The deadline for older adults and Pennsylvania residents with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2018 has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, the Department of Revenue announced June 10.

Each year the Department of Revenue evaluates the program as the statutory June 30 application deadline approaches to determine if funds are available to extend the deadline.

To date, funding has been available to allow all who qualify to benefit from the program.

As of June 1, the department had received 432,411 rebate applications.

As specified by law, rebate distributions cannot begin until July 1.

Applicants who requested a paper check to be mailed to them should expect to receive their payment in the mail in early July.

As a reminder, applicants are required to submit their bank account information on their application forms in order to receive their rebates through direct deposit.

Distribution of rebates starts July 1 and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to apply as soon as they can.

After June 30, rebates will be distributed as claims are received and processed.

Applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process.

Applicants may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information on the Department of Revenue’s website or by calling 888-222-9190.

It’s free to apply for a rebate and the department reminds applicants free assistance is available at hundreds of locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.

Claimants who already applied for rebates may check Property Tax/Rent Rebate Status online or call, toll-free, 1-888-728-2937.

Visit the department’s Online Customer Service Center to find helpful tips and answers to commonly asked questions about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.