Property tax credits can help elderly, disabled Iowans

Each year Iowans who are elderly or have a disability may be able to benefit from property tax credits on their home or rent reimbursement on their apartment or mobile home lot rent.

Programs are based on a person?s annual household income for 2011 Household income includes Social Security, wages, pension and interest for everyone living in the same household. Rent subsidy also is counted as income.

To be eligible, a person must have household income less than $20,906; and be at least 65 years old or disabled and at least 18 years old.

If a person is in a nursing home, but still owns and maintains ahomestead, he or she can apply for the property tax credit. If a person lives in a nursing home and no longer owns a home, he or she may be eligible for rent reimbursement. For rent rebate, a person will need to find out from his or her nursing home how much of his or her total payment is for rent.

Apply between until June 1. A person must apply each year.

For rent rebate, call the Iowa Department of Revenue at 800-367-3388. For property tax credit application contact the county treasurer.

Forms and instructions can be found on the Iowa Department of Revenue website and at Seneca Area Agency on Aging central office in Ottumwa; call 800-642-6522.