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Financial Assistance Summary
Savings and Exemptions for Natick Residents
Introduction
The Town of Natick, the Commonwealth and other agencies offer a variety of programs to help reduce taxes, water/sewer charges and many 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 family, friends and neighbors 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 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.
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 $900, 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.
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.
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) 542-4187.
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.
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.
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.
Home Heating: many households qualify for help with Human Services at (508) 647-6519 or Council on Aging at (508) 647-6540.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund: the Salvation Army provides fuel assistance. Call Human Services at (508) 647-6519.
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) 353-2239 for more information.
SMOC 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.
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.
In addition to the services and programs described in this summary and provided by or through the Town of Natick, the Natick Service Council is a local, non-profit organization that provides many services to residents. Call (508) 655-1791 or visit www.NatickServiceCouncil.org.
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 September 19, 2008
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