The Mission of the Sun City Community Assistance Network is to, “Connect people with resources to enhance their standard of living.”

In other words, Sun City CAN helps people save money on things like property taxes, income taxes, utilities, Medicare premiums, prescription drugs and other things.

Many benefits go unclaimed simply because people are unaware that the benefits exist. In an effort to shed light on some of the help that is available to low-income seniors, I will write a guest commentary each month about a different senior help program.

Below is a listing of benefits available for low-income seniors that some may not realize are available.

Tax refunds

Low-income Sun Cities residents may be eligible for these year-end programs.

Property tax

The Arizona Property Tax Credit is a state program that provides a refundable credit based on the amount of property tax paid during the calendar year.

It is available to qualifying low-income seniors age 65 or older and those under 65 who receive SSI. The maximum refund is $502 per year. A graduated schedule is used to determine the actual refund amount. Renters can also participate by having their landlord complete a Department of Revenue Form 201 disclosing the percentage of rent that covers property tax paid on the rental unit.

Form 201 can be downloaded at azdor.gov or you can pick them up at the Sun City CAN office, 10195 W. Coggins Drive, Sun City.

For a person living alone, the maximum annual income, over and above Social Security, is $3,751 and for households with more than one person the maximum amount, over and above Social Security, is $5,501 combining the income for everyone in the household. You must be an Arizona resident for the entire year. Again, neither Social Security, the Social Security equivalent of railroad retirement nor veterans’ disability count when determining the maximum annual income of $3,751 or $5,501. Form PTC-140 must be filed by April 15.

Excise tax

The Arizona Increased Excise Tax Refund is a program available to lower income residents of Arizona.

Eligible applicants receive a check for $25 for individuals, $50 for a married couple and up to $100 for filers with dependents. Eligibility is based on federal adjusted gross income of $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for joint filers. You need to be an Arizona resident by year’s end for this refund.

To get it

How do you claim this money?

Sun City CAN helps people file for these refunds during tax season — Feb. 1-April 15).

Last year we helped about 500 people! Appointments are available by calling 623-234-4964 between 9 a.m. and noon or by visiting the CAN office, 10195 W. Coggins Drive, Sun City.

Editor’s Note: Hugh Duncan is Sun City Community Assistance Network board president.