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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 1, 2023 02:39 PM
From:	Representative Robert E. Merski
To:	All House members
Subject:	Permanently Excluding Social Security COLA Raises from PTTR

The Property Tax Rent Rebate (PTRR) program was established in 1971 to assist Pennsylvania’s low-income senior citizens, widows and widowers ages 50 and older, and permanently disabled citizens ages 18 and old. Many Pennsylvanians living on fixed incomes depend on the PTTR program to stay in their homes. Unfortunately, many applicants receiving Social Security income are deemed ineligible because of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) that leave applicants a few dollars over the income thresholds.    Act 156 of 2014 allowed a temporary Social Security COLA exclusion. However, that act expired at the end of 2016. As a companion bill to Senator Sabatina’s legislation, my legislation would amend the definition of “income” in the Taxpayer Relief Act to permanently retain eligibility for households whose income limit is exceeded solely due to a Social Security COLA. By excluding these COLA increases from the definition of “income,” worthy Pennsylvanians would become eligible for PTTR assistance once again.    Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to provide our neighbors the added assistance they deserve.

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