From State Representative Don Walko’s website:  “Of all Pennsylvania homeowners, our seniors face the greatest property tax burden, as they live on fixed incomes but are faced with rising property taxes. The passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act is already helping seniors and disabled residents remain in their homes and make ends meet through property tax relief. More seniors than ever before are getting the extra help they need through a major expansion of the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.

An additional 420,000 seniors are eligible to receive help paying their property taxes or rent, and more than 200,000 will have their school property taxes completely eliminated, when statewide property tax relief is delivered to all homeowners from gaming funds.

The income eligibility level for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been raised from $15,000 a year to $35,000 a year, excluding half of Social Security income, and the maximum rebate was increased from $500 to $650 for homeowners. Claimants or spouses 65 years of age or older; widows or widowers 50 years of age or older; and the permanently disabled 18 years of age or older may qualify for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.”

Don Walko’s staff will be available from 10 am to 1 pm at the following locations to assist you with property tax of rent rebate questions:

Lawrenceville Senior Center, 4600 Butler St., Thursday Feb. 19

East North Side Senior Center, 623 Suismon St., Thursday Feb. 26

Brighton Heights Senior Center, 3515 McClure Ave., Tuesday, Mar. 3

West View Volunteer Fire Company, Banquet Hall, 398 Perry Highway, Thursday, Mar. 12 and Thursday Mar. 26

Reserve Township Building, 33 Lonsdale Road, Wednesday, Mar. 18

Income information is required along with proof of payment of 2008 property taxes or rent.

For more information or any other assistance, call Don Walko’s office at 412.321.5523, or visit his website for more information.