Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? The Edison Care Program Income guidelines could be your key to significant savings. As a homeowner or renter in Southern California Edison’s service area, understanding the income requirements for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program can unlock substantial discounts on your monthly energy expenses.
The CARE program is a state-wide initiative designed to assist low-income households in managing their utility costs. Participants in the CARE program receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. For eligible Edison customers, this translates into considerable financial relief, making energy more affordable and easing household budgets.
Understanding Edison CARE Program Income Eligibility
Eligibility for the Edison CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program utilizes specific income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. These income thresholds ensure that the program effectively reaches those who need assistance most.
Below are the current income guidelines to determine if you qualify for the Edison CARE program based on your Edison CARE program income:
| 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 Edison CARE program, your total gross household income must be at or below the income limits shown in the table above. These income limits are effective through May 31, 2025. It’s important to check for updated guidelines after this date, as they may be adjusted annually.
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for the Edison CARE program, regardless of your specific Edison CARE program income.
What if Your Income Slightly Exceeds CARE Limits? The FERA Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a 18% discount on your electricity bill.
FERA has higher income limits than CARE, designed to assist families who are just above the CARE threshold but still need help managing energy costs. FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 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 |
Take Action: Apply for the Edison CARE Program Today
Don’t let high energy bills strain your finances. Check your Edison CARE program income against the guidelines provided and see if you qualify for significant discounts.
To apply for the CARE program or to get more information, contact Edison directly:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| Edison |
Visit the Edison website or call their dedicated assistance line to request an application form and learn more about how the CARE and FERA programs can help you save on your energy bills. Start saving money today by taking advantage of these valuable California energy assistance programs!
