Swampscott seniors staying active through work abatement program

SWAMPSCOTT – The Senior Work-Off Abatement Program is a hit among seniors – it keeps them active and allows them to work off a portion of their taxes at the same time.The program offers up to 27 seniors who are 60 years old or older the opportunity to earn a credit of up to $750 on their property tax bill by working for the town in various capacities.Seniors are used in varying positions in town including the senior center, working in polling places on Election Day, answering phones in Town Hall and stuffing envelopes for various departments in town.Selectman Marc Paster, who serves as the liaison between the Council on Aging and the Board of Selectmen, said the program is a win-win for everyone.”Initially I brought this up to Town Meeting and it has been very successful,” he said. “It gives seniors a break on their taxes and they perform an important function in town. It has worked out extremely well. I wish we had more available funding because I’d like to expand the program.”Any senior who lives alone and has an annual income of $45,000 or less is eligible for the program and a household of two seniors, with a combined income of $60,000 or less is eligible.Applications for the program are available in the Assessor’s Office, 837 Humphrey St. Assistant Assessor Donna Champagne O’Keefe said applications must be returned by Nov. 30. The town only has 27 slots so if there are more qualified applicants than slots, a lottery would be held.O’Keefe said filling out an application does not guarantee the maximum allowable abatement of $750 because it depends on how much work is available and each applicant’s ability to perform the required work.In addition to the work abatement program, there are numerous other tax deferral and tax exemption programs available to seniors.Anyone who needs assistance with applying for deferments or abatements should call the Assessors Office at 781-596-8858.