According to State Senator Jay Costa the ongoing

dialogue with Pennsylvania seniors as it relates to property tax

reduction has produced an expanded program via the Taxpayer Relief Act.

This act, will make rebates available to an additional 420,000 seniors

across the state.

The program is based on the property taxes paid or included in the rent

you paid during the previous calendar year (you will submit paid

receipts for 2006).

The qualifying households include:

• You or your spouse 65 years or older as of December 31, 2006.

• You must be a widow or widower (age 50 and above) prior to December 31, 2006.

Permanently disabled during all or part of 2006, 18 years or older and

unable to work because of a medically determined physical or mental

disability. *If you applied for Social Security Disability and were

denied benefits, you are not eligible under this clause.

The expanded income requirements make it possible for seniors and

disabled persons that own their own homes to have an income of up to

$35,000 per year while renters' incomes are capped at $15,000 per year.

The tiered system is as follows:

HOMEOWNER'S REBATE

INCOME

$0 to $8,000

$650

$8,001 to $15,000

$500

$15,001 to $18,000

$300

$18,001 to $35,000

$250