State Sen. Lisa Boscola announced that the filing deadline for the Lottery-funded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31.

"These rebate checks can be a godsend for many senior citizens in today's economy," Boscola said. "My district office staff and I stand ready to help people obtain and file their application."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. Half of Social Security income is excluded from the income calculation.Boscola said the maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.She said applicants can obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at

www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-222-9190.