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WEST PITTSTON — Seniors citizens at the Garden Village Apartments received help applying for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program on Wednesday.

Ursula Cinotta, a resident of the complex, attended a similar event last year and appreciated the opportunity to save money because she lives on a tight budget.

James Dymond, another Garden Village resident, was also eager to apply.

“If it could keep extra money in my pocket, of course, it’s a good thing,” said Dymond. “I wish we could get even more.”

State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Township, sponsored the outreach event. He called the program, funded by state gaming and lottery revenue, “an excellent one.”

“The program is for Pennsylvanians 65 and older, widows and widowers over 50 and the disabled,” he said. “Older people get a paper check for up to $650.”

Homeowners with a maximum yearly income of $35,000 and renters with a maximum yearly income of $15,000 are eligible.

Yudichak said last year the program put more than $250 million back in the hands of seniors.

“For some of our seniors, the $650 means that they will have no Pennsylvania property tax burden,” he said. “This is a step toward the solution to property taxes and its effect on seniors.”

Resident Walter Heck made sure to take advantage of the rebate.

“I think that I’m going to be getting back about $500,” said Heck. “To me, that little bit is a lot.”

Ceila Goldowski of the complex appreciated not only the chance for a rebate but also to gather with friends.

Goldowski was also impressed with Yudichak’s commitment to seniors.

“Some of our seniors don’t get the money available through the program just because they don’t know about it,” the lawmaker noted . “Over the next two months, our offices will be reaching out to seniors to ensure that they do get the money they are eligible for through this program.”

Most of about 80 seniors gathered for the event said they were on fixed incomes and appreciated extra dollars they could spend on their families, necessities or even a bit of recreation.

“This is a good program,” said Garden Village resident Shirley Kenney. “I got the rebate last year, and I’ll come back every year. Not only do we get the money, the staff is wonderful in assisting us in putting in our applications.”

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Walter Heck, a resident of the Garden Village Apartments in West Pittston, looks over an application for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program on Wednesday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL-02232017-tax-rebate-renters-1-2.jpg.optimal.jpgWalter Heck, a resident of the Garden Village Apartments in West Pittston, looks over an application for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program on Wednesday.

Residents of the Garden Village Apartments talk to state Sen. John Yudichak while waiting to file for a rent rebate program.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL-02232017-tax-rebate-renters-2-2.jpg.optimal.jpgResidents of the Garden Village Apartments talk to state Sen. John Yudichak while waiting to file for a rent rebate program.

Residents of the Garden Village Apartments talk to state Sen. John Yudichak while waiting to file for a rent rebate program.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/web1_TTL-02232017-tax-rebate-renters-3-2.jpg.optimal.jpgResidents of the Garden Village Apartments talk to state Sen. John Yudichak while waiting to file for a rent rebate program.
Some could get up to $650 back in pockets

By Geri Gibbons

For Times Leader

Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.