Seniors and disabled residents of Carbon County are encouraged to apply for the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, as 2011 forms are now available in Rep. Doyle Heffley's (R-Carbon) district offices located in Lehighton, Albrightsville and Lansford.

Over the past four decades through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, the Commonwealth has distributed millions of dollars annually to qualified residents from money generated by the state's lottery and slots programs."A person can only expect a check to arrive if he or she submits an application," said Heffley. "Last year, nearly 6,000 homeowners in Carbon County were eligible for the rebate, yet only about 3,200 homeowners applied for the rebates." Renters are also eligible for the rebate. Last year, more than 930 Carbon County renters used the program.The program benefits low-income residents 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older and people with disabilities 18 and older.The rebates are based on income levels. To qualify, homeowners must have an annual income up to $35,000, excluding half of Social Security income. For renters, the limit is $15,000.The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates, reserved for homeowners who pay more than 15 percent of their income to property taxes, can boost rebates to $975.Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately. Applications are due by June 30.There is no cost to apply and forms can be obtained from any of Doyle Heffley's district offices located at: 110 North Third St., 2nd Floor Lehighton, PA, 18235 Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3 Albrightsville, PA, 18210 Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday American Legion - Satellite Office 3 West Ridge St., Lansford, PA, 18232 Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday For more information, contact Heffley's district offices at (610) 377-6363 or (570) 722-8700 or visit his website at RepHeffley.com.