Application forms for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available for residents to begin claiming rebates for property taxes or rent payments they made last year.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid during tax year 2015, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost the amount to $975.

Eligibility is based on income guidelines.

The program benefits state residents who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.

There is no charge to apply for a rebate.

Residents are reminded that they need not pay a private entity for assistance in filing the forms.

Copies of the forms, as well as help with filing them, are available at my district offices at no cost.

Applicants should be prepared to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.

Applications are also available online at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling 1-888-222-9190.

The deadline to apply for a rebate is June 30.

Rebates will be distributed beginning on July 1, as specified by law.

More than $5.9 billion has been paid to qualified applicants since the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program’s inception in 1971.

The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.

Residents are reminded that tax forms are also available at my district offices along with booklets on a variety of state programs.

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Editor’s note: State Rep Justin Simmons, a Republican, represents the 131st Legislative District District which includes: in Lehigh County, Allentown Wards 12, 14 [Division 01], 16, and 19, Coopersburg, Lower Milford Township, Salisbury Township, Wards 2, 3 and 4.