It’s the middle of a hot spell and probably winter seems far away, but before you get too far into that book you’re reading or decide to splurge on something you could live without, remember that in Maine, Aug. 1 is the date you can file an application for property tax rebate (if you’re a homeowner) or a rent refund (if you’re paying non-subsidized rent).

The following information is from the state’s website (www.maine.gov) and like many of their websites, isn’t always up to date. But here’s what is available, and unless the governor decides to do away with it, Maine still has this program – especially helpful for senior citizens:

Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent “Circuit Breaker” Refund Program begins Aug. 1, for refunds of property tax assessed and rent paid during 2011. Nearly 200,000 Maine households qualify. The maximum refund is $1,600.

This is the time to dig out the paperwork you’ll need to refer to – basically, your receipts for payments made for taxes and/or rent, and your tax return.

You may qualify for a refund if you don’t have a spouse or dependent(s) and your 2011 household income was $64,950 or less (that’s $5,000-plus a month) – or you do have a spouse or dependent(s) and your 2011 household income was $86,600 a year or less – and your 2011 property tax was more than 4 percent of your 2011 household income or the rent was more than 20 percent of your 2011 household income.

Seniors do not need to meet this requirement when their household income is below $14,700 for those living alone or below $18,200 for those living with a spouse or dependent.

Generally, anyone who filed an application for the previous year’s program will receive a new application shortly after Aug. 1. If you have not received an application by the third week in August, you can download an application from www.maine.gov/revenue or request an application from Maine Revenue Services by calling 624-7894 or write to Maine Revenue Services, PO Box 9107, Augusta, ME 04332-9107.

Do you need help filling out the application?

Assistance is available at most local Area Agencies on Aging (Portland area: call 396-6500 or 800-427-7411, TTY 883-0532) or call Maine Revenue Service at 626-8475.

There are quite a few other programs that senior citizens, especially with lower incomes, may qualify for. Several years ago, after writing about it, I filled out an application for what is called “Quimby” or Qualified Medicare Benefits (I think), and after I qualified, I saved the $96.40 monthly premium that is automatically deducted from Social Security – I believe nowadays it’s more than $100 a month. You can check with Southern Maine Agency on Aging (396-6500) about this and other programs. SMAA has experts ready to help.

We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and will be ready for winter.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.

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