Discount Program Criteria

Dear Framingham Resident: 

 The criteria as set forth by the Board of Selectmen for water and/or sewer customers to participate in the FY26 Water and Sewer Discount program are as follows: 

a) Applicants must be age 65 or older. Applicants must provide proof of age at the time of application, such as a valid driver’s license or a copy of a birth certificate. Applicants whose information is on file from previous years will not be required to provide proof of age again. 

b) Residents qualified for personal tax exemptions enrolled in the City of Framingham’s Property Tax Assistance Program under sections 22- 22P (Veterans) or Section 37A (Blind Persons). Enrolled participants will be automatically enrolled in the discount program. No application is required. 

c) Residences that the owner occupies or, if held in trust, by a beneficiary of the trust (as long as the owner or trust beneficiary lives in the residence and meets the criteria for eligibility). Applicants must provide documentary proof of residency at the time of application, such as a valid driver’s license, current utility bill, or redacted tax return. If the property is held in trust, the applicant must provide a copy of the Declaration of Trust and Schedule of Beneficiaries along with the application. Applicants whose information is on file from previous years will not be required to provide information again unless the information has changed from the previous year. 

d) First-time applications will be accepted anytime, and the discount will be applied to the next bill following application approval. New applicants must submit proof of income at the time of application. Sensitive information may be redacted before submitting it. The applicant’s adjusted gross income cannot exceed the following limits: 

• $45,000 for a single person 
• $56,000 for a head of household 
• $67,000 for married persons filing jointly 

e) All residents currently enrolled under section A must renew each year to receive the upcoming fiscal year discount. Renewal applications are due on or before June 1 each year to allow staff adequate time to update customer records and are subject to approval. Renewal applicants are not required to submit proof of income, although they are required to attest that they continue to meet the income criteria. The City reserves the right to request verification at its discretion. 

f) There will be no retroactive adjustments if applications are not received by the due date. 

g) The discount will include water and/or sewer use charges across all tiers. Irrigation meters are not eligible. 

h) The discount will amount to a 25% reduction of domestic water and sewer charges for single-family residences, a 12.5% reduction for two-family residences, and an 8.33% reduction for three-family residences. 

k) Widows or widowers who had previously met the eligibility requirements for the discount, but due to the death of their spouse no longer meet the age requirement, shall be grandfathered to continue participation in the program under the following conditions: 

1. The widow or widower is at least 60 years of age. 

2. The widow or widower continues to satisfy all of the other requirements of the policy as contained herein.