An old boiler or furnace can fail at the worst time, often in the middle of a Boston winter. Replacing one can cost far more than most seniors on a fixed income can afford.
If you’re 60 or older and own a home in Boston, you may qualify for up to $12,000 in grants to repair or replace an aging heating system through the city’s Seniors Save program.
If the project costs more than the grant covers, a 0% interest deferred loan may help pay the remaining balance.
Here’s how the program works, who qualifies and how to apply.
What Does Seniors Save Offer?
The City of Boston’s Seniors Save program helps eligible older homeowners repair or replace aging heating systems.
The program offers:
- Up to $12,000 in grants toward eligible heating system repairs or replacement.
- Contractor assistance to help coordinate the work.
- A 0% interest deferred loan to cover remaining eligible project costs, if needed.
The city says many repairs may be covered entirely by the grant. However, the amount of assistance depends on the project, and some homeowners may need a loan to cover additional costs.
Do You Have to Repay the Loan?
The grant portion does not have to be repaid under the program’s standard terms, but the deferred loan is different.
A deferred loan generally doesn’t require regular monthly payments. However, Boston requires the loan to be repaid in full if you:
- Sell your home.
- Move out of the property.
- Refinance your mortgage.
- Transfer the title of your home.
Before accepting a loan, make sure you understand how much you’ll owe and when repayment could be required.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for Seniors Save, you must meet the city’s eligibility requirements.
These include:
- Age: You must be 60 or older.
- Homeownership: You must own and live in a one- to four-family home in Boston.
- Income: Your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- City accounts: You must be current on your property taxes, mortgage payments and water bills.
There’s an important exception for Allston and Brighton residents.
If you live in either of these Boston neighborhoods, the program allows household incomes of up to 120% of the Area Median Income.
That means some homeowners in Allston or Brighton may qualify even if their income is too high for the standard 80% limit.
If you own a multifamily property, at least 50% of its residents must be low- or moderate-income.
Income limits depend on household size and may change, so check the current Seniors Save guidelines before applying.
What Isn’t Covered?
Seniors Save is not a reimbursement program.
If you’ve already replaced your heating system, you cannot use Seniors Save to get reimbursed for that completed work.
The program is designed to help eligible homeowners arrange repairs or replacement through its application and approval process.
If your heating system is getting old or unreliable, it’s worth checking your eligibility before paying for a replacement yourself.
Is There Other Home Repair Help?
Yes. The Boston Home Center also offers other assistance programs, including a separate Senior Home Repair loan program.
This program may help eligible older homeowners pay for repairs and improvements, but its requirements are different from Seniors Save.
You can explore the available options on the Boston Home Center’s Home Repair and Improvement Loan Programs page.
The city also works with community organizations, including Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), to help residents navigate certain home repair assistance programs.
How Do You Apply?
Start by visiting the City of Boston’s Seniors Save page.
Review the eligibility requirements and follow the city’s instructions to begin the application process.
Be prepared to provide documentation such as:
- Proof of age.
- Proof of homeownership and occupancy.
- Income information for household members.
- Information about financial assets.
- Documentation showing you’re current on property taxes, mortgage payments and water bills.
The Boston Home Center can explain the application process, required documents and available assistance.
Remember to apply before replacing your heating system. Work that’s already been completed isn’t eligible for reimbursement through Seniors Save.
Relief Recap
Boston’s Seniors Save program may help eligible homeowners age 60 and older receive up to $12,000 in grants to repair or replace an aging heating system.
If the work costs more, a 0% interest deferred loan may cover the remaining eligible expenses. Unlike the grant, that loan must be repaid when certain events occur, including selling, moving, refinancing or transferring the home.
Most applicants must meet an income limit of 80% of the Area Median Income, but homeowners in Allston and Brighton may qualify with incomes up to 120% AMI.
If your heating system is aging, visit the official Seniors Save program page to check your eligibility before paying for repairs or replacement.
Getting help before your system fails could make a major home expense more manageable.
