Well, if they ask the question, you have to answer it, whether it's asked for in writing, in person, or on the phone. But what you do is say something like, "My previous salary was $46,000 yearly, and for this position, depending on its exact requirements, I am expecting in the range of $X to $Y.

So, you do two things at once--you follow instructions and you let them know what your current expectations are so that you will not price yourself out of the market. But, you first need to know what your salary needs and expectations are. Along with knowing what your personally need to make, you should have some idea of what realistic salaries in your area are paying. This is true especially if you believe you will have to, and are willing to, take a pay cut. You don't want to ask for $30k to $35k if you realistically can expect $35k to $40k.

And, how do you know for sure that potential employers find you previous high--you "understand"--have they told you that? If you are told during a screening interview that the position does not pay what you were making, that's the perfect time to say, "Yes, I realize I will probably not be making what I was previously." 

Is it not possible for you to find jobs in your area that pay what you were making before? Two months seems like a very long time when you are out of a job, but in today's world, it is not very long at all for a job search. To find a good job that pays well, people routinely take 6 months or more to find a new job. Since you do not have that luxury, you might want to think about taking the first thing you are offered that comes close to your requirement, but keep looking for a better job, or take temp or contract work to keep you afloat.