Applications available for Seniors Save heating replacement program

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined Glenn and Anita McLaughlin at their Mattapan home to announce that applications are now available for Seniors Save, a program that grants $3,500 to eligible residents to use towards upgrades to their heating systems. Since the program's launch in August 2016, 134 heating systems have been replaced in homes all across the city.

"We want to make sure our seniors can stay warm and safe this winter," said Mayor Walsh. "Seniors living on fixed incomes face real challenges to afford improvements to their homes, even more with completely replacing their heating systems. I'm proud that our Home Center is able provide additional resources to Boston seniors who may need emergency repairs this winter."

Applications for the Seniors Save program are available on the  Department of Neighborhood Development's website, or by contacting one of the Boston Home Center's partner senior agencies. To qualify, residents must be at least 60 years old, own and live in a one-to-four family home in Boston, be up-to-date on property tax and Boston Water and Sewer Commission payments, and have a household income at no more than 80 percent of Area Median Income, as determined by the  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Glenn and Anita McLaughlin worked with the Seniors Save program to replace their coal-converted heating system, dating back to 1878, which required them to carry water buckets to the attic for proper operation. The Boston Home Center helped provide a contractor, SJH Mechanical, to install a new, high-efficiency heating and hot water system which will significantly reduce the family's heating costs and their maintenance requirements.

"I feel thankful and blessed for having the opportunity to be a part of Seniors Save and want to thank Mayor Walsh for this program," said Anita McLaughlin. "I encourage others to apply so they can also get a new heating system."

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.

At the event, Mayor Walsh reminded seniors to replace their aging heating systems with new, energy-efficient systems that will significantly lower their risks of heating emergencies during the winter and 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 Emily Shea, Commissioner of Affairs of the Elderly. "I encourage all eligible senior homeowners to take advantage of this great opportunity."

Senior Saves is part of Mayor Walsh's ongoing commitment to ensuring older residents in Boston have the support they need to age comfortably in Boston. Earlier this month, he signed an ordinance passed by the Boston City Council which will provide assistance to older homeowners in Boston. With the passage of this ordinance, the City of Boston will opt into Massachusetts General Law Ch. 60 §62A, which gives municipalities the ability to offer payment agreements to older homeowners who are behind on their tax payments.

To learn more about Seniors Save and to apply for the program, please call 617-635-HOME or visit the Boston Home Center website.