Improved Website for 2013 Court-Ordered Reassessment Values Available

The Allegheny County website (http://www.alleghenycounty.us/index.aspx ) has been updated with useful information about the new reassessment values (building information, comparables used, etc.) and a thorough list of frequently asked questions.
The site includes full information on each property, including general information, building information, images of the property, and comparables used to set the value. Currently, reassessment information is only available for properties in Pittsburgh and Mt. Oliver. Other municipalities will be added to the site as reassessment notices are mailed pursuant to the court order.

Property Tax and Rent Rebates

The deadline to apply for a state property tax or rent rebate is Dec. 31. The program provides rebates of up to $650 to income-eligible senior citizens, widows and widowers 50 or older, or people 18 or older with a permanent disability. The income limit for homeowners is $35,000; for renters, $15,000. Applications are available through the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging at 800-344-4319, or the state Department of Revenue through its website, www.revenue.state.pa.us.

Home Energy Assistance

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services announces that the Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will open its CRISIS centers on November 3, 2008, with a tentative closing date of March 31, 2009.

During the cold weather season, LIHEAP CRISIS provides assistance to low-income households experiencing heating emergencies, including service terminations, needed deliverable fuels – heating oil, propane and kerosene – and heating system and fuel line repairs and replacements.

In order to qualify for the LIHEAP CRISIS Program, an applicant must have an emergency situation and a household income at or less than 210 percent of the federal poverty income level – up from the original 150 percent of the federal poverty income level. For a family of two, this income eligibility requirement would represent an annual income of $30,221.

The Commonwealth also increased the amount of LIHEAP grants. The minimum cash grant will increase from $100 to $300, and residents in need of CRISIS assistance will see their maximum grant rise from $300 to $800.

To be determined eligible for LIHEAP, the applicant must provide a termination notice or letter from the utility company stating that the utility has been shut off, proof of social security numbers for all household members, and proof of gross income for a minimum of the last 90 days (more in some situations) for all household members.

For more information about the LIHEAP CRISIS Program, call the Allegheny County Department of Human Services TOLL FREE at 1-800-851-3838 or visit the Utility Assistance page on the DHS web site: www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/utility.aspx.

Caregivers, Take Note...

CORRECTED DATE!

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is sponsoring “Spotlight on Aging: Solutions for Caregivers and Seniors,” a free seminar for family caregivers, seniors, and community organizations that routinely interact with the older residents of Allegheny County. Come learn more about caregiver issues and resources. Various experts will be available to talk through and provide direction pertaining to issues such as: legal, financial, health and nutrition, Alzheimer’s and mental health. Attendees will have an opportunity to have a 15-minute, face-to-face meeting with an expert to talk about their specific concerns. This free seminar takes place on October 10 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, in downtown Pittsburgh, and will include a complimentary continental breakfast and lunch. Advance registration is required, and completed registration forms must be submitted by September 27. For more information or to obtain a brochure, call SeniorLine at 412.350.5460.