Applications now available for Seniors Save Heating System Replacement Program

BOSTON - Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that applications are now available for Seniors Save, a proactive program that helps income eligible seniors replace failing or inefficient heating systems before winter begins. Senior Saves is now being adopted as a permanent program, following a successful pilot program that began one year ago.

"With cold weather approaching, we want to make sure our seniors can stay warm and safe," said Mayor Walsh. "Seniors living on fixed incomes may not always be able to afford important improvements to their homes or new heating systems. I'm proud that the City of Boston's Home Center is able provide the additional resources Boston seniors need so that they won't be cold this winter."

The Mayor made this announcement at the home of a longtime Roslindale resident Mr. Joseph Cappuccio. Mr. Cappuccio worked with the Boston Home Center's Seniors Save program to replace two boilers in his two family home in 2016.

"Seniors Save is the best program in the City of Boston and I want to thank Mayor Walsh's Home Center," said Mr. Joseph Cappuccio. "The workers did an excellent job. I've told other seniors about this great program so they can also get a new heating system like me!"

The Mayor reminded seniors to replace their aging heating systems with new, energy efficient systems that will significantly lower their risks of heating emergencies during cold weather and will also reduce their energy bills, enabling them to expand their budgets for other necessities.

"I love the Seniors Save program. We see people every day in our office that have trouble making ends meet and this program can really make a difference," said Commissioner of Affairs of the Elderly Emily Shea. "I encourage all eligible senior homeowners to take advantage of this great opportunity."

Applications for the Seniors Save program are currently available through the Boston Home Center (BHC), by visiting the Department of Neighborhood Development's website, or by contacting one of the BHC's partner senior agencies. To qualify, income-eligible seniors must be 60 years of age or older and must be the occupants of a residential one-to-four family property or condominium in the City of Boston. The program is open to seniors whose income does not exceed 80 percent of median family income, as determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.  

Eligible homeowners will receive a $3,500 grant towards upgrades to their heating systems. Any additional funding is available in the form of a zero percent interest, deferred loan, which will only be payable on the sale of the property, a refinance or transfer of the title. Once a senior citizen submits an application, BHC Construction Specialists will work with the homeowner on the scope of the project, and will help select a contractor from the BHC's pre-approved, licensed and insured contractor list. A BHC Construction Specialist will then oversee the work from start to finish.

To learn more about Seniors Save and to apply for the program residents are invited to contact (617) 635-HOME, or visit the Boston Home Center website.