The city follows the circuit breaker program that the state of Maine provides for seniors. For South Portland you must be 68 years or older, adjusted gross income must fall within state requirements (which changes each year), taxpayer must file a property tax fairness credit form with the state. The maximum benefit a single household would receive is $300, maximum benefit of a couple household $400. These amounts are pro-rated as well as based upon the amount the taxpayer receives from the state.

Taxpayers can call and be put on the mailing list to receive an application which will be mailed January of each year. The city will respond to the completed application with a letter of acceptance or letter explaining why the application was not accepted.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Do both applicants have to be over the age of 68?

No, as long as the first applicant is over the age of 68, the co-applicant can be under 68.

What if I turn 68 later this year after the May 1 deadline?

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You must be 68 on or before April 30, 2020 to qualify for this year’s program.

What if I haven’t filed my state income tax forms yet (Form 1040ME)?

You must wait until you have completed your 1040ME, including Schedule PTFC (Property Tax Fairness Credit) before you apply for the city’s program. Remember to make a copy of your state 1040ME and PTFC forms to provide to the city with your application.

I rented for part of the year and owned my own home for part of the year. Am I eligible for a refund?

Yes, if you otherwise qualify. List the tax assessed for the part of the year you owned and occupied your own home and claim the amount of rent you paid for the portion of the year you rented. Remember that each home must have been your primary home during the part of the year you occupied the home.

Do I have to provide my phone number and what will it be used for?

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Yes, we must have a daytime phone number provided in case we have questions about your application. We will not call unless we require additional information. We will not give out your phone number to any other party or agency.

Will I automatically be sent an application next year?

Yes, if you qualified for a refund this year, we will automatically send you an application next January.

Age-Friendly COVID-19 community resources

Age Friendly South Portland would like to make residents aware of the Community Support and Resources directory established by the city, which offers a variety of ways that individuals of all ages can help and/or receive help during this time of need.

Dedicated Resource Assistance Line: For those who require assistance with food pick-up and delivery, pharmacy services, transportation, childcare, and/or other needs as a result of the COVID-19 situation, the city has established a dedicated assistance telephone line at 207-347-4177 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and an online webpage at www.southportland.org/community.

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Note: The webpage also includes links to important CDC information and videos regarding COVID-19 in a variety of languages, including Portuguese, Somali, Maay Maay, Kirundi, French and English.

Social Check-In Calls: For those who would like to receive routine phone calls from the city, they can sign up by calling 207-347-4177. Residents do not need to be a senior to qualify, and calls are not intended to serve as a wellness assessment or to give medical advice but rather as way to ask how people are doing and to make them aware of available supports and services.

General COVID-19 Information: For those who would like to receive additional information about COVID-19 and learn more about available resources throughout the state, they can call 2-1-1 (or 1-866-811-5695), text their ZIP code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org.

Age Friendly South Portland hopes that our neighbors of all ages are safe, healthy, and stay connected during this difficult time.

To stay informed on city news, we encourage residents to follow the city’s Facebook page and to tune in to South Portland television, which can be accessed via basic cable on Spectrum channels 1301 and 1302.

Jordan Shelburne is controller for the city of South Portland. Community resources information contributed by Chad MacLeod.

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