SAGE Program

Seniors Applying General Experience (SAGE) is the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District's (UCFSD) property tax relief program for senior citizens. 

Goal

To provide an opportunity for senior citizen taxpayers to earn up to $650 of tax relief in exchange for providing services to UCFSD.

Benefits

For senior citizens, the program provides a monetary reward in addition to personal satisfaction. It also benefits UCFSD students, faculty, and other staff in need of assistance.

Eligibility 

Retired taxpayers residing in UCFSD are eligible. Participants must be at least 60 years old by December 31 of the year in which they participate.

Application 

1. Download or obtain an application packet from the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Administration Office at 740 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 or by calling 610-347-0970, x 3316. 
2. Obtain clearances as required by PA Department of Education. Note: You may not use the free volunteer payment option for Pennsylvania clearances since you will be receiving compensation from the district.
3. Make an appointment to return the completed application to the SAGE Coordinator. Please include originals of your clearances and all other required documents. Note: You will need to show your passport or driver’s license and Social Security card to the SAGE Coordinator who will complete the 2nd page of the I-9 form.
4. The SAGE Coordinator will contact you to confirm the completion of the application process. If everything is in order, your name will be placed on a list with other SAGE participants and given to the office staff in each building. You will be called as needed by the office staff so you can arrange your assignments with them directly. While you may specify the buildings in which you prefer to work, you may also be offered work in other buildings as needed.

Program Overview

1. The tax relief program allows a maximum of 65 hours of participation at $10 per hour credit. Married couples who are both listed as owners of an eligible property can earn $650 in tax relief each. If your spouse has a medically-certified disability, you may earn their 65 hours in addition to your 65 hours.
2. The tax year runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. You will receive a check in August or September for services rendered in the prior year. This can be used toward your taxes for the current year. (Face value property taxes are due October 31.)
3. The funds earned through this program are considered earned income by the Federal & Pennsylvania Governments and are subject to payroll and income taxes. Federal and state income taxes, social security, and Medicare as well as unemployment taxes are also deducted from your earnings.
4. Maximum relief cannot exceed the actual amount of school real estate taxes that you pay. Prior year taxes must be paid in full in order to participate.
5. First time participants completing 30 or more hours will be reimbursed up to $40 for clearance fees (Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151). This will be a separate check issued in August or September. Clearances remain current if you continue to participate year-to-year with no break in service. Receipts must be submitted at the time clearances are provided to UCFSD prior to starting the program.
6. First time participants must complete an Act 168 (Employment History Review) for all former employers where the applicant was employed by a school entity or where the applicant was employed in a position where they had direct contact with children.
7. If you are accepted into the program but do not participate for one year, you must be re-certified (Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151 clearances) at your own expense. Pennsylvania also requires those with continuous participation to renew these clearances every five years at your own expense.
8. Participants are required to submit a verified log of hours at the end of the school year, or when your service ends. You will receive your log at your first assignment. The Office Manager or Secretary will give it to you and direct you to your assignment. You will be responsible for keeping the log and bringing it to each assignment for verification/signature.

Roles

• Student Support
• Office Support
• Facilities Support
• Transportation Support
• Food Service Support
• Student Safety Support

While you may specify your preferred activities, you may also be offered other activities if your preference is not available or other needs exist.

Forms

SAGE Application

Employment History Check (Act 168 Form)

PDE 6004 Form

W-4 Form

Local Earned Income Tax Form

I-9 Form

SAGE Emergency Health Form