(9/2022) Are You Eligible for A Property Tax/Rent Rebate Bonus?
Eligible senior citizens and people with disabilities will see enhanced rebates through this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program thanks to a one-time infusion of additional funds in the 2022-23 state budget.
The additional funding brings the maximum standard rebate to $1,105 for both homeowners and renters, up from the usual $650. People who already received their checks this year will not need to take any further action; the Department of Revenue will automatically send a check for the additional funds starting in early September. For additional information about the bonus rebates, click here.
For those who qualify but have not yet applied, the deadline to do so for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2021 has been extended to Dec. 31. Claimants are encouraged to file their rebate applications online by visiting mypath.pa.gov though paper applications are also available at revenue.pa.gov or by contacting my office. We will also provide free assistance with filing the forms.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 annually for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
Slow Down for School Buses
The 2022-23 school year is underway. With students returning to class, school buses are back on the roads. Motorists, parents and children are encouraged to refresh their memories about how to share the road safely.
Pennsylvania law requires motorists stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop arm is extended. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.
Penalties for failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension.
Parents are reminded to ensure their children are at the bus stop early to avoid rushing. Students should stay where the bus driver can see them while boarding or exiting the bus.
Ensuring Fairness in Financial Aid
A new state law ends the practice of "scholarship displacement" for students pursuing a higher education.
Scholarship displacement occurs when a student goes above and beyond to earn private scholarships to supplement their financial aid, only to have their school deduct the amount of that scholarship from their financial aid package. In essence, the students were doing extra work but not receiving any additional benefit.
Act 55 of 2022 prohibits public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth from reducing their aid package for an enrolled student who receives a private scholarship.
The law would not apply if a student’s total financial aid from all sources exceeds the cost of attendance. Also, if the student is an athlete financial aid may be reduced to comply with rules and restrictions of the school or athletic association.
