PA Property Tax Rebate Deadline - Today

"Eligible older adults and residents with disabilities have nine days to submit Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications before the Dec. 31 deadline.

"About 100,000 Pennsylvanians who qualify for Property Tax/Rent Rebates have not yet applied," said Acting Secretary of Revenue C. Daniel Hassell. "Time remains for residents to look over the program's requirements to see if they could benefit like more than 578,000 people who already received rebates this year."

Applications are available for download at www.papropertytaxrelief.com, and forms and assistance are available at Revenue district offices, legislators' offices, area agencies on aging, and senior centers. Assistance is also available by calling, toll-free, 1-888-222-9190 Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. State offices will be closed Dec. 25.

Claimants are reminded to provide all necessary income, property tax or rent information in order for claims to be processed accurately and quickly. Applications must be postmarked by Thursday, Dec. 31, to be considered."

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nine-days-remain-for-eligible-older-adults-people-with-disabilities-to-apply-for-property-tax-rent-rebates-79997292.html

Social Security Q & A

The Social Security Administration always is asked questions about qualifications, how to apply, etc. When coming across articles on the internet remember that the best place to go for answers maybe the source itself, the Social Security Administration. Take caution with the question and answers as it may/may not apply to you as each person's situation is different.

"Q:How long does it take to apply online for retirement benefits?A:How long it takes depends on your specific situation. However, many people find that they can complete their online retirement application in as little as 15 minutes! There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required. You can learn more about Social Security retirement benefits, get an estimate of your future benefit amount, and when you're ready, apply for retirement benefits online, by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q:I know my wife, who hasn't worked outside the home, doesn't qualify for Social Security or Medicare on her own record. Can she qualify on mine?A:This answer applies to husbands as well as wives. A spouse who has never worked under Social Security can receive a benefit equal to one-half of your full retirement amount at his or her full retirement age. However, your spouse cannot receive benefits on your record until you begin receiving retirement benefits. We have a page at our online Retirement Planner dedicated to benefits for spouses. You can visit that page at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/yourspouse.htm.

Q:I currently receive Social Security disability benefits. I now have a second serious disability. Can my monthly benefit amount be increased?A:No, your payment will remain the same regardless of how many disabilities you have or how severe they are. Your Social Security disability benefit is based on the amount of your lifetime earnings before your disability began and the fact that you have a disability, or combination of impairments, that makes you unable to work. Your actual payment amount is not based on the degree, type or severity of your disability or how many disabling conditions you have. For more information about Social Security disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan.

Q:My mother receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She may have to enter a nursing home. How does this affect her SSI benefits?A:Moving to a nursing home can affect your mother's SSI benefits, but it depends on what type of facility it is. In many cases, the SSI payment is reduced or stopped. Whenever your mother enters or leaves a nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, skilled nursing facility or any other kind of institution, you need to let Social Security know. Call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report changes in your mother's living arrangements. To learn more about SSI and reporting responsibilities, read our online fact sheet, "What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)" at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11011.html "

http://www.seniortimesmagazine.com/features/832/social-security-questions-and-answers

Accessible Playground - Think Warm Weather

The local paper, The Times-Tribune, has a story on the accessible playground at Abington Community Park, including a picture. With the improvements community leaders hope to make once they get funding the Abington Community Park will be a must-visit place to go for recreation.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/abington-community-park-growing-by-leaps-and-bounds-1.512118

Winter's Problems

We've just started the worst season for (most) people with disabilities - winter. It's hard enough to get around in/with a wheelchair, walker, cane, shaky legs, etc. now add snow/sleet/ice (sometimes all at once) and you maybe staying in the house until spring.

What if you have to go out? How do you get around when the city plows 10 feet of snow on the curb cut? How do you get around when the parking lot to the doctor's office is covered in ice?