The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved Senate Bill 194, which aims to expand property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans. Authored by Senator Tracy Pennycuick of Red Hill, the bill proposes excluding federal veterans disability benefits from income calculations for state property tax exemptions.
This legislative change targets veterans who receive federal Aid and Attendance benefits, designed to help with daily living, care services, and necessary home modifications. The bill is intended to make property tax exemptions more accessible to veterans facing significant disabilities.
Pennsylvania, along with 21 other states and the District of Columbia, provides property tax breaks specifically for 100% disabled veterans. Additionally, 16 states offer similar benefits for veterans with less than 100% disability, while eight states extend property tax breaks irrespective of disability status.
Senator Pennycuick also highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce tiered property-assessment reductions for partially disabled veterans through Senate Bill 844, though it remains unaddressed. The focus on property tax relief in Pennsylvania is critical given its ranking as having the ninth-highest property taxes in the United States.
Governor Josh Shapiro recently supported a $134 million expansion of the property tax and rent rebate program, which benefits around 430,000 residents, further underscoring the state’s commitment to reducing property tax burdens.
