Funding doubled for seniors to replace heating systems through Seniors Save

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston has more than doubled the amount of funding available to residents through the Seniors Save program which serves income-eligible seniors who need their heating systems replaced. The Senior Saves program will now make up to $8,000 in grant funding available to income-eligible seniors who are over the age of 60, up from $3,5000 available previously. This increase in funding will better reflect the costs associated with replacing a faulty heating system. 

"With cold weather approaching, we want to make sure older Bostonians can stay warm and safe this winter," said Mayor Walsh. "Our older residents 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 to provide additional resources to older Bostonians, and I encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of this program before the cold weather hits."

The new energy-efficient systems will significantly lower residents' risk of heating emergencies during cold weather and will also reduce their energy bills, enabling them to expand their budgets for other necessities. 

"Seniors Save is the best program in the City of Boston and I want to thank Mayor Walsh's Home Center. 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!" said Roslindale resident, Mr. Joseph Cappucio.

Eligible homeowners will receive up to $8,000 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 an older resident applies, 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, and will follow all COVID-19 public health guidelines when conducting work inside a residents' home.

"We are excited that the program will be even more accessible for older residents of Boston and allow them to heat their homes efficiently," said Age Strong Commissioner Emily Shea. "We are spending more time than ever at home, and this is a great benefit that will help older adults stay comfortable and save money this winter."

To qualify, residents must be 60 years of age or older and must be the occupants of residential one-to-four family property or condominium in the City of Boston. The program is open to those residents over 60 years old whose income does not exceed 80 percent of area median income, as determined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.  

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 learn more about Seniors Save and to apply for the program residents are also invited to contact 617-635-HOME.

The Department of Neighborhood Development is responsible for housing the homeless, developing affordable housing, and ensuring that renters and homeowners can find, maintain, and stay in their homes. As part of the ongoing coronavirus response, the Office of Housing Stability is also conducting tenant's rights workshops to educate residents about the eviction moratorium and their rights. The Boston Home Center continues to provide down payment assistance to first-time home buyers and home repairs for seniors and low-income residents. The Supportive Housing Division is working with various partners around the city to rapidly house individuals who are experiencing homelessness. For more information, please visit the DND website.