Are you a California resident concerned about your energy bills? You might be wondering, “Do I qualify for the CARE program?” The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. This article will break down the CARE program, its eligibility requirements, and how you can determine if you qualify for this valuable assistance.
The CARE program offers substantial relief to eligible customers, providing a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This can make a significant difference in managing household finances. The primary goal of CARE is to ensure that essential energy services remain affordable for those who need help the most.
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify for CARE?
Determining whether you qualify for the CARE program involves considering two main categories of eligibility: income-based and program-based. Let’s explore each of these to help you understand if you meet the requirements.
Income-Based Eligibility
The most common way to qualify for CARE is through income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are based on household size. For the period effective through May 31, 2025, the income guidelines are as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely to qualify for the CARE program based on income. Household income includes the combined income of all residents in your home.
Program-Based Eligibility
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. California recognizes that participation in these programs is a strong indicator of financial need. Qualifying 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically makes you eligible for the CARE program, regardless of your specific income level (as long as it aligns with the requirements of the qualifying program itself).
How to Apply for the CARE Program
If you believe you qualify for the CARE program based on either income or program participation, the next step is to apply. The easiest way to apply and get more detailed information is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages CARE applications for its service area.
Below is a table with contact information and website links for major utility providers in California. You can reach out to them via phone or visit their websites to access application forms and learn more about the CARE program.
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
Application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income residents. The CARE program is funded by a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, demonstrating a collective effort to support those in need. Income limits are reviewed and potentially adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation and economic changes.
Exploring Further Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another helpful program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are slightly higher than those for CARE. If your household income is within the FERA guidelines, you may qualify for this additional assistance. The income limits effective through May 31, 2025, for FERA are:
| 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 you think you might be eligible for FERA, especially if you narrowly miss the CARE income limits, it’s worth contacting your electric utility company to inquire about the program and its application process.
Conclusion
Navigating energy bills can be challenging, especially for households with limited income. The CARE and FERA programs in California offer vital support by reducing energy costs for eligible residents. By understanding the eligibility criteria for the CARE program, you can take the first step towards potentially lowering your monthly utility expenses. If you believe you qualify, reach out to your utility provider today to request an application and begin saving on your energy bills. These programs are valuable resources designed to make energy more affordable for those who need it most in California.
