Throughout the state, many community groups have been organized to gather resources and information about citizens who may really be in a life-threatening situation this winter because of the high price of fuel.

This is not the time to be shy about coming forward with our concerns if we are elderly and our income is limited. We will need to swallow our pride and realize we cannot depend on Social Security to provide everything when the costs of the basics, like bread and milk, have gone up so much in the last year or so.

Like many in my age group, the last thing I want to do is ask for help. Being stubborn and sometimes too independent can lead to disaster. Overriding these feelings, however, is survival and it appears that unless we win the lottery, survival this winter will depend on not just accepting assistance, but asking for it.

If some group in your town publicizes the need for citizen input and asks for people who need help or think they will need help, I hope you (like me) will swallow your pride and raise your voice. Meanwhile, there is one program coming up effective Aug. 1, which can easily benefit many of us – young and old.

Those of us who have taken advantage of Maine’s Circuit Breaker Refund program in the past will be receiving the familiar looking packet in the mail this week. This official-looking folder includes the application for a property tax and rent refund from the state and it’s worth taking advantage of this “free” money, which can be used for fuel, food or to pay down some outstanding bills.

Almost 200,000 Mainers qualify for a partial refund of property tax assessed and/or rent paid during 2007, but many do not apply because the form may be difficult for some to complete, or they assume they would not qualify.

Do you live alone and was your 2007 income $60,000 or less?

Do you have a spouse or dependent and was your 2007 income $80,000 or less?

If you can answer “yes” to one of these questions, and your 2007 property tax was more than 4 percent of your 2007 household income, or the rent you paid in 2007 was more than 20 percent of your household income, you probably qualify.

Other questions need to be answered on the form before it is returned, but these forms are not difficult. Refunds will be calculated by the state and are generally mailed very soon. The maximum refund available is $2,000.

If you have never applied for this refund, applications are available at your local library, town hall or senior center.

Several readers have asked about the availability of the free oil from Citizens Energy, a Massachusetts-based group that for many years has provided 100 gallons of free oil to those who qualify. As soon as I can get information about this year’s program, I will report it. Last year, applications were taken beginning in December. I have no idea what is planned for this year.

There are many resources for folks (like me) who find themselves in a pinch. Food pantries are available in nearly every town. Many whose income is truly limited may qualify for food stamps, although for the elderly this is limited. There are few transportation choices in the rural area, but in some towns bus service is available.

In the coming weeks of fall, we will be providing information on how to make it through this winter. Meanwhile, get one of those tax refund applications, ask for help if you need it, and send it in. That’s a start.