced Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program.
What makes this program historic
The current distribution represents the culmination of Governor Josh Shapiro’s efforts to modernize and expand Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. This marks the first major expansion of the program since 2006, delivering the largest targeted tax cut for Pennsylvania seniors in nearly two decades.
The expansion has increased maximum rebate amounts from $650 to $1,000 and broadened eligibility criteria to include approximately 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians.
Eligibility requirements: Who can apply
Age-based eligibility
Candidates must meet age and life circumstances requirements to be eligible for the rebate:
- Seniors 65 and older (homeowners and tenants)
- Widows and widowers 50 and older
- Individuals with disabilities 18 and older who are permanently and completely disabled
Income limitations
The program has rigorous income restrictions to help those in greatest need:
| Annual Income Range | Maximum Rebate Amount |
| $0 – $8,270 | $1,000 |
| $8,271 – $15,510 | $770 |
| $15,511 – $18,610 | $460 |
| $18,611 – $46,520 | $380 |
One of the most significant advantages of the program is that only half of Social Security benefits are included in the calculation of income, making it simpler for seniors with fixed incomes to qualify.
Other benefits: Supplemental rebates
Eligible residents also receive even more help in the form of supplemental rebates. These extra payments of $190 to $500 are calculated automatically for those who are eligible:
- Homeowners with income at or below $31,010 whose property taxes are more than 15% of income
- Residents of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Scranton with income at or below $31,010
- Total rebate, including supplement payments, is as much as $1,500 for eligible households.
- Application process: Several ways to apply
Online applications (Recommended)
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue suggests filing applications online through myPATH (mypath.pa.gov). Advantages of filing online are:
- Streamlined processing with direct deposit options
- Automatic computers to minimize errors
- Secure transmission of personal information
- Immediate notification of application received
- 24/7 convenience to submit easily and quickly
Both English and Spanish versions of the online application are offered and no account setup is needed.
Paper applications
Old-fashioned paper applications (Form PA-1000) are available on the Department of Revenue site or may be ordered by calling 1-888-222-9190. Fill-in applications are to be sent to:
PA Department of Revenue
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
P.O. Box 280503
Harrisburg, PA 17128-0503
In-person help
Free in-person help with application preparation is offered at hundreds of locations throughout Pennsylvania, including:
- Department of Revenue district offices
- Local Area Agencies on Aging
- Senior centers
- State legislators’ offices
- YMCA centers (special partnership)
Documents needed
Applicants are required to submit certain documents based on their situation:
Universal requirements
- Documentation of age (first-time filers only) and proof of income:
- Driver’s license, Medicare card, birth certificate
- Social Security statements, 1099s, W-2s, pension statements
- Proof of rent or property tax paid during 2024
Property owners
- Stamped “PAID” receipted tax bills by collector
- Cancelled checks with delinquent tax bills
- Escrow tax payments made through mortgage statements
Renters
- Completed PA-1000 RC Rent Certificate signed by landlord
- Rent receipts when landlord’s signature cannot be produced (accompanied by notarized affidavit)
Extended deadline gives extra time
In acknowledging that numerous eligible residents are still unenrolled, the Shapiro Administration delayed the application deadline from June 30, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The extension of the deadline gives invaluable extra time to the estimated 130,000 eligible residents who are still unenrolled.
Payment timeline and distribution
The program has a formal timeline to facilitate prompt processing and distribution:
- January: Application received through myPATH
- April: Computerized confirmation calls begin processing
- June: Notice of approval to applicants
- July 1: First day for the rebate disbursing (as legislated)
- December 31: Last deadline for application
Payments issued by direct deposit to web applicants who have furnished banking details, or paper checks mailed to applicants’ addresses.
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