State Reps. Guy Travaglio, D-11th, and

Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, have announced the deadline to apply for Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended until Dec. 31.

Travaglio said. "We expect more than 30,000 additional people will submit an application by the Dec. 31 deadline."

The program was set to expire Wednesday.

Supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the tax/rent rebate program gives a state rebate of up to $500 to eligible participants on the property taxes or rent they paid in the previous year.

Eligible residents include those who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with a permanent disability.

Household income cannot exceed $15,000, but half of a person's Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits are exempt.

Metcalfe said $122 million last year was refunded through the program.

Rebate claim forms are available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us, at the Department of Revenue district office, at area agencies on aging, or at Travaglio's service office, 138 E. Jefferson St., Butler.

To check on the status of an application, call toll free 888-728-2937.