Oct 8, 2013 3 min read

State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, is urging residents to ignore offers charging $39 to process applications for rebates of up to $975 through Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.

“Help with the applications is available at no cost at a number of locations, including all my constituent-service offices and monthly outreaches,” Snyder said. “It may sound like a sweet deal, but residents should not shell out a $39 ‘processing fee’ for a rebate from the state.”

Snyder said the solicitations are from a California firm with a mail drop in Harrisburg.

“The offer technically is not illegal, but could be considered deceptive,” Snyder said. “Throw the mailing away and keep the $39 in your pocket.”

Snyder said the mailings from the “Senior Advisory Center” say it accepts checks, money orders and credit cards for its assistance. It advises residents to return an enclosed work sheet and the $39 processing fee before Nov. 27 “to expedite processing.”

“The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31,” Snyder said. “The sooner an application is filed, the sooner the rebates will be delivered to eligible citizens.”

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides state rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2012 to eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older; widows and widowers 50 or older; and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. However, half of Social Security, Supplemental Security or federal Railroad Retirement Tier I income is excluded.

Applications and help are available at Snyder’s offices or by calling 724-966-8953. Applications also are available from the state Revenue Department by calling, toll free, 888-222-9190.

Snyder’s offices are open weekdays at 104 S. Market St. in Carmichaels, at 33 Market St. in Brownsville and at 93 E. High St. in Waynesburg.

In Fayette County, Snyder’s staff will conduct monthly outreaches on the following days and locations:

• 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Hiller Volunteer Fire Dept., 937 First St.; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Masontown Borough Municipal Center, 1 E. Church Ave.

In Washington County, staff will be available on the following days and locations:

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Fredericktown Area Public Library, 38 Water St.; and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the Richeyville Volunteer Fire Co., 14 Firehall Road.

“No appointments are necessary for any of the outreaches or the district offices, although it’s a good idea to call ahead,” Snyder said.