Pennsylvania Stimulus Check: What To Know in 2024

There have been no new stimulus updates from the Pennsylvania state government. While you won’t receive any new Pennsylvania stimulus checks in 2024, there are other ways to ease your financial burden.

Start by filing your state income tax returns to claim tax credits. You can also check your eligibility for financial assistance programs and benefits like Social Security, SSI, food stamps, and housing assistance. If you’re dealing with debt, we also recommend exploring your options for debt relief in Philadelphia and other locations throughout the state.

Read on to learn more about tax credits available in Pennsylvania, how to apply, and how much you can get.

Is There a Pennsylvania Stimulus Check in 2024?

The state government is not sending out any Pennsylvania stimulus checks in 2024. The Economic Impact Payments and other benefits that were issued during the coronavirus pandemic through the American Rescue Plan have ceased, and no fourth IRS stimulus checks are being issued.

However, you can still take advantage of the state’s tax credits and rebate programs. In addition, you can also apply for the federal government’s benefit programs if you’re facing financial hardship due to a job loss or illness.

Pennsylvania Stimulus Check 2024

While you can’t get a Pennsylvania stimulus check in 2024, you may be able to get a larger tax refund if you qualify for the state’s tax credits. Tax credits can lower the amount of taxes you owe and put more money back into your pocket.

“Always check with a tax professional about state deductions in Pennsylvania that you may qualify for,” shares Teresa Dodson, a debt expert and the founder of Greenbacks Consulting. “Most people aren't aware of all deductions available,” she adds.

Check to see if you qualify for the state’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. If you’re an older adult or someone with a disability, you may also be able to apply for the state’s tax/rent rebate program.

Pennsylvania currently doesn’t have a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC).

How do Pennsylvania Stimulus Checks Work?

A tax credit can be subtracted dollar for dollar from the income taxes you owe to the government. These credits can be refundable, partially refundable, and nonrefundable. With refundable tax credits, you can get a refund for any credit over zero tax due. Nonrefundable tax credits can reduce your tax bill, but don’t provide refunds.

Who Is Eligible for Pennsylvania’s Stimulus Checks?

You can claim the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit if you have incurred expenses for:

• A spouse who was mentally or physically incapable of self-care. The spouse must have lived with you for over half the tax year.
• A dependent child under the age of 13.
• An individual who lived with you for over half the tax year and was mentally or physically incapable of self-care. The individual must either be your dependent or could have been your dependent, except he/she filed a joint return, had a gross income of $4,400 or more, or could have been a dependent on someone else’s return.

To qualify for the property tax/rent rebate program, you must satisfy these criteria:

• You must be 65 years or older.
• You must be 18 or older and have a disability.
• You must be a widow/widower aged 50 or older.
• Your household income should not exceed $45,000 for the tax year.

How Much Do You Receive and When

Tax filers can get between $600 and $2,100 through the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, depending on the number of dependents and income limits. This credit is based on the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) and is 100% of the federal credit. Here’s how much you can receive:

• The minimum credit is $600 (one dependent/child) or $1,200 (two dependents/children) if expenses are at least $3,000 per dependent or child.
• The credit phases down as income increases.
• The maximum credit is $1,050 (one dependent/child) or $2,100 (two dependents/children.  

Eligible renters and homeowners in Pennsylvania can receive a standard and supplemental rebate through the property tax/rent rebate program. The amount you receive depends on your income. Here’s how much you can receive through the standard rebate:

• $1,000- Income up to $8,000
• $770- Income from $8,001 to $15,000
• $460- Income from $15,001 to $18,000
• $380- Income from $18,001 to $45,000

You can receive an additional $190 to $500 through the supplemental rebate. The rebates are automatically calculated if you’re a property owner with less than $30,000 in income, your property tax is over 15% of your income, and you’re living in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or Scranton.

Here’s how much you can receive through the supplement rebate:

• $500- Income up to $8,000
• $385- Income from $8,001 to $15,000
• $230- Income from $15,001 to $18,000
• $190- Income from $18,001 to $30,000

How To Track the Status of Pennsylvania’s Stimulus Checks

You won’t get a Pennsylvania stimulus check if you claim the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. Instead, it will be reflected in your state income tax return. If you qualify for a tax refund, you’ll receive it as a paper check or through direct deposit in your bank account.

If you qualify for the property tax/rent rebate program, you can check the status of your payment by calling 1-888-PATAXES (728-2937). You can also check the status of your rebate online through the “Where’s My Rebate?” on the Department of Revenue’s website.

How To Apply for Pennsylvania’s Stimulus Checks

You can claim the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit by filing your Pennsylvania personal income tax return (PA-40). You’ll also need to complete PA Schedule DC and attach the forms related to the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

You can use myPATH, the free online filing system offered by the Department of Revenue, to file your taxes.

The deadline for sending your application for the 2023 property tax/rent rebate program is June 30, 2024. Taxpayers can apply for the program online, in person, or through mail. Use myPATH to electronically apply for the program or send the filled-out application through mail to the Department of Revenue to apply.

Apply for Government Assistance Programs in Pennsylvania

If you’re facing hardship, we recommend taking advantage of low-income and senior assistance programs offered by the government instead of waiting for a Pennsylvania stimulus check. From subsidized housing and food stamps to unemployment benefits and SSI, the federal government offers assistance in many forms.

A good resource to find a full list of benefits and to learn which ones you qualify for is USAGov website. Use the Benefit finder tool to get matched to the right benefit programs.

Visit our NY stimulus checks, New Jersey anchor program, and Maryland stimulus checks pages for information about programs you can apply for in those states.