APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR EXPANDED
PROPERTY TAX & RENT REBATE PROGRAM

          Harrisburg, June 19, 2007 -- State Senator Mike O’Pake announced today that the filing deadline for senior citizens and other individuals eligible for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate for the year 2006 has been extended to December 31, 2007.
          The Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, financed by lottery proceeds, provides Pennsylvanians aged 65 years or older, widow or widowers age 50 or over, and permanently disabled persons over the age of 18 with a rebate on their previous year’s property taxes or their rent.
          The program’s income eligibility limit for qualifying homeowners has more than doubled from the previous $15,000 to $35,000. Furthermore, the maximum rebate has increased from the previous $500 to $650. Low-income, elderly renters will also qualify for higher rebates, but the previous $15,000 income limit still remains unchanged. 
          Applicants can exclude one-half of their Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits when calculating their yearly income.
          For additional information or help completing the Property Tax or Rent Rebate application please contact Senator O’Pake’s District Office at 1940 North 13^th Street, Reading, or by phone (610) 929 – 2151.

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