Governor Shapiro’s expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program delivered the largest targeted tax cut for seniors in nearly two decades - with more than 520,000 seniors and people with disabilities receiving rebates totaling over $318 million last year, the largest amount ever.

Over the past two years, Governor Shapiro has reduced costs and lowered taxes more than four times - easing the burden on seniors, families, and businesses - while continuing to deliver real economic relief for Pennsylvanians.

Pittsburgh, PA - On January 16, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Vintage Senior Center in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood to announce the opening of this year’s application period for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program. Joined by Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne, local leaders, and community members, Governor Shapiro highlighted the program’s critical role in providing financial relief to seniors and people with disabilities across Pennsylvania. Last year, more than 520,000 Pennsylvanians received over $318 million in rebates under the expanded program - the most amount of money ever distributed through this program - including nearly 100,000 first-time filers.

Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, the PTRR program was expanded for the first time in nearly two decades through bipartisan legislation signed into law in 2023 - fulfilling the Governor’s promise to cut costs and deliver real relief for Pennsylvania’s seniors. Beginning in 2024, the expansion increased the maximum rebate from $650 to $1,000, raised income eligibility limits for homeowners and renters, and tied those income limits to cost-of-living adjustments. These updates ensure that more Pennsylvanians can access this vital program while protecting current recipients from losing eligibility due to Social Security increases.

“From day one, my Administration has been laser-focused on cutting costs and putting money back in Pennsylvanians’ pockets. As I traveled across the Commonwealth, seniors shared with me how rising costs are making it harder to stay in their homes, pay bills, and make ends meet. I heard their concerns, and I promised to act,” said Governor Shapiro. “By working with legislators from both sides of the aisle – bringing together Democrats and Republicans – we expanded the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program to ensure it remains a lifeline for our older friends and neighbors across Pennsylvania. In its first year of expansion, the program is already helping hundreds of thousands of people across the Commonwealth and we sent out more tax cuts to Pennsylvanians than ever before in the history of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate. "

“I want to share how the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has made such a difference in my life. This program helped me cover my rent, groceries, and medical bills—things I couldn’t afford on my own,” said PTRR recipient Donna Terry. “It lifted so many financial burdens, and for that, I’m truly grateful. What’s more, the application process was easy, and the staff were incredibly helpful every step of the way. This program has been a lifeline.”

"The combination of financial relief provided by programs like the PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and the social support offered by Vintage creates a holistic approach to supporting older adults throughout their lives,” said Heather Sedlacko, Executive Director of Vintage Senior Center. “We are proud to be part of this effort and deeply grateful to Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for their continued commitment to supporting our older neighbors."

Eligible applicants can use myPATH, the Department of Revenue’s online filing system, to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid during 2024. The application is also available in Spanish and applicants can apply online in Spanish. In-person assistance is offered at hundreds of locations statewide to help applicants apply. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2025, with rebates distributed starting July 1, 2025, as required by law. For more information, visit pa.gov/ptrr.

“Through our work every day, our dedicated staff at the Department of Revenue has seen firsthand how impactful the expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has been for Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth. We’re very proud to support a major initiative for Governor Shapiro by delivering rebates to hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who submitted applications last year,” said Secretary Browne. “We are prepared again this year to provide as much support as we can to the people who benefit from this program.”

The PTRR program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The table below outlines the maximum rebate amounts for homeowners and renters based on their income, which has been adjusted to $46,520 this year to account for cost-of-living increases.

At Vintage Senior Center, Senator Lindsey Williams, Representative La’Tasha Mayes, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey spoke about the PTRR Program and the impact it has on Pennsylvanians.

"We saw a huge increase in the number of people eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program last year. Each one of the applications that my office processed is a person who can breathe a little easier because of the rebate they received,” said Senator Williams. “I am grateful to those constituents who shared their stories of how important the PTRR is with us, and I look forward to helping even more eligible residents receive their rebates in 2025."

"I understand how important the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is, and ensuring you have access to state programs in your community is a priority for me and my staff,” said Representative Mayes. “In 2024, my district office provided over 2,700 constituent services - processing hundreds of rebates and putting tens of thousands of dollars back in the pockets of our seniors. I’m proud to announce that we processed the most Property Tax/Rent Rebate services in the entire Democratic caucus during my first term, demonstrating our commitment to prioritizing seniors."

"This expansion of the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate is a lifeline for our seniors and our disabled neighbors, and I want to thank Governor Shapiro and all the partners who helped make this expansion happen," said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. "I want to encourage seniors and everyone who is eligible for tax rebates and discounts to make sure they know what programs are available to them at their local, county, and state level and to take advantage of them this tax season."

"From day one, my administration has focused on making government work for everyone. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program shows Pittsburghers that their state leaders share this priority," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "Thanks to our legislative delegation and the Governor’s support, the General Assembly empowered us to create a program protecting longtime homeowners from tax increases driven by neighborhood development. I’m grateful for Governor Shapiro’s collaboration as we work to build a stronger, more resilient city for all."

Cutting Costs for Pennsylvanians

In addition to expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, Governor Shapiro has worked to reduce costs and cut taxes more than four times over his first two years in office, including:

• Cut taxes for small businesses by increasing the Net Operating Loss Deduction Limit

• Created the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit to encourage businesses to contribute to their employees’ childcare expenses

• Allowed taxpayers to deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest from their state taxes

• Created a tax credit to allow businesses to match employee contributions to college savings plans

• Nearly doubled the funding cap for the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund to expand affordable housing

• Expanded the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit to make childcare more affordable for working families

• Signed bipartisan legislation into law to increase regulatory oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, which will result in lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications

Governor Shapiro: Two Years of G-S-D

As Governor Shapiro marks two years in office, he remains focused on bringing people together to build on that progress and accomplish even more for Pennsylvanians. Having visited communities across the Commonwealth hundreds of times, the Governor has listened to the priorities of everyday Pennsylvanians and is committed to continuing his hands-on approach: showing up, solving problems, and delivering results. The Shapiro Administration will continue its work to cut taxes, reduce costs, and provide meaningful economic relief for Pennsylvanians.

Visit Governor Shapiro's Accomplishments website to explore the Administration’s interactive midterm report, and download a detailed PDF overview of accomplishments. Learn more about how the Shapiro Administration is Lowering Costs for You.