The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households in California manage their energy costs. Administered by utility companies like Edison, CARE provides significant discounts on monthly electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically, customers enrolled in the Edison CARE program can receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. This article will delve into the qualifications for the Edison CARE program, helping you understand if you are eligible for this valuable assistance.
To determine your eligibility for the Edison CARE program, Southern California Edison (SCE) considers two primary criteria: household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs. Let’s explore each of these in detail.
Income Qualifications for Edison CARE
One of the main pathways to qualify for the Edison CARE program is by meeting specific household income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines to qualify for CARE are as follows:
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely to qualify for the Edison CARE program based on income. It’s important to note that these income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and may be subject to change in subsequent years. Always check the official Edison website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date income guidelines.
Public Assistance Program Enrollment for CARE Eligibility
Even if your household income slightly exceeds the limits mentioned above, you may still qualify for the Edison CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This is designed to ensure that individuals and families receiving aid from other qualifying programs can also benefit from energy bill assistance.
The qualifying public assistance programs for Edison CARE include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- 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 income level (as long as it aligns with the general intent of low-income assistance programs). If you participate in any of these programs, you can provide proof of enrollment when applying for CARE to establish your eligibility.
How to Apply for Edison CARE
If you believe you meet either the income qualifications or the public assistance program enrollment criteria for Edison CARE, the next step is to apply. Southern California Edison makes it easy to apply for the CARE program. You can visit their dedicated CARE program website for detailed information and application forms:
You can also contact Edison directly for assistance with the application process and to request an application form:
Edison Emergency Payment Assistance: 866-675-6623
By understanding the Edison Care Program Qualifications, you can determine if you are eligible for this valuable energy bill assistance. Take advantage of the resources available through Southern California Edison to apply and potentially lower your monthly energy expenses.
