$1,000 for Housing Costs: Learn About Pennsylvania's Rent Rebate Program

In Pennsylvania, there's good news for people who need help paying for their homes. The state has a program that gives money back to certain residents to help with their housing costs.

Here's what you need to know about it:
 

Who's it for?

 

• People 65 or older
• Widows and widowers over the age of 50
• Anyone 18 or older with a disability

These folks must also meet some income rules to get the money.
 

How much can they get?

They might get up to $1,000 back, which can make a big difference in affording where they live.
 

Any new updates?

Yes! Governor Josh Shapiro’s team has said people now have until December 31, 2025, to apply for this help. This gives more time for older folks and those with disabilities to ask for this aid.
 

Where's the money coming from?

The cash for the rebates comes from the money the state makes from lotteries and gambling.
 

Why this matters?

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue says that for a lot of seniors, this money is really important because they are having a tough time with money.

Applying is possible until June 30, and you can do it by mail, online, or in person.
 

Supporting older Pennsylvanians

The state's Secretary of Aging, Jason Kavulich, mentioned that more people are getting help because the program's gotten bigger. He says it's important because it lets older people stay in their homes and keep being part of their communities.
 

How much impact has it had?

A lot! Just last year, over 522,000 people got money back, adding up to $319.2 million. That's a lot more than the year before, where about 405,500 rebates added up to $192 million. The increase is all thanks to making the program set to help more people, a move that Governor Shapiro and other leaders from different political sides all agree on.

So far, in 2025, nearly 400,000 applications have come in, which is already more than last year at this time. And they think about 41,000 more people will sign up now that they have more time.

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Find programs that help with rent by signing up here