Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills in Southern California? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, offered by Southern California Edison (SCE). This program provides significant discounts to help low-income households manage their electricity expenses. If you’re wondering how to apply for the SCE CARE program, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Understanding the SCE CARE Program
The SCE CARE program is designed to assist eligible customers by offering a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bills. This substantial reduction can make a real difference in your monthly budget, ensuring you can maintain essential energy services without financial strain. The program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, making it a community effort to support those in need.
Checking Your Eligibility for SCE CARE
Eligibility for the SCE CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The income limits are updated annually and are effective until May 31, 2025. Here are the current income guidelines:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the SCE CARE program.
Besides income, you can also qualify if you are currently 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 qualifies you for CARE, simplifying the application process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the SCE CARE Program
Applying for the SCE CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
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Visit the SCE CARE Program Website: The easiest way to start your application is by visiting the official Southern California Edison CARