If you plan to apply for a refund or rebate from the state in the property tax or rent refund program that used to be called “Circuit Breaker,” you will need to file a Maine income tax return, even if your only income was Social Security. For those who are not used to filing tax returns, this can be confusing but there is free help available from experts, through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide organization.

You will need to call and make an appointment, and most times when I’ve called, it has been a recording, but be patient because the help is really worth it.

We’ve listed a few of the local places where you can get help, but there may be more, so to make sure, call toll-free at 888-227-7669 or visit www.AARP.org/taxaide.

Remember, you cannot get the state rebate unless you apply, and the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll be getting a check, if you qualify. To get some free help:

Windham area: Phone line not open yet, but will be 893-8170. Keep trying. Appointments on Tuesday and Thursday, 2-7 p.m. at Unity Gardens, 124 Tandberg Trail.

Westbrook area: Phone 776-6316. Appointment preferred on Wednesday, 4-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Not open on Saturday, Feb. 22. Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St.

Gorham area: Phone 776-6316. Appointment preferred, Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Gorham Recreation Center, 75 South St.

Portland area: Phone 776-6316. Several locations including the Woods at Canco, Portland Public Library and AARP Maine State Office. Data on all locations at this phone number.

South Portland: Phone 776-6316. Appointment preferred. Mondays from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. but closed Feb. 17. South Portland City Hall, 25 Cottage Road.

Freeport: Phone 865-4743. At Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St. Wednesdays, 8 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Appointment required.

On another subject, here are a couple of mid-winter fun things to do this week:

An open house will be held at the new Avita of Stroudwater, Spring Street, Westbrook on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 5-7 p.m. RSVP to Liz at 857-9007 or email Liz@AvitaofStroudwater.com.

On Monday, Feb. 10 at noon, a Valentine potluck luncheon will be held by the Lakes Region Senior Center at Sunset Ridge Golf Links, 771 Cumberland St. (River Road), Westbrook. Come and join the fun, festivities and enjoy the food. You may bring a dish to share or make a donation of $4. For more information, contact Marge at 892-4955 or Gerry at 839-3859.

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.