The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to assist low-income households in California with their energy expenses. Administered by utility companies like Southern California Edison (SCE), CARE provides substantial discounts on monthly electricity and natural gas bills. For eligible customers, this can mean significant savings, making energy more affordable. This article will delve into the income guidelines for the CARE program, specifically focusing on SCE customers, ensuring you have a clear understanding of eligibility and how to access this valuable assistance.
What is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program?
The CARE program is a state-mandated program that offers a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for qualifying low-income customers. This discount is crucial for families struggling to manage essential expenses, helping to alleviate the burden of high energy costs. Funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, CARE is a testament to California’s commitment to supporting its vulnerable residents.
The program is available across various utility providers in California, including Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), and SoCalGas, among others. Each utility company manages its CARE program enrollment, but the core benefits and eligibility criteria remain consistent across the state, ensuring broad access for those in need.
Income Guidelines for SCE CARE Program Eligibility
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. These income guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025. For Southern California Edison customers, as with all California utilities, the following income limits apply to determine CARE program eligibility:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To qualify for the SCE CARE program, your total household income must be at or below these limits. Household size includes all individuals living at your residence. It’s important to note that these figures represent the upper limit. If your household income falls at or below the amount corresponding to your household size, you are likely eligible for the CARE discount.
Additional Eligibility Pathways for CARE
Beyond income, there are other ways to qualify for the CARE program. Enrollment in certain public assistance programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE. These programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
If you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs, you meet the eligibility criteria for CARE, regardless of your specific income level (as long as it aligns with the requirements of the qualifying public assistance program). This provision ensures that those already receiving aid through other programs can easily access energy bill assistance as well.
How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program through Southern California Edison is a straightforward process. SCE provides several avenues for application to ensure accessibility for all customers.
To apply, you can:
- Visit the SCE Website: The quickest way to apply is often online. Navigate to the Southern California Edison website and search for “CARE program” or “assistance programs.” You will find detailed information and an online application form.
- Contact SCE Customer Service: You can call SCE directly at 800-655-4555. Customer service representatives can provide information about the CARE program, answer your questions, and send you an application form by mail.
- Community Agencies: Application forms are also available through various community-based organizations and agencies. These agencies often assist low-income individuals and families with various support services and can help with the CARE application process.
When applying, you will need to provide documentation to verify your income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. Ensure you have the necessary information ready to expedite your application.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a lower discount of 18% on electricity bills. FERA is available to customers of SCE, SDG&E, and PG&E.
Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,641 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,401 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,161 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,921 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,681 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,441 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
If your income falls within the FERA income limits, you may be eligible for this program. Contact SCE to inquire about FERA and determine if it’s the right option for your household.
Take Action and Save on Your Energy Bills
The CARE program is a crucial resource for low-income households in California, offering substantial savings on energy bills. If you are an SCE customer and believe you meet the income guidelines or participate in a qualifying public assistance program, you are encouraged to apply. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to reduce your energy expenses and make your household budget more manageable. Contact Southern California Edison today to learn more and begin your application process. You can visit the SCE CARE program website for more information and to access the application.
