Are you finding it difficult to keep up with your energy bills in California? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. This program offers significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas, making your utility bills more affordable. But How Do You Qualify For The Care Program? This guide will walk you through the eligibility requirements and how to apply, ensuring you can take advantage of these valuable savings.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-initiated program that provides a crucial financial cushion for eligible households. By enrolling, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can substantially reduce your monthly expenses, making a real difference in your household budget. The program is funded by a surcharge on other utility customers, ensuring support for those who need it most.
Income Qualification for CARE: Are You Within the Limits?
One of the primary ways to qualify for the CARE program is based on your household income. The income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of [insert current date if easily available, otherwise keep as is based on original: effective through May 31, 2025], 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 |
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely to qualify for the CARE program based on income. It’s important to note that these guidelines are effective until May 31, 2025, and may be subject to change afterward. Always check for the most current income limits when applying.
Program-Based Qualification: Automatic CARE 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 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
If you or someone in your household is enrolled in any of these programs, you can qualify for CARE regardless of your specific income level, provided you can demonstrate enrollment.
How to Apply for the CARE Program: Connect with Your Utility Provider
The next step in accessing these energy savings is to apply for the CARE program. The application process is straightforward and begins with contacting your utility company. Each utility provider in California handles CARE applications directly. You can request an application form and get more detailed information by visiting their websites or contacting them by phone. Here’s a quick guide to the major utility companies in California and how to reach them for CARE program inquiries:
| 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 |
You can also find application forms and assistance through various community agencies. These agencies are familiar with the CARE program and can provide guidance throughout the application process.
Explore the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option to explore: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less substantial than CARE, it still offers valuable savings. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
If your income falls within the FERA guidelines, contact your electric utility to inquire about applying for this program.
Take the First Step Towards Energy Savings
Understanding how to qualify for the CARE program is the first step toward lowering your energy bills and making your household budget more manageable. Whether you qualify based on income or participation in a public assistance program, the CARE program offers significant relief. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today to request an application and start saving! For more information on low-income energy assistance programs in California, you can also visit the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) website.
