By Dan Aceto

Staff Writer

The Town Council is expected to revise eligibility standards to the property tax assistance ordinance, which will allow people 62 and older to qualify for benefits. 

The amendment, which originally allowed residents 65 and older the privilege of benefits, is designed to provide supplemental cash refund payments on property tax for qualified homeowners and renters. 

Applicants who wish to claim benefits must currently be a resident of Scarborough and have lived there for at least 10 years. Residents must also have received a prior refund from the state property tax and rent program, also known as the Maine Circuit Breaker Program.

 Eligibility for benefits from the state are open to those who are 62 years of age or older, the primary resident of their household, and meet an annual income of $15,000 individually or $18,000 for a couple.

Council Chairman Carol Rancourt said the decision to go ahead with the latest revision was due to the “ongoing economic stress” residents are facing and to make the program more accessible, especially for the elderly. 

Although compensation varies from person to person based upon an overall tax examination, maximum allotment of benefits provided by the program currently stands at $500.

Town Manager Tom Hall said he expected the revision to be met with “little to no opposition” at the council’s regular meeting Wednesday, after the Leader deadline.

 In addition to the age adjustment, the date applicants must file for benefits has been pushed back this year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. 

Staff writer Dan Aceto can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 237.