Dear Neighbor,

A new bill just passed both the House and Senate that I think will be very helpful to a lot of Pennsylvanians.

If you’ve ever filed for unclaimed property with the state Treasury, you know that the process can be very complicated – especially if you’re a surviving heir trying to claim funds from a deceased relative. There is an easier way available, but only if you are claiming property under $11,000.

This new bill streamlines the process. When it is signed into law by Governor Shapiro, claims up to $20,000 will be eligible to use this “sworn relationship” affidavit.

Not only does this save time and money for claimants – it accounts for inflation, too. After all, this rule has not been updated since 2002.

I was happy to vote for this bill and so were all my House colleagues: it passed unanimously.

Reminder: Our office on Chester Pike is a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. Please consider bringing toys to make a child’s holiday season brighter; donations go to families in our own community. We are also accepting donations of diapers and other baby items in partnership with Senator Kearney’s office, WIC, Nurse Family Partnership, and Maternity Care Coalition.

Lastly, see the graphic below details on this year's annual Holiday Meet & Greet!

Sincerely,

Pennsylvania State Rep. David M. Delloso

Please be aware of scams targeting veteran benefits

The latest scam targeting veterans’ benefits is more sophisticated than many others. It involves a direct-mail postcard claiming to offer eligible veterans an additional $160 per month through something called the “PA Veteran Savings Program 2025.” This program does not actually exist.

The postcard looks official at first glance, using formal language and referencing real programs such as CHAMPVA and TRICARE for Life. It urges recipients to call within five days to “help manage call volume,” a common tactic used to pressure older adults into responding quickly.

Hopefully, it will soon become second nature for all of us to scrutinize mail, emails, and phone calls promising an easy financial windfall for signs of a scam. The most important and basic step to take when you suspect a message is a scam is to go directly to the supposed source and verify the information yourself.

What to do if you’re targeted

If you or a veteran family member are contacted by a suspected scammer, please reach out to the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) at 800-547-2838. Accredited Veteran Service Officers are available at no cost to provide guidance, verify the legitimacy of offers, and help protect veterans from scams that could threaten their financial well-being.

Medicare Open Enrollment ends Dec. 7

Medicare is a federal program, but PA offers free Medicare counseling through the PA Medi program for those who need it.

If you are turning 65 and would like to learn more about your options, please call my office at 610-534-1002 to schedule a phone appointment with PA Medi.

These appointments are available only once a month, so don’t hesitate to schedule yours soon.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms

We have 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate booklets. Just ask my staff at either of our district offices in Ridley Park or Darby Township. As a reminder, my staff is happy to assist you with the rebate application process. Applications for a rebate on what you paid in 2024 are due by Dec. 31.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-6437

District Office

605 E. Chester Pike
Ridley Park, PA 19078
(610) 534-1002