Navigating the various state services available to senior citizens can be stressful.

Fortunately, I have a well-trained staff in my office to assist residents of the 134th Legislative District and answer questions they have about the state-offered programs.

One the most popular programs my office lends a hand with is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.

The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.

The deadline was recently extended to Dec. 31.

“My office can help residents with the paperwork,” Mackenzie said. “Sadly, some third parties target senior citizens, offering to help with the paperwork for a fee. I can’t stress this enough; there is no need to pay the fee. My office can help for free.”

Another program they can help with is the reduced vehicle registration fee.

Retirees with a total income limit of $19,500 could be eligible for a reduced vehicle registration fee of $10 per year through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The Commonwealth also offers low-cost prescription assistance programs for older adults called PACE and PACENET.

Eligibility requirements for the two programs vary slightly, but the underlying requirements are an applicant must be age 65 or older, be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days, and not be enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program.

Yearly income requirements for PACE are $14,500 or less for a single person and $17,700 for a married couple.

For PACENET, the yearly income limits are between $14,500 and $27,500 for a single person and between $17,700 and $35,500 for a married couple.

There are several other services available to senior citizens.

Mackenzie encourage older adults and their caretakers or family members to come to my senior expo 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Lower Macungie Township Community Center, 3450 Brookside Road, Macungie, to learn more.

Numerous exhibitors from local, state and federal agencies, along with a variety of senior-focused organizations, will offer information about programs and services designed to meet the needs of older Pennsylvanians.

There will also be a number of free health screenings, a light lunch will be served, and door prizes will be awarded.