State rebate program sees record demand after first expansion in 20 years — Monroe County residents can get free filing help locally

Monroe County, PA — Time is running out for eligible Poconos seniors, widows, widowers, and people with disabilities to claim rebates of up to $1,000 on property taxes or rent paid in 2024. The filing deadline is December 31, 2025.

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has already delivered record-breaking relief this year. Statewide, the program paid out $319.2 million to more than 522,000 residents in 2024 — up from $192 million the prior year — after Governor Shapiro championed the program’s first expansion in nearly two decades.

More than 400,000 applications have already been filed for this year’s rebates, outpacing last year’s record pace. But state officials say thousands of eligible Pennsylvanians still haven’t applied.

“Governor Shapiro made it a priority to push for updates that increased the income limits and the maximum rebate available through the PTRR program,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. The changes mean an estimated 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians now qualify who didn’t before.

Who Qualifies

The program is open to Pennsylvania residents who meet these criteria:

Age requirements (must meet one):

• 65 years or older
• Widow or widower aged 50 or older
• Person with a permanent disability aged 18 or older

Income limit: Household income of $46,520 or less in 2024. Half of Social Security income is excluded from the calculation, meaning many retirees qualify even with higher gross incomes.

Applicants must have paid property taxes or rent on their primary residence during 2024. Both homeowners and renters are eligible.

How Much You Could Receive

The rebate amount depends on your 2024 household income:

• $0 – $8,270: Up to $1,000
• $8,271 – $15,510: Up to $770
• $15,511 – $18,610: Up to $460
• $18,611 – $46,520: Up to $380

Some homeowners may qualify for supplemental rebates of an additional $190 to $500 if their property taxes exceed 15 percent of their income.

How to Apply

Online (fastest): File at mypath.pa.gov. The system is available in English and Spanish, provides instant confirmation, and doesn’t require creating an account.

By mail: Download form PA-1000 from revenue.pa.gov/ptrr and mail to: PA Department of Revenue Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program P.O. Box 280503 Harrisburg, PA 17128-0503

In person: Free filing assistance is available at hundreds of locations statewide. Monroe County residents can get help at:

Monroe County Area Agency on Aging Phone: 570-420-3735 Location: Loder Senior Center, East Stroudsburg

State Legislators’ Offices (all provide free filing assistance):

• Senator Rosemary Brown (covers all Monroe County): 570-620-4326 (Scotrun)
• Rep. Tarah Probst: 570-420-2850 (Stroudsburg)
• Rep. Maureen Madden: 570-894-7905 (Coolbaugh)
• Rep. Jack Rader: 570-620-4341 (Effort) or 570-643-7683 (Blakeslee)

What You’ll Need

Gather these documents before applying:

• Proof of age: Copy of driver’s license, birth certificate, or other ID
• Proof of taxes or rent paid: For homeowners, receipted 2024 tax bills. For renters, a rent certificate completed by your landlord (form PA-1000 RC)
• Proof of income: Social Security statements, pension documents, or other income verification
• Proof of disability (if applicable): Form PA-1000 B completed by a physician

Rebates for applications filed by December 31 will be distributed beginning July 1, 2026. First-time filers should expect additional processing time.

An Aging County, Growing Need

Monroe County’s population is aging faster than most of Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve has projected the county’s 65-and-older population will more than double between 2010 and 2030 — one of the sharpest increases in the tri-state region.

With a median age of nearly 44 years and a poverty rate above 11 percent, the rebate program represents meaningful relief for thousands of local households. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and gaming revenue, not general tax dollars.

Eligible residents must reapply each year since rebates are based on annual income and taxes or rent paid. Those who applied last year should have received a reminder letter from the Department of Revenue.

Statewide hotline: 1-888-222-9190

Check your rebate status: Use the “Where’s My Rebate?” tool at revenue.pa.gov