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By Suzanne Blake
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Pennsylvania seniors now have some extra time to apply for a $1,000 property rebate.
While federal-era stimulus checks might have ended, several states and cities have approved other types of rebates to support residents through uncertain economic times.
In Pennsylvania, the state's property rebate increased from an average rate of $650 to $1,000 this year. It also expanded its income eligibility from $35,000 to $45,000 for homeowners and $15,000 to $45,000 for renters.
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However, another key change Pennsylvanians need to keep aware of is the change in deadline. Seniors and those living with disabilities now have until December 31 to apply for the rebate. Applications are accepted online via mypath.pa.gov, in-person as well as by phone and mail.
To qualify, you must live in the state and be 65 years old or older, a widow aged 50 or older or an adult living with a disability in addition to the income stipulations.
"The relief is needed more than ever due to inflation driving prices higher," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of michaelryanmoney.com, told Newsweek. "The extension allows more first-time applicants to benefit."
The state previously said 442,000 rebates, worth $266 million, have so far gone out to Pennsylvanians. Payments began going out on July 1. The rebates were originally passed to help seniors and those with disabilities avoid homelessness and pay for increasing property taxes and rent prices.
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"The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has long been a lifeline for our seniors and people with disabilities, especially those on a fixed income," Governor Josh Shapiro said in a statement last month.
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Ryan added that while many may find the process of applying for the rebate overwhelming, they can seek out local groups for assistance.
"The process can initially seem daunting, especially for first-timers, but help is available," he said. "People can go to myPATH online or visit revenue district offices for filing assistance."
Homeowners have faced higher costs across the country, but elderly homeowners may face extra difficulties, Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek.
"Homeowners in general have faced significant increases in costs across the board, but some elderly homeowners have faced an additional hurdle because of limited income," he said*.* "This rebate helps to rebate some of those expenses back to them at a time when inflation has made maintaining a roof over their heads more difficult."
Pennsylvanians can track the status of their rebate on mypath.pa.gov by using the Where's My Rebate tool. You will need your Social Security number, claim year and date of birth.
Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, said Pennsylvania likely extended the deadline due to its role as a key swing state in this year's upcoming presidential election.
"The new increases have allowed those who did not believe they were eligible to now apply to receive the rebate," Thompson told Newsweek. "The additional time gets the money in the proper hands of those who may need it."
With the updated eligibility requirements, roughly 80,000 more Pennsylvanians have applied for and been approved for the money.
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