 |
Financial Assistance Summary
Savings and Exemptions for Natick Residents
Updated February 2010
Introduction
This is a summary of some of the programs offered by the Town of Natick, the Commonwealth and other agencies to reduce taxes, water/sewer charges and other expenses for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, income-qualified households and others. We encourage residents to make use of these programs, and to refer others who may be eligible. Participation is confidential.
To help you make informed decisions about these programs and many other opportunities, the Human Services Department is available to answer questions and provide helpful information. Call (508) 647-6519 to get started.
If you would like one ore more copies of the paper version of the Financial Assistance Summary, please contact the Human Services Department at (508) 647-6519 or send an email message to humanservices@natickma.org. Please be sure to include your address and phone so we can contact you with any questions.
In addition to these programs, the Natick Service Council addresses basic needs of Natick residents through its food pantry, eviction/utility shut-off prevention, dental care access, case management and referral, all from a new, expanded facility at 2 Webster Street. Call (508) 655-1791.
Program Descriptions
Tax Assistance
Property Tax Circuit Breaker: for qualifying seniors, the Property Tax Circuit Breaker may reduce your state income taxes by up to $960, or give you a rebate. Call the Council on Aging at (508) 647-6540.
Property Tax Exemptions: Natick offers tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, legally blind and other qualifying taxpayers to the fullest extent allowed by state law. Requirements vary for different exemptions. Contact the Assessors at (508) 647-6420 for information and assistance.
Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund: this program is funded by voluntary contributions to support qualifying Natick taxpayers. Contact the Assessors office at (508) 647-6420 to learn more or to apply.
Tax work-off program: qualifying homeowners age 60+ may earn a property tax discount of $750 for working in a Town office, doing rewarding work that helps the community. The rate is $8/hour. Call the Council on Aging at (508) 647-6540.
Tax deferral program: qualifying homeowners age 65+ may defer all or part of their property taxes until the property is sold or transferred. The Town then receives deferred taxes plus 4.5% annual interest. Contact the Assessors at (508) 647-6420.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): a refundable federal tax credit for people with low to moderate incomes, to help individuals and families improve their standard of living. Taxpayers must meet certain eligibility requirements and file a tax return. Human Services: (508) 647-6519.
Tax abatements: residents who believe that their real estate, motor vehicle or personal property was incorrectly assessed may contact the Assessors to request an abatement through an appeal process. The appeal period varies based on the particular tax. Call the Assessors at (508) 647-6420.
Child Tax Credit (CTC): reduces federal tax obligation by up to $1000 per qualifying child under 17, based on adjusted gross income. Call your tax advisor or Human Service at (509) 647-6519.
School Fee Assistance
School Fee Exemptions: fees for school-related services such as transportation, lunch, sports, arts participation, after- and before-school programs and field trips may be waived or reduced. To learn more, call the School Department business office at 508-647-6493.
Water/Sewer Assistance
Water/Sewer discount: if you have been granted certain local tax exemptions, you may be automatically enrolled in the lowest water and sewer rate. Information, forms and assistance are available from the Assessors office; call (508) 647-6420.
Employment
SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program): Assessment, skills training, temporary, part-time job placement for unemployed older (55+) unemployed workers. Contact Operation Able at (617) 542-4180.
Opportunity Knocks: ”Employment Board” for local temporary, part- and full-time job opportunities are posted at the Kennedy Senior Center, 117 East Central Street, Natick.
Housing and Home Heating Assistance
Affordable Housing: rental and home ownership opportunities are available for eligible households. Contact the Selectmen’s office for more information at (508) 647-6410.
BayPath Elder Services: provides advocacy and services to enable older people to live independently and comfortably in the community, while promoting well-being and dignity. Call (508) 573-7200 or visit their web site.
Disabled accommodation: if you paid for home improvements to accommodate a household member age 60+ with a disability, you may qualify for a property tax exemption. Contact the Assessors at (508) 647-6420. The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission offers no/low-interest loans for home modifications: call (617) 204-3739 or visit their web site.
Housing subsidies: Natick Housing Authority and the South Middlesex Opportunity Council provide state or federal, elderly, disabled or Section 8 housing programs. Call the NHA at (508) 653-2971 or SMOC at (508) 620-2335.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund: the Salvation Army provides fuel assistance. Call Human Services at (508) 647-6519.
The Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program provides heating assistance during the cold weather months to eligible households, apartment buildings, shelters and Native American tribes in each state where the program operates. Working together with local oil dealers and fuel assistance agencies, we seek to ease some of the burdens felt by low-income individuals and families when temperatures turn cold. The Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program is no longer accepting online applications for the 2010 winter season. To apply, please call 1-877-563-4645. Please click here to learn about other assistance organizations and programs in Massachusetts.
NStar offers several Financial Assistance Programs including arrears forgiveness, discount rates, payment plans and other options for households.
Veterans’ Services
Veterans’ Services: The Veterans’ Agent provides referrals and assistance to Natick veterans and their dependents for a wide range of programs and services. Call Veterans’ Services at (508) 647-6545.
Food, Clothing, Children and Household
SERVE Food Distribution: this program provides a significant discount on food costs. No income/age limits; participants volunteer in the community. Call Council on Aging (508) 647-6540.
Natick’s Open Door is an all volunteer organization that provides an evening meal every Thursday at 5:00PM to anyone who wishes to attend. Meals are served in Sherrill Hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church across from the central Fire Station. Call (508)-655-1708 for more information.
BayPath Elder Nutrition Program provides a noontime meal at the Senior Center, or home delivered for housebound seniors. Meets 1/3 of daily nutritional requirements; $2 requested donation. Call the Council on Aging at (508) 647-6540.
Toys for Tots as part of comprehensive case management; call Natick Human Services at (508) 647-6519.
Camp Wonderland Vouchers: The Salvation Army provides vouchers for summer programs for youth and seniors; call Human Services at (508) 647-6519.
Pay-As-You-Throw bags are available from the Town to residents who qualify for water/sewer discounts, and from the Natick Service Council (508) 655-1791 for its clients.
Natick Early Childhood Network: resources/referrals to community programs and services, including financial assistance for childcare, preschool and many other programs to help families with young children. Call (508) 655-2557 or click this link for more information.
Kids Connect offers tutoring, after-school programs and workshops for grades 2-12. Call (508) 652-4211 or click this link for more information.
Natick Service Council provides toys and all the components for children’s birthday parties, as well as backpacks of school supplies for families in need of assistance. Call 508-655-1791. or visit their website for more information.
Health Services
Mental Health/Counseling Services: Natick Human Services helps residents without this health coverage or unable to make the co-payment; call (508) 647-6519.
Mass MedLine: eliminate or reduce prescription drug costs through this state program. Call (866) 633-1617 or visit MassMedLine.com.
SHINE: Serving the Health Needs of Elders provides insurance advice for elders and Medicare recipients. Contact the Council on Aging at (508) 647-6540.
Supporting Smiles is the Natick Service Council's program for children and adults who need basic dental care. Call (508) 655-1791 to learn about eligibility.
Bounce for Better Health offers free exercise classes and fresh fruits and vegetables through the Natick Service Council. Call 508-655-1791 or visit the Natick Service Council's
Feedback wanted!
Is this Financial Assistance Summary helpful to you? Please send your comments to the Natick Town Administrator’s office by telephone (508 647-6410); by mail (13 East Central Street, Natick MA 01760) or email selectmen@natickma.org. Thanks for your suggestions.
Note: certain links on this page are to independent organizations and state agencies. The Town of Natick is not responsible for content or services provided by these organizations.
revised February 11, 2010
| |
