Are you a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer struggling to manage your energy bills? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, designed to help income-qualified households reduce their electricity costs. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who need it most. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the CARE program with Edison, ensuring you can access the financial assistance you deserve.
The CARE program provides a substantial discount of 30-35 percent on your electric bill. This discount can significantly ease the financial burden of monthly expenses, allowing you to allocate your resources more effectively. Administered by utility companies like Edison, CARE is a state-mandated program funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring support for low-income residents.
To determine if you qualify for the Edison CARE program, there are two primary eligibility pathways: income-based eligibility and enrollment in public assistance programs.
Income-Based Eligibility:
Your household income must be at or below specific income limits to qualify for CARE. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, as detailed below:
| 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 household size and income fall within these limits, you are likely eligible for the Edison CARE program.
Public Assistance Program Enrollment:
Even if your income slightly exceeds the income limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial support and automatically qualify you for CARE. Eligible programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 CARE discount with Edison.
Applying for the CARE Program with Edison:
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. Southern California Edison provides multiple avenues to apply, ensuring accessibility for all customers. Here’s how you can apply:
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Online Application: The most convenient method is to apply directly through Edison’s website. Visit the SCE CARE program website and look for the online application form. The online application is user-friendly and guides you through each step, making it easy to complete and submit your application.
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Phone Application: If you prefer to apply over the phone or need assistance with the application process, you can call Edison’s dedicated CARE program phone line at 866-675-6623. Customer service representatives are available to answer your questions, guide you through the application, and even complete the application on your behalf.
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Mail Application: For those who prefer a paper application, you can download and print the CARE program application form from the Edison website or request one to be mailed to you by calling the phone number above. Once you have completed the paper application, you can mail it to the address provided on the form.
Required Information and Documents:
Regardless of the application method you choose, you will need to provide certain information and documentation to verify your eligibility. This typically includes:
- Applicant Information: Name, address, phone number, and Edison account number.
- Household Size: The number of people living in your household.
- Income Verification: Documentation to verify your household income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or W-2 forms. If qualifying through a public assistance program, you may need to provide proof of enrollment, like a program award letter or identification card.
- Signature: Your signature certifying the accuracy of the information provided.
Additional Assistance: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a lower discount of 18 percent on your electricity bill but has higher income thresholds, accommodating families who are just above the CARE income limits.
FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are as follows:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If you don’t qualify for CARE due to income but are close to the limit, explore the FERA program as another avenue for energy bill relief. Contact Edison to inquire about FERA and its application process.
Conclusion:
Managing energy costs can be a significant challenge for many households. The CARE program, offered by Edison, provides crucial financial relief to eligible low-income customers. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process outlined in this guide, you can take the first step towards lowering your electricity bills and achieving greater financial stability. Don’t hesitate to contact Edison directly through their website or phone line to begin your application and access the support you deserve. Take control of your energy expenses today by applying for the CARE program.
