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Federal aid to help seniors pay utility bills

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: April 11, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - A fresh injection of federal funds will help pay up to $600 toward utility bills for older Pasco County residents struggling to make ends meet during the recession.

The county this week inked a deal under which it is accepting $151,548 in federal aid for the ongoing Emergency Home Energy Assistance program. That's supposed to be enough money to help 233 people who are 60 or older.

"More than ever people need assistance with electric" bills, Adelaida D. Reyes, Pasco's community services director, said in a phone interview. "That's the number one request we get."

The number of requests for help has almost doubled compared to previous years, Reyes observed.

Applicants with past-due utility bills can get help, according to the memo submitted to county commissioners at their April 7 meeting.

A couple with up to $1,821 in income per month could qualify under the federal guidelines. The income yardstick is calculated at 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

For more information about eligibility, people can call Pasco's human services division at 727-834-3297.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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