The SoCalGas CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) program provides crucial financial assistance to eligible customers, helping to lower their monthly natural gas bills. To determine eligibility for this program, SoCalGas requires applicants to provide documentation verifying their participation in certain public assistance programs or demonstrating their household income. This guide outlines the acceptable documents you can submit to confirm your eligibility for the SoCalGas CARE program.
To successfully apply for the CARE program and receive discounted gas rates, you must furnish current documentation. This documentation serves as proof of your enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program or evidence of your household’s current income situation. You have the option to submit documents from the lists below or, as an alternative, provide a complete copy of your most recent federal income tax return, provided it encompasses all income sources for your household.
When submitting documentation, whether it’s a screenshot or a physical copy, ensure it meets the following criteria for clarity and verification:
- Image Clarity: The document image must be clear and easily readable, allowing for quick verification of the details.
- Issuing Authority: The name of the agency or website that issued the document must be clearly visible, confirming its legitimacy.
- Applicant Identification: The document must include the name of the customer or the relevant household member to verify the applicant’s identity.
- Date Validity: The document date must be current or issued within the last 12 months to reflect your present circumstances. For specific documents like Medi-Cal benefits ID cards or CalWORKs notices, ensure the issue date falls within this timeframe.
- Income or Benefit Amount: If the document is intended as proof of income or participation in a benefit program, the amount must be clearly stated.
Important Security Note: For your personal security, it is crucial to redact or black out any Social Security numbers and bank account numbers on all copies of documents you submit. This precautionary step helps protect your sensitive information during the application process.
Acceptable Documents for Public Assistance Program Participation
If you are participating in one of the following public assistance programs, you can provide the corresponding documents as proof of eligibility for the SoCalGas CARE program.
Medi-Cal
- Eligibility Letter or Benefits ID Card: Submit a current letter of eligibility from Medi-Cal or your Benefits Identification Card. Ensure the ID card has a valid issue date within the last 12 months to be considered current.
- Form 1095-B, Health Coverage (DHCS 68-0317191): This form, related to health coverage, can also serve as proof of Medi-Cal participation.
Medi-Cal for Families A&B
- Current Premium Statement: Provide a recent statement (dated no older than 12 months) that clearly shows the monthly premium amount you are currently paying for Medi-Cal for Families A&B.
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
- WIC Authorization Folder (WAF): Submit your WIC Authorization Folder (WAF) which includes your ID Number. It must have a future dated appointment including month/date/year, or include a current WIC voucher.
- Award Letter or Notice of Action Letter: An official award letter or Notice of Action letter from the WIC program can also be used.
- WIC Phone App Screenshot of Appointment: A screenshot from the WIC phone application showing a scheduled appointment can serve as valid documentation.
CalWORKs (TANF), Tribal TANF
- Notice of Action or Benefit Letter: Provide a current Notice of Action or a computer printout of your benefit letter. This document must demonstrate current participation and be dated within the last 12 months.
Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only
- Award Letter, Application, or Enrollment Statement: Submit a current Award Letter (Notice of Action), an approved Head Start application, or a statement confirming your enrollment in Head Start.
CalFresh (Food Stamps)
- Award Letter or Eligibility Letter: Provide a current Award Letter (also known as Notice of Action) or a letter of eligibility from CalFresh, dated within the last 12 months.
Bureau of Indian Affairs – General Assistance
- Notice of Action, Check Copy, or ID Card: Submit a current Notice of Action from County Social Services, a copy of a current check, or an ID card, all dated within the last 12 months.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Award or Acceptance Letter (NSLP Explicitly Stated): Provide a current Award or Acceptance letter that explicitly states participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- School Year Acceptance Letter: A current school year Acceptance Letter from your school or school district is also acceptable.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Proof of LIHEAP Payment: Documentation showing direct payment to the utility company or a copy of the Energy Intake Form (CSD 43) can be used. Proof of LIHEAP Payment to Utility is also acceptable.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Notice of Planned Action or Bank Statement: Submit a Notice of Planned Action dated within the last 12 months or a recent bank statement showing direct deposit of SSI benefits.
- IRS Form 1099: An IRS Form 1099 can also be provided as proof of SSI.
Acceptable Documents for Income Verification
If you are not participating in a public assistance program, you must provide documentation to verify all sources of income for your household. Below are examples of acceptable documents for various income sources.
