The deadline to apply for the state's 2015 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is being extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton) announced June 7.

            Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2015. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. 

            Income eligibility limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

            •$0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters).

            •$8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters).

            •$15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only).

            •$18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only).

            Residents are reminded that they need not pay a private entity for assistance in filing the forms. Copies of the forms, as well as assistance with filing them, are available at Simmons' district offices at no cost. Applicants should be prepared to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.

            For additional information or assistance, contact Simmons' district office in Coopersburg at (610) 282-3901 or Emmaus at (610) 965-5830 or Red Hill at (215) 679-3152, or visit his website at www.RepSimmons.com.

            Claimants who already applied for their rebates may check the status of claims online at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-PATAXES.

            The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, approximately $6 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.