Utility assistance available in Merced County

The city of Merced is helping to publicize a program that could assist low-income families who need help paying sewer, water and garbage bills.

Tucked inside the November utility bills sent out by the city is a notice about the Drought Water Assistance Program, a Merced County Community Action Agency program meant to help families pay up to two months of their entire utility bills.

The families that are accepted would be eligible to receive a minimum of $150. Merced County residents at risk of having their utilities shut off because of nonpayment are eligible to receive up to $500.

The applications and payments are being handled by the Merced County Community Action Agency, a nonprofit corporation that has been designated by the federal government to combat poverty in the county.

Anyone applying for the assistance must meet income eligibility requirements. A single person can’t earn more than $972.50 a month or $11,670 a year, while the maximum income for a family of four is $1,987.50 a month or $23,850 a year.

Applicants are required to provide proof of income, the most recent water bill and a California ID, as well as Social Security cards for all adults in the household.

Funds are limited and are being distributed countywide on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release. Appointments with an agency employee to assess an applicant’s eligibility for the program are usually available on Tuesday or Thursday, according to agency staff.

For an application or for additional information, call the Merced County Community Action Agency at (209) 723-4565. The agency’s Merced office is at 1235 W. Main St.

More information is also available at the agency’s website, www.mercedcaa.org.

This story was originally published November 2, 2014 at 6:35 PM with the headline "Utility assistance available in Merced County."