Wages, Salary, Paychecks, Tips, Commissions
- Recent Pay Stubs: Submit copies of your two most recent consecutive pay stubs. These should clearly show your gross income.
- Federal Tax Forms: You can also provide Federal Tax Forms such as Form 1040 and accompanying worksheets Schedules 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, or Form 2555, or Form W-2, or Form 1065 or Form 1099M for all wage earners in the household.
Social Security (SS), Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Workers Compensation
- Benefit Statements, Checks, or Bank Statements: Provide current statements of benefits, the two most recent copies of checks, or bank statements showing deposits from Social Security, SSI, SSDI, or Workers Compensation.
- IRS Forms: IRS Form 1040 or IRS Form 1099 can also be submitted as proof of income from these sources.
Unemployment Benefits
- Check Copy or EDD Printout: Submit a copy of your current unemployment check or a printout from the Employment Development Department (EDD).
- Check Stubs: Two most recent consecutive check or check stubs from unemployment benefits are also acceptable.
- Award Letter/Notice of Action: An Award Letter or Notice of Action Letter from the Employment Development Department can be used.
- Federal Income Tax Filing: Federal Income Tax filing documents with attached W2s and/or 1099s can also serve as proof.
Pensions and Annuities
- Pension Checks or Statements: Copies of your current pension check, an annual statement from your pension plan, or a bank statement showing pension deposits are acceptable.
- Check Stubs: Two most recent consecutive pension check or check stubs.
- Award Letter/Notice of Action: The most recent Award Letter or Notice of Action related to your pension or annuity.
Disability Compensation
- Check Copy or Agency Printout: Provide a copy of your current disability compensation check, or a printout from the agency or insurance company that verifies the amount of compensation.
Profit from Self-Employment
- IRS Forms: Submit IRS Form 1040, along with Schedule C or C-EZ, which detail profit from self-employment.
- IRS Form 1099(s): IRS Form 1099(s) relevant to your self-employment income.
- Affidavit of Income: In some cases, an Affidavit of Income may be accepted to verify self-employment profit.
Rental Income, Royalty Income
- IRS Form 1040 with Schedule E or Form 1065: Provide IRS Form 1040, plus Schedule E for rental income, or Form 1065 for partnership income which may include royalties.
- Rental Agreement and Affidavit: A rental agreement specifying the rent amount, along with an affidavit, may be considered.
Interest/Dividends from Savings, Retirement Accounts, Stocks, Bonds
- Interest Income Statements: Monthly or quarterly statements of interest income from your bank or financial agency.
- IRS Forms: IRS Form 1040, or IRS Form 1099(s) that detail interest and dividend income.
Insurance, Legal Settlements
- Settlement Documents: Submit official settlement documents from insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Child and/or Spousal Support
- Court Documents or Support Checks: Provide the most recent Court Documents that specify child and/or spousal support amounts, or a copy of a current support check.
- Letter from Payer: A signed letter from the spouse paying support, detailing the amount and frequency of payments.
- Bank Statements: Bank statements showing regular deposits of child or spousal support.
- Affidavit of Income: An Affidavit of Income from the recipient or a notarized document may be required.
Veteran’s Benefits
- VA Benefit Letter or Check: A letter indicating receipt of Veteran’s Pension or a copy of a V.A. check.
- VA Check Stubs: Two most recent consecutive V.A. check or check stubs.
School Grants, Scholarships, or Other Aid
- Award Letters, Pay Stubs, or Financial Statements: Award Letters, two most recent consecutive pay stubs, or a copy of the check or financial statement of annual benefit from your college, university, or bank.
Support from an Individual
- Support Check and Statement: A copy of a check and a signed statement from the person providing support, indicating the amount and frequency of support.
- Affidavit from Individual: An Affidavit from the individual providing support may also be necessary.
Other Sources of Income
- Income Documentation: Provide documentation of any other monies received by your household that are used to pay monthly bills.
No Income Sources Listed Above
- Statement Explaining Income Sources: If none of the above income sources apply to your household, provide a statement explaining the sources of income used to support your household.
- Affidavit of Income: An Affidavit of Income may also be required in this situation.
The CARE program is funded by California utility customers and is administered by SoCalGas under the authority of the California Public Utilities Commission. Program funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Please note that the SoCalGas CARE program may be modified or terminated without prior notice, and eligibility requirements apply. For complete details on eligibility and program conditions, please refer to the official program guidelines.
