State Sen. Lisa Boscola is urging eligible senior citizens to make sure they file their 2012 state property tax/rent rebate application by the Dec. 31 deadline.

"If you are a senior citizen, or even related to or friends with a senior, please remind them to make sure they get their application in on time," Boscola said. "In these tough economic times, a rebate check can be a great help."

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Boscola said seniors should keep in mind that only half of Social Security income is counted in determining eligibility.

Boscola said qualifying seniors can receive up to $650 from the program. She added that applications and free filing assistance are available at her local district offices, as well as Department of Revenue district offices, local area agencies on aging and senior centers.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and information are also available

online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or by calling 1-888-222-9190, between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications may also be submitted through the Department of Revenue's website: www.revenue.state.pa.us .