The state's announcement that more than 200,000 elderly Pennsylvania residents haven't applied for rent or property tax rebates to which they are entitled should not be ignored.

Elderly residents who haven't yet applied should do so, even where there might be questions about their eligibility. In situations where qualified people need help in filling out the applications, family members or others whom they trust should be sought out to assist with the process.

The bottom line is that the elderly should not miss out on expanded benefits made possible by revenue from the slot-machine gambling industry. Income eligibility for the property tax rebates increased to $35,000 this year from $15,000, not counting half of Social Security. Income eligibility for rent rebates remains unchanged at $15,000.

According to the state, more than 575,000 elderly homeowners now qualify for the property tax rebates, up from the 155,000 who were eligible under the lower income figure. But more than 200,000 senior citizens who the state believes are eligible, for whatever reason haven't submitted the paperwork necessary for having their eligibility verified.

There is a Dec. 31 deadline for applying for the rebates, but the state, justifiably, is hoping that a mountain of paperwork isn't dumped in its lap at the last minute.

State officials believe many of the eligible seniors are aware of the program, and that supposition probably is correct. They believe the problem lies in the fact that many of those who know about the program but haven't applied still believe it is operating under the former income rule.

Perhaps the state merits some criticism for not doing a good-enough job publicizing the change. Regardless, family members of the elderly, community organizations and others should embrace the responsibility of getting the word out.

Those who have paid taxes most of their lives should receive a tax break if they now are eligible for it.