The program aims to provide relief to low-income elderly or disabled residents by offering financial assistance for property tax or rent payments.
Direct payments are being distributed to eligible residents in Pennsylvania as part of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Each direct payment can reach a value of up to $975. To qualify, residents must be 65 years or older, a widower or widow aged 50 or older, or a resident with a disability who is at least 18 years old. The income limits for eligibility are set at $35,000 per year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Furthermore, the cap excludes half of Social Security income. While the maximum standard rebate is $650, certain homeowners may be eligible for supplemental rebates of up to $975.
This year, a total of $140 million will be allocated for these direct payments, made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act. Distribution of checks began on July 1, and recipients can expect their rebates to be mailed or directly deposited within four to six weeks from the date of claim. For those ineligible for this program, alternative local programs may be available for application.
In addition to Pennsylvania, several other states are implementing various initiatives involving direct payments, vouchers, and basic income
For instance, Boulder, Colorado, offers residents the opportunity to apply for vouchers that reduce the cost of e-bikes and cargo e-bikes. All residents can receive $300 coupons for regular e-bikes and $500 for cargo e-bikes. Furthermore, income-qualified individuals can obtain $1,200 for e-bikes and $1,400 for cargo e-bikes. The application period for these vouchers in Boulder is open from July 6 to July 19.
Utah has introduced a program where eligible homeowners can receive grants of up to $50,000 in direct payments to replace their lawns with water landscaping. Interested individuals can apply online; however, it is important to note that grass should not be removed or killed prior to application approval. Meanwhile, a nonprofit organization in San Diego, California, has launched a pandemic recovery fund, providing up to $4,000 per family. To explore a comprehensive list of states offering direct payments ranging from $175 to $1,044 in July.
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