Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on one’s perspective) I earn about $600 a year too much to qualify for subsidized senior housing, food stamps, free medical help or fuel assistance.
I do qualify for the circuit breaker – or as I call it, rent refund program. This state program provides refunds to primarily property taxpayers, if their taxes exceed a certain percentage of income; however, the other part of the program provides relief to renters and there are more and more of us every day.
If your rent is more than 20 percent of your annual income (and my rent is close to 41 percent), you need to do as I did and fill out one of those applications for a refund. There are income limits, but it costs nothing to check the form and find out if you qualify. The refund probably won’t pay your month’s rent, but it might help out with fuel. Last year, I received $381 as a refund and immediately turned it into heat.
I’m not complaining about the rent because for Windham, it is reasonable. But I don’t understand why the report from Augusta is that many who could qualify for a tax or rent refund, have not applied. What are you waiting for?
Forms for the Maine Property Tax and Rent Refund program are available at libraries, town halls, clerk’s offices and even online. This is one of the easiest of all applications to make out. The state has simplified this so it is now only a one-page, two-sided form. All you need to know is your income for 2005 and this is available from your tax return. If you didn’t file one, then report your Social Security amount and any other income. It’s that simple.
I think many who do not have financial worries related to day-to-day living, have no idea the limitations set in order to receive assistance. Medicare is a good example. This is insurance for the elderly that doesn’t cover hearing aids, wheelchairs or other mobility appliances, eyeglasses (unless you have cataract surgery) or dental work including dentures. I sometimes wonder if our lawmakers know these details about Medicare. Granted, if you’ve had a hospital stay Medicare covers a big percentage of the cost, although not all. My recent excursion resulted in a total of about $3,000 which I’ll have to somehow fit into my budget over the next few months.
That’s why, given the impending fuel expenditure, the rent refund – or circuit breaker – program in Maine is what I call “free money.” It only took a few minutes to complete the form for which the state provides an envelope. You do have to supply the stamp.
Let me know how you make out.
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