HARRISBURG - Rep. Martin T. Causer (R-Turtlepoint) would like to inform residents that the application deadline to file for the 2005 Property Tax/Rent Rebate has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. By extending the deadline, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue expects an additional 36,000 applicants to apply for the rebate program.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $500 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2005. The 2004 Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Property Tax/Rent Rebate report shows that more than 321,000 claims were paid for that year.

The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.

The household eligibility income limit is $15,000, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of four programs supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, more than $3.21 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.

Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by contacting Causer's office at (814) 362-4400 or by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Web site at www.revenue.state.pa.us.