Melrose Offering Property Tax Assistance Through Donation-Funded Program

The mayor formed the Melrose Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief Fund Committee to manage the distribution of assistance for residents.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Nov 11, 2026 11:09 AM EST

Melrose established the fund in 2018, allowing taxpayers to make voluntary donations through their municipal bills. (Dakota Antelman/Patch)

MELROSE, MA — The city is once again accepting applications for a program that provides property tax relief to qualifying residents.

The Melrose Elderly and Disabled Tax Relief Fund will offer awards of up to $1,000, with applications due by Jan. 15, 2027. The fund is supported entirely through voluntary resident donations and is intended to assist taxpayers who may not qualify for other aid programs.

Applicants must be at least 60 years old or have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and confirmed through a doctor's letter or government determination. Fiscal year 2026 annual incomes should be below $100,000, with preference given to those with the lowest incomes.

Awards will be given to applicants who demonstrate the greatest need. City officials emphasized that assistance is not guaranteed and that the fund's capacity will remain limited until additional donations are received. Residents who applied for assistance in 2025 can apply again.

"The generous and neighborly support of Melrose residents can make a big difference to people in need in our community," Mayor Jen Grigoraitis said. "I hope that Melrose residents will support the fund and our other local voluntary donation resources by visiting the City website or when paying their next excise tax bill."

Melrose established the fund in 2018, allowing taxpayers to make voluntary donations through their municipal bills. Grigoraitis formed the Melrose Elderly & Disabled Tax Relief Fund Committee in 2025 to manage the distribution of assistance, particularly for residents who do not qualify for other relief programs.

Former Mayor Gail Infurna chairs the committee, which works with the Assessor's Office to review applications and determine eligibility.

"I am pleased that Mayor Grigoraitis formed the Elderly and Disability Tax Relief Fund Committee," Infurna said. As chair, our focus is to assess (with the help of the Assessor's Office) and award those applicants that apply for assistance with their real estate bill if they meet the criteria."

Other city programs supported through voluntary donations include an Emergency Fund for residents experiencing financial emergencies and a Veterans Fund for veterans living in Melrose who need emergency assistance. The Melrose Scholarship Fund supports post-secondary scholarships, while the Education Fund provides supplemental funding for local educational needs or adult literacy programs.

Residents can download an application online or pick up a copy at the Assessors Office on the first floor of City Hall.

Signed applications and required documentation must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2027. Materials can be emailed, dropped off, or mailed to the Assessors Department at City Hall on 562 Main St.