Applying for the SoCalGas CARE program can significantly lower your monthly gas bill, making energy more affordable. To ensure your application is processed smoothly, it’s crucial to provide the correct documentation to verify your eligibility. This guide outlines the acceptable documents you can submit, whether you’re demonstrating participation in qualifying public assistance programs or providing proof of household income.
Acceptable Documents for Proof of Participation in Public Assistance Programs
If you are applying for the SoCalGas CARE program based on your participation in certain public assistance programs, you will need to provide current documentation. Ensure that any document you submit clearly shows your participation in one of the programs listed below.
Medi-Cal
To verify Medi-Cal participation, you can provide:
- A current letter of eligibility or your Benefits ID card with a valid issue date within the last 12 months.
- Form 1095-B, Health Coverage DHCS 68-0317191.
Medi-Cal for Families A&B
For Medi-Cal for Families A&B, submit:
- A current statement showing your monthly premium amount, dated within the last 12 months.
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
For WIC program verification, acceptable documents include:
- Your WIC Authorization Folder (WAF) with your ID Number, ensuring it has a future dated appointment including 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.
CalWORKs (TANF), Tribal TANF
To prove participation in CalWORKs or Tribal TANF, provide:
- A current Notice of Action, or a computer printout of your benefit letter showing current participation dated within the last 12 months.
Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only
For Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only) verification, submit:
- A current Award Letter (Notice of Action), an approved Head Start application, or a statement of enrollment in Head Start.
CalFresh (Food Stamps)
To verify your CalFresh benefits, you can use:
- A current Award Letter (also known as 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 are:
- A current Notice of Action from County Social Services, a copy of a current check, and/or an ID card dated within the last 12 months.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
To demonstrate participation in the National School Lunch Program, provide:
- 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)
For LIHEAP verification, you can submit:
- Proof of direct payment to the utility or a copy of your Energy Intake Form (CSD 43).
- Proof of LIHEAP Payment made to the utility company.
Supplemental Security Income
To verify Supplemental Security Income, acceptable documents are:
- A Notice of Planned Action dated within the last 12 months or a recent bank statement showing direct deposit.
- IRS Form 1099.
Acceptable Documents for Proof of Income
If you are applying for the SoCalGas CARE program based on household income, you must provide documentation for all income sources currently applicable to your household. Alternatively, you can submit a complete copy of your most recent federal income tax return, provided it includes all sources of household income.
Wages, Salary, Paychecks, Tips, Commissions
For income from wages, salary, paychecks, tips, or commissions, you can provide:
- Copies of your two most recent consecutive pay stubs showing gross income.
- Relevant Federal Tax Forms: Form 1040 and accompanying worksheets Schedule(s) 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, or Form 2555, or Form W-2, or Form 1065 or Form 1099M for all wage earners.
Social Security (SS), Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Workers Compensation
To document income from Social Security, SSI, SSDI, or Workers Compensation, submit:
- Current statements of Benefits, two most recent copies of Checks, Bank Statements showing deposits, IRS Form 1040, or IRS Form 1099.
Unemployment Benefits
For unemployment benefits, acceptable documents include:
- A copy of your current check or a 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.
- Your Federal Income Tax filing with attached W2s and/or 1099s.
Pensions and Annuities
To verify pension and annuity income, provide:
- Copies of a current check, an annual statement from your pension plan, or a bank statement showing pension deposits.
- Two most recent consecutive checks or check stubs.
- Your most recent Award Letter/Notice of Action.
Disability Compensation
For disability compensation income, submit:
- A copy of a current check, or a printout from the agency or insurance company verifying the amount.
Profit from Self-Employment
To document profit from self-employment, acceptable documents are:
- IRS Form 1040, plus Schedule C or C-EZ.
- IRS Form 1099(s).
- An Affidavit of Income.
Rental Income, Royalty Income
For rental or royalty income, provide:
- IRS Form 1040, plus Schedule E for rental income or Form 1065.
- A rental agreement specifying the rent amount and an affidavit.
Interest/Dividends from Savings Accounts, Retirement Accounts, Stocks, Bonds
To verify income from interest or dividends, submit:
- A monthly or quarterly statement 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, provide:
- Settlement documents.
Child and/or Spousal Support
To document child and/or spousal support, acceptable documents include:
- Your most recent Court Documents showing child and/or spousal support amounts, or a copy of a current check, or a signed letter from the paying spouse showing the amount and frequency.
- Bank Statements.
- An Affidavit of Income from the recipient/Notarized Document.
Veteran’s Benefits
For Veteran’s Benefits, you can submit:
- A letter indicating receipt of Veteran’s Pension or a copy of your V.A. check.
- Your V.A. two most recent consecutive checks or check stubs.
School Grants, Scholarships, or Other Aid
To verify school grants, scholarships, or other aid, provide:
- 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
For income from support from an individual, 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 sources of income not listed above, provide:
- Documentation of other monies received by your household and used to pay your monthly bills.
None of the Sources Above
If none of the above sources apply to your household income, provide:
- A statement explaining the sources of income used to support your household.
- An Affidavit of Income.
Important Note: When providing screenshots or copies of documents, ensure they are clear and readable, include the name of the issuing agency or website, your name (or the household member’s name), a current date (or within the last 12 months), and the amount if demonstrating income proof. For your protection, please black out Social Security and/or bank account numbers on all copies.
The CARE program is funded by California utility customers and administered by SoCalGas under the California Public Utilities Commission. Program funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Please be aware that this program may be modified or terminated without prior notice, and eligibility requirements apply. Refer to the program conditions for complete details to ensure you successfully apply for the Socalgas Com Care Program.
