Last Days to Apply for Property Tax Rebate!

State Rep. Joe Preston, D-Allegheny, is reminding his constituents that the deadline to apply for a 2006 state property tax or rent rebate is Dec. 31. Preston said more than 200,000 people statewide qualify for the program but have not yet applied, including an estimated 18,645 people in Allegheny County.

“We don’t have many days left for constituents to apply for their property tax or rent rebate,” Preston said. “I am urging qualified people to take advantage of this program because they may be able to receive a rebate of up to $650 on their property tax or rent paid in 2006.

Preston said the minimum rebate is $250 for those who qualify.

The program is open to senior citizens 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, and residents 18 or older with a permanent disability. For homeowners, the household income eligibility limit is $35,000. For renters, the household income limit is $15,000.

The Allegheny County legislator said applicants only have to include half of their Social Security, Supplemental Security or federal railroad retirement Tier 1 benefits when determining their income.

Preston said constituents who have questions about the program or who need assistance with the application may contact his office in East Liberty at 6033 Broad St., 2nd Floor, Suite 201, across from the Family Dollar Store; phone 412-361-3692.

The rebate program is funded by the state lottery, not tax dollars.