HARRISBURG, PA – Starting July 1, more than 425,000 older Pennsylvanians and residents with disabilities will begin receiving a total of $258 million in rebates for rent and property taxes paid in 2024. The payments are part of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program, which was significantly expanded under Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration.
Governor Shapiro and Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne made the announcement on Friday, June 27th, during a visit to the East Shore YMCA in Dauphin County, highlighting how the expanded rebate program is delivering much-needed financial relief to some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents.
The PTRR program, supported by the, provides annual rebates to eligible older adults and people with disabilities based on income and housing costs. The 2025 disbursements represent the first round of payments based on Governor Shapiro’s 2023 legislative expansion, which increased both rebate amounts and income eligibility limits.
“The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is a lifeline for Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Shapiro. “Thanks to the historic expansion we passed in my first year in office, more people than ever are getting the help they need. Now, rebates are going out to hundreds of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities across the Commonwealth.”
A Historic Expansion
Signed into law during Shapiro’s first year in office, the expansion marked the first major update to the PTRR program since 2006. It raised the maximum standard rebate from $650 to $1,000, increased the income caps for eligibility, and tied future income thresholds to inflation to ensure the program remains accessible.
As a result, the state has seen a sharp rise in participation. Last year alone, the Administration delivered 522,434 rebates totaling over $319 million to the Pennsylvanians who submitted a rebate application. This was a major increase from prior years, thanks to the efforts to secure bipartisan support for a major expansion of the PTRR program. This was a record distribution that included an estimated 150,000 first-time recipients who became eligible due to the revised criteria.
“Our employees see firsthand the impact this program has,” said Secretary Browne. “Governor Shapiro’s expansion means more support is going to more people. If you think you might qualify, visit pa.gov/ptrr for guidelines and help applying.”
Who Qualifies for the rebates
The PTRR program is open to seniors age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, people with disabilities age 18 and older, but applicants must reapply every year, as eligibility is based on income and housing costs from the previous year. The deadline to apply for the 2024 rebate cycle has been extended to December 31, 2025.
The rebate amounts vary depending on household income, and fallows these approximate percentages: For income of $0 – $8,270, the maximum rebate is of $1,000, between $8,271 and $15,510 the rebate is up to $770, from $15,511 to $18,610 it’s of $460, and from $18,611 to $46,520, up to $380.
How to Apply
Eligible Pennsylvanians can apply for free online through myPATH in either English or Spanish. Filing electronically provides instant confirmation, built-in calculators, and avoids delays associated with paper forms.
In-person filing assistance is available statewide through the Department of Revenue district offices; Area Agencies on Aging, and State legislators’ offices. To find a local support site, use the DOR’s online lookup tool.
Applicants who submitted direct deposit information will receive payments electronically. Those who requested paper checks can expect delivery by mail in early July. Any remaining applications are being processed, with some requiring follow-up to confirm eligibility.
To track your rebate status, visit the “Where’s My Rebate?” tool and enter your Social Security number, claim year, and date of birth.
Community leaders praised the program for its direct impact on household budgets and housing stability. “The Harrisburg Area YMCA is proud to help people enroll in the PTRR program,” said Eric Rothermel, Vice President of Government Relations. “It’s another vital resource for seniors, people with disabilities, and families trying to stay healthy and stable.”
“At AARP Pennsylvania, we hear from members across the state that staying in their homes as they age is a top priority,” said Bill Johnston-Walsh, the organization’s state director. “But for many, rising property taxes threaten that goal. This expansion puts money back in people’s pockets so they can age in place and afford basics like food, utilities, and prescriptions.”
“This program is truly a lifeline,” said Representative Nate Davidson. “These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. They represent groceries, medications, peace of mind, and a little more breathing room in household budgets.”
Since its inception in 1971, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has delivered more than $8.6 billion in relief to Pennsylvanians. With its newly expanded scope, state officials say the program will continue to grow and adapt to meet the needs of an aging population and others living on fixed incomes.
“We worked together to cut costs and put money back in people’s pockets,” said Governor Shapiro. “That’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
To get more information, determine eligibility, or file your rebate application, you can visit: pa.gov/ptrr.