The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re wondering “How Does Care Program Work?”, it essentially provides significant discounts on your monthly electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically, CARE participants receive a discount of 30-35% on their electric bills and a 20% discount on their natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for those who qualify.
Eligibility for the CARE Program: Is It Right for You?
Understanding how the CARE program works also involves knowing who can benefit from it. Eligibility is primarily based on your household income. As of the latest guidelines, effective through May 31, 2025, the income limits are structured 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
It’s important to note that these income limits are updated and may change, so always check the most current guidelines. Beyond income, you can also qualify 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 makes you eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program: Getting Started
To access the benefits of the CARE program and start saving on your energy bills, the next step is to apply. The application process is straightforward: you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program enrollment.
Here’s a table with contact information and website links for major utility providers in California to help you get started with your application:
| 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 either call the provided phone numbers or visit the websites to find application forms and detailed instructions. The websites are excellent resources for understanding specific requirements and completing your application online.
Understanding FERA: An Additional Assistance Program
Beyond CARE, California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is designed for households whose income is slightly above the CARE limits but still need assistance with their electricity bills. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills.
Here are the income guidelines 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, especially if it’s slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking your eligibility for this additional support. Like CARE, you can inquire about FERA through your utility provider.
Conclusion: Making Energy Affordable with CARE
In summary, the CARE program is a crucial initiative in California that helps low-income residents manage their energy expenses. By providing substantial discounts on electricity and gas bills, CARE ensures that essential energy services are more accessible. If you believe you are eligible based on income or participation in public assistance programs, reaching out to your utility provider is the first step to potentially lowering your monthly bills and taking advantage of this valuable program. Don’t hesitate to contact them today to learn more and begin your application.
