Understanding Acceptable Documents for the Gas Company CARE Program

Ensuring you have the correct documentation is crucial when applying for the Gas Company’s CARE program. This program, funded by California utility customers and administered by SoCalGas under the guidance of the California Public Utilities Commission, offers financial assistance on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible customers. To successfully apply and benefit from the Care Program For Gas Company services, you must provide proof of participation in qualifying public assistance programs or demonstrate your household income. This guide outlines the acceptable documents needed to verify your eligibility and ensure a smooth application process.

Document Requirements for Program Participation

To prove your participation in a public assistance program, you will need to provide current documentation. It’s important to ensure that the documents are up-to-date, generally within the last 12 months, unless specified otherwise. Below are the types of programs and their corresponding acceptable documents:

Medi-Cal

For Medi-Cal verification, you can submit either:

• A current letter of eligibility or your Benefits Identification Card. This card must have a valid issue date within the last year.
• Form 1095-B, Health Coverage DHCS 68-0317191.

Medi-Cal for Families A&B

If you are enrolled in Medi-Cal for Families A&B, provide a current statement that clearly shows your monthly premium amount. This statement should not be older than 12 months.

Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)

To demonstrate WIC participation, any of the following are acceptable:

• Your WIC Authorization Folder (WAF) with your ID Number. This must include a future-dated appointment (month/date/year) or a current WIC voucher.
• An Award Letter or Notice of Action letter from WIC.
• A screenshot from the WIC Phone App showing your upcoming appointment.

Alt: WIC Authorization Folder document example, acceptable for gas company CARE program application.

CalWORKs (TANF), Tribal TANF

For CalWORKs or Tribal TANF, submit a current Notice of Action or a computer printout of your benefit letter. This document must show your current participation and be dated within the last 12 months.

Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only

Applicants using Head Start eligibility must provide one of these documents:

• A current Award Letter (Notice of Action).
• An approved Head Start application.
• A statement confirming enrollment in Head Start.

CalFresh (Food Stamps)

To verify CalFresh benefits, provide a current Award Letter (also known as a Notice of Action) or a letter of eligibility dated within the last 12 months.

Bureau of Indian Affairs – General Assistance

For Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, acceptable documents include:

• A current Notice of Action from County Social Services.
• A copy of a current check.
• An ID card dated within the last 12 months.

National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

Verification for NSLP requires:

• A current Award or Acceptance letter that explicitly states NSLP.
• A current school year Acceptance Letter from your school or school district.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

To prove participation in LIHEAP, you can submit:

• Proof of direct payment to the utility company.
• A copy of the Energy Intake Form (CSD 43).
• Proof of LIHEAP Payment made to the utility.

Alt: LIHEAP payment proof example, used for CARE program eligibility verification with gas company.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

For SSI verification, you may provide:

• A Notice of Planned Action dated within the last 12 months.
• A recent bank statement showing direct deposit of SSI.
• IRS Form 1099.

Document Requirements for Income Verification

If you are not participating in any of the public assistance programs listed, you can still qualify for the care program for gas company services by providing documentation of all current income sources for your household. Alternatively, a complete copy of your most recent federal income tax return, including all household income sources, is also acceptable.

Wages, Salary, Paychecks, Tips, Commissions

To verify income from wages, salary, tips, or commissions, provide:

• Copies of your two most recent consecutive pay stubs showing gross income.
• Any of the following Federal Tax Forms: Form 1040 with relevant schedules (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), Form 2555, Form W-2, Form 1065, or Form 1099-M for all wage earners in the household.

Social Security (SS), Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Workers Compensation

For income from Social Security, SSI, SSDI, or Workers Compensation, acceptable documents include:

• Current statements of benefits.
• Two most recent copies of checks.
• Bank statements showing deposits.
• IRS Form 1040 or IRS Form 1099.

Unemployment Benefits

To verify unemployment benefits, you can submit:

• A copy of a current check or printout from the Employment Development Department.
• Two most recent consecutive checks or check stubs.
• An Award Letter/Notice of Action Letter from the Employment Development Department.
• Federal Income Tax filing with attached W2s and/or 1099s.

Pensions and Annuities

For pension and annuity income, provide:

• Copies of a current check.
• An annual statement from your pension plan.
• A bank statement showing pension deposit.
• Two most recent consecutive check or check stubs.
• Your most recent Award Letter/Notice of Action.

Disability Compensation

To verify disability compensation, submit:

• A copy of a current check.
• A printout from the agency or insurance company confirming the amount.

Profit from Self-Employment

For self-employment income, acceptable documents include:

• IRS Form 1040, plus Schedule C or C-EZ.
• IRS Form 1099(s).
• An Affidavit of Income.

Rental Income, Royalty Income

To verify rental or royalty income, provide:

• IRS Form 1040, plus Schedule E for rental income or Form 1065.
• A rental agreement specifying the rent amount, along with an affidavit.

Interest/Dividends from Savings Accounts, Retirement Accounts, Stocks, Bonds

For interest and dividend income, submit:

• Monthly or quarterly statements of interest income from your bank or agency.
• IRS Form 1040 or IRS Form 1099(s).

Insurance, Legal Settlements

For income from insurance or legal settlements, settlement documents are required.

Child and/or Spousal Support

To verify child or spousal support, you can provide:

• Recent court documents showing support amounts.
• A copy of a current check.
• A signed letter from the paying spouse detailing the amount and frequency of payments.
• Bank Statements.
• An Affidavit of Income from the recipient or a Notarized Document.

Veteran’s Benefits

For Veteran’s benefits, acceptable documents are:

• A letter indicating receipt of a Veteran’s Pension.
• A copy of a V.A. check.
• Two most recent consecutive V.A. check or check stubs.

School Grants, Scholarships, or Other Aid

To verify school grants, scholarships, or aid, provide:

• Award Letters.
• Two most recent consecutive pay stubs.
• A copy of the check or financial statement of annual benefit from the college, university, or bank.

Support from an Individual

If you receive support from an individual, you can submit:

• A copy of a check and a statement signed by the person providing support, showing the amount and frequency.
• An Affidavit from the individual.

Other Sources of Income

For any other income sources, provide documentation of any monies received by your household and used to pay monthly bills.

No Income from the Above Sources

If none of the above income sources apply to you, submit:

• A statement explaining the sources of income used to support your household.
• An Affidavit of Income.

Important Notes on Documentation

When submitting documents for the CARE program for gas company assistance, keep the following in mind:

• Clarity: Ensure all images and copies of documents are clear and readable.
• Identification: Documents must include the name of the issuing agency or website, your name or the household member’s name, and a relevant date (current or within the last 12 months).
• Income Proof: If providing income proof, the document must show the amount.
• Privacy: For your protection, remember to black out Social Security numbers and bank account numbers on all copies.

The CARE program represents a valuable resource for eligible customers to receive assistance with their gas bills. By preparing the correct documentation as outlined in this guide, you can effectively apply for the program and take advantage of the available support. Remember that program funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so timely application with complete and accurate documents is advisable. The program terms are subject to change, so always refer to the latest guidelines for the most current information.