SeniorLAW Center

08/28/2026

❗️ Attention Philadelphia homeowners❗️If the assessed value of your home went up, your 2027 property taxes will, too.
If you think your home’s 2027 assessment is incorrect, you should file an appeal. You can do that by requesting a “First Level Review” with the Office of Property Assessment by September 1, 2026 and if needed, by filing an appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes by October 5, 2026.

Learn more at the city's website, tinyurl.com/PropertyAssessments.

Our colleagues at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia have more information and resources on their website at: https://clsphila.org/services/property-taxes/property-tax-assessments/

08/24/2026

SeniorLAW Center's Housing Justice Supervising Attorney Jackie Zaneri spoke to The Guardian about a growing concern for renters across the country: add-on utility fees that sometimes lead to eviction, even when tenants have paid their rent.

Add-on utility fees (called Ratio Utility Billing Systems or Rubs) can increase tenants’ monthly housing costs by hundreds of dollars and, in some cases, lead to eviction when tenants cannot afford the additional charges. The fees may cover water, sewer, trash, electricity, and other expenses and are based on formulas rather than a tenant’s actual usage. They are also rarely disclosed in listings or leases.

“It’s a way of advertising a lower rent, but then adding on costs so that the tenant ends up paying more,” Jackie shared with The Guardian.

For older adults and other renters living on fixed or limited incomes, unexpected housing costs can have serious consequences, threatening an older tenant's housing stability, financial security, and the ability to remain in their community.

Through our Housing Justice Project, SeniorLAW Center defends the rights of older tenants and homeowners, and helps older adults navigate legal challenges that threaten their housing stability. We believe that housing costs should be transparent, and that tenants should have meaningful protections against practices that threaten housing stability.

Read the full article and learn more about the growing issue of add-on utility fees at

Tenants can be evicted for not paying utilities even if they have paid rent – tenants and their allies are fighting back

08/20/2026

If you own your Philadelphia home and live in it as your primary residence, you can lower your property tax bill through the Homestead Exemption.

The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of owner-occupied homes by $100,000, saving most eligible homeowners up to $1,399 each year on their Real Estate Tax bill. Once your application is accepted, you won't have to reapply unless your deed changes.

The final deadline to apply for the Homestead Exemption is December 1 each year. Early filers should apply by October 1 to see the benefit reflected on their Real Estate Tax bill. Applicants approved after October 1 date will receive a second bill with an adjusted amount due.

Learn more and apply at tinyurl.com/homestead-exemption-phl.

08/14/2026

Today marks the 91st anniversary of the Social Security Act. Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, the Social Security Act created a federal old-age insurance program designed to provide workers with income after retirement. Over the decades, Social Security has grown into a critical source of financial stability for older adults, people with disabilities, survivors, and families; 73.9 million adults in 2025 received benefits from at least one Social Security programs.

For older adults, Social Security is a lifeline that helps provide income to pay for housing, food, healthcare, and other basic needs. According to the 2022 Census Bureau’s Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), 86.9% of older adults aged 65+ received retirement or disability benefits, rising to 92.6% among older adults 75+.

At SeniorLAW Center, we see how access to these benefits can be essential to an older adult's ability to remain safe, secure, and independent. We recognize the enduring importance of Social Security and the continued need to protect access to the programs that help older adults age with dignity and security.

08/11/2026

A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts underscores some of the challenges that older Philadelphians face as they age: rising costs of living, difficulties navigating and accessing services, and a lack of affordable housing for older adults.

These findings are reflected in the stories that we hear from many of our clients: the fear of losing a longtime home, the burden of rising costs, and the struggle to navigate complex systems without legal help.

We are a proud Pew Charitable Trusts’ growth grantee. Through the growth grant work, we remain committed to using the power of the law to seek justice for older adults and advocating for policies that ensure every older Philadelphian can age safely, securely, and with dignity.

Read the full report:

Our projects are ambitious, consistent with a tested investment philosophy, and designed to reap measurable benefits for the public. Throughout our history, Pew has focused on impact—asking tough questions, seeking out evidence, working with strong partners, bringing unique interests together, and...

07/28/2026

❗️Attention Philadelphia homeowners❗️The city just released new property assessments, which will be used to calculate 2027 property tax bills. If your assessed value went up, your property taxes will, too.

If you think your home’s 2027 assessment is incorrect, you should file an appeal. You can do that by requesting a “First Level Review” with the Office of Property Assessment by September 1, 2026 and if needed, by filing an appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes by October 5, 2026.

Learn more at the city's website, tinyurl.com/PropertyAssessments.

Our colleagues at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia have more information and resources on their website at: https://clsphila.org/services/property-taxes/property-tax-assessments/

07/17/2026

Older adults and other members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects and should take extra care to protect themselves, including staying inside.

If you experience symptoms including trouble breathing, heart palpitations, nausea, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.

To keep indoor air clean, you can:
● Close all windows and doors.
● Turn off air conditioning or switch air conditioners to recirculate mode.
● Avoid activities that create more particulate matter indoors, including:
◦Smoking and va**ng.
◦Using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces.
◦Spraying aerosol products.
◦Frying or broiling food.
◦Burning candles or incense.
◦Vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

BREAKING: Today, July 17, 2026, has been declared a CODE PURPLE Fine Particles Action Day in Philadelphia due to the Canadian wildfire smoke.

All residents should avoid optional outdoor activities during a Code Purple Air Quality Alert. If you must go outside, wear a high-quality mask, like an N-95 or KN-95.

The City of Philadelphia Government is operating as normal, but trash collection is suspended, and pools and spraygrounds are closed. Free Library of Philadelphia is open for anyone who needs an air-conditioned space.

For more information and to monitor current air quality conditions: ow.ly/C0ne50ZoQOf

07/10/2026

Yesterday, SeniorLAW Center and pro bono partners Blank Rome and Comcast held a Life Planning Documents Legal Clinic for older Philadelphians at Blank Rome. Over 40 pro bono attorneys worked with 18 older adults to draft and finalize approximately 70 advanced planning documents, including Simple Wills, Living Wills, and Health Care and Financial Power of Attorney documents.

We'd like to thank Kathy Ochroch and her team at Blank Rome and Jason Conn and his team at Comcast for all their work organizing this clinic for SeniorLAW Center clients. Thanks to their efforts, older adults in the community were empowered to make important life planning decisions for themselves and their estate.

We'd also like to shout out SeniorLAW Center's Joanna Jarzebowska, Supervisor, Legal Compliance & Pro Bono Services; Michael Prendergast, Legal Advocate, Intake, Education, and Pro Bono; and intern Grace Eagen for all their work coordinating this clinic!

07/09/2026

July is Disability Pride Month! SeniorLAW Center recognizes the strength, experiences, and contributions of older adults with disabilities while reaffirming our commitment to advancing justice, accessibility, and inclusion in everyday life.

Disability Pride Month is observed each July to mark the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

As we age, disability becomes increasingly common. According to the CDC, nearly 44% of adults aged 65 and older live with at least one disability, making it more important than ever that older adults have access to the legal resources and support they need to live safely and independently.

At SeniorLAW Center, we work to ensure older adults, including those with disabilities, can protect their rights and age with dignity and respect.

07/01/2026