State awaits applications for circuit-breaker program

ROCKLAND — Anyone interested in Maine’s circuit-breaker tax-relief program should submit an application as soon as possible. That was a recommendation Tuesday from Sen. Robert R. Gould, R-Belfast, and Muriel Holloway, R-Edgecomb.

Applications for the 1990 Maine Residents Property Tax Program, which offers elderly householders tax or rent refunds, non-elderly property tax or rent refunds and elderly low-cost drug cards, will be accepted until Dec. 31 by the Maine Bureau of Taxation.

In the general tax-relief program, homeowners of any age who paid more than 4.5 percent of their income in property taxes, or renters in non-subsidized housing where rent is more than 30 percent of the their income, are eligible for assistance. The maximum qualifying income is $60,000.

The program designed for elderly residents is open to anyone more than 62 years of age who lives alone on less than $8,000 in income. Residents are eligible at age 55 if they receive federal disability benefits.

Married people living with a spouse or single people living with a dependent are eligible if their combined income is less than $10,000 and one member of the household was 62 or older in 1989. Couples also are eligible at age 55 if both husband and wife are receiving federal disability benefits.

Financially independent people who share a home also may be eligible. Each resident must file an application as if living alone and claim only his or her share of the total tax or rent paid.

The amount of any refund will be calculated by the Bureau of Taxation. The maximum refund for the general program is $3,000. The maximum refund in the elderly program is $400, but if a resident qualifies for a larger amount under the general program, the larger refund will be granted.

In the elderly drug program, residents can get certain medications at a reduced cost. Medicine prescribed for diabetes, heart condition, high blood pressure, arthritis and chronic lung disease are covered in the program. To qualify, residents must be at least 62, with an income of no more than $8,000 if living alone or $10,000 if there are two or more in the household. Qualifying applicants must not be receiving Social Security payments. Disabled residents qualify at age 55 if they are receiving federal disability benefits. If married, both husband and wife must be disabled and receiving the federal benefits.