HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania seniors and individuals living with disabilities will receive a supplemental property tax or rent rebate this year as part of the 2022-23 General Fund Budget, Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) said.
“As record-breaking inflation continues on an upward trajectory with no end in sight, it’s vital we support residents who live on fixed incomes and are most vulnerable to the unsustainable pressure of skyrocketing costs,” Mastriano said. “I’m grateful that my proposal to enhance the annual rebates seniors and adults with disabilities receive was prioritized in this year’s spending plan and I hope it can provide some relief to these communities as we navigate this growing economic crisis.”
The state will use $140 million from the American Rescue Plan Act stimulus to pay households supplemental rebates worth 70% of the amount received in 2021. On average, eligible participants receive a $475 rebate each year, with more than $7.3 billion awarded to senior citizens and disabled adults since 1971.
Mastriano introduced the rebate enhancement in Senate Bill 1297 earlier this year. Some 2.2 million people over the age of 65 live in Pennsylvania and 8% of them live below the poverty line, according to state data.
“We cannot allow residents to fall deeper into poverty as a result of disastrous federal economic policy that’s beyond their control,” Mastriano said. “This immediate relief will reach hundreds of thousands of seniors and individuals with disabilities at a time when they need it most. Meanwhile, I will continue fighting for responsible fiscal policies that will ease the extraordinary inflationary pressures we all face.”
CONTACT: Josh Herman