MELLOW REMINDS SENIORS TO APPLY FOR PROPERTY/RENT TAX REBATES HARRISBURG, September 24, 2007 - State Senator Robert J. Mellow today reminded senior citizens who are eligible for property tax and rent rebates that they must apply by December 31 in order to receive a rebate check. "Checks have already started going out, but in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe counties, nearly 20,000 eligible property owners and renters have not yet applied,” Mellow said. “I urge senior citizens and those who know senior citizens to get an application and see if you are eligible before the year end deadline arrives.” Statewide, only 61 percent of the estimated number of seniors who are eligible have applied. Mellow reminded senior citizens that both eligibility and the benefit amounts have been expanded thanks to a law he backed (Act 1 of 2006) that taps revenue from Pennsylvania’s slots casinos for property tax relief. In Lackawanna County, Mellow said only 6,087 (52.5 percent) out of an estimated 13,106 eligible homeowners have applied under the expanded rebate program that will provide rebates ranging from $250 to $650 depending on income levels. In Luzerne County, only 12,491 (48.5 percent) out of 25,738 eligible homeowners have applied. In Monroe County, 3,383 (67.9 percent) out of 4,986 eligible seniors have applied. This is the eligibility criterion: Those seniors earning $35,000 a year or less and who own a home are eligible for a rebate. And seniors only count one half of Social Security payments toward that income threshold. The cut-off point used to be $15,000. You must be a Pennsylvania resident homeowner age 65 or older, or be a widow or widower 50 years of age or older, or you must be permanently disabled or medically unable to work. Renters who meet the age requirements and who make less than $15,000 per year can also get a rebate.  To receive a PTRR application, senior citizens can call toll-free at 1-888-222-9190 or register online at www.papropertytaxrelief.com Senator Mellow said senior citizens are also welcome to contact his district offices in Peckville (570) 489-0336 and Mt. Pocono (570) 839-4812 for applications or filing assistance. “Remember, the deadline has been extended until December 31, so there is still ample time to apply,” Mellow said. “If you are a senior citizen or even know someone who may be eligible, please urge them to get an application and see if they qualify for a rebate check.”