Are you struggling to manage your energy expenses in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible low-income households reduce their electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re wondering, “How Do You Qualify For Care Program?”, this guide will break down the eligibility requirements and how you can access these significant savings.
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to make energy more affordable. Participating customers receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bills and a 20% discount on their natural gas bills. These discounts can make a real difference in your monthly budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential needs.
Understanding CARE Program Eligibility: Income Guidelines
One of the primary ways to qualify for the CARE program is based on your household income. The income limits are updated annually and are dependent on your household size. As of June 1, 2024, the income eligibility upper limits 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 |
These income guidelines are effective through 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.
Automatic Enrollment Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income is slightly above the standard limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. California recognizes that participation in these programs indicates financial need and automatically qualifies you for CARE. These qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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 streamlines your CARE application process, making it easier to receive energy bill discounts.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
To apply for the CARE program and start saving on your energy bills, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its CARE applications. You can request an application form and get detailed information from their websites or by phone. Here are the contact details for major utility providers in California:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | Website for CARE Program |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
Visit your utility provider’s website or call their listed number to begin your application process and learn more about how the CARE program can help you manage your energy costs.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for savings. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
While FERA has different income thresholds, it’s worth investigating if your household income is modestly higher than the CARE limits. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA program qualifications and application procedures.
By understanding the eligibility criteria for both CARE and FERA programs, you can take proactive steps to reduce your energy bills and ensure access to affordable energy in California. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider today to explore these valuable assistance programs.
