Melrose Offering Financial Olive Branch For Certain Residents

MELROSE, MA — The city announced that it is currently accepting applications from qualified resident seniors to receive property tax relief through one-time distributions.

The Melrose Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief Fund was established in 2018 that is fully funded through voluntary resident donations. Mayor Jen Grigoraitis assembled a committee to manage the fund and ensure it is directed toward elderly, low income, and disabled residents earlier this year. According to the committee, funds will be awarded to the most in need. Requirements for potential applicants include being either 60 years old or classified as disabled by the American with Disabilities Act and receive a yearly salary less than $100,000.

“Although Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other state and federal assistance programs help so many people make ends meet, too many of our community members still fall through the gaps in these assistance programs and have a hard time making ends meet,” Melrose Elderly & Disabled Tax Relief Fund Committee and former Mayor Gail Infurna said. “Through the generosity of the community’s donations and with this program, we can directly deliver relief to members of our community who need it as well as meeting the established criteria.”

Grigoraitis emphasized the federal government’s hints at reducing or outright eliminating social safety net programs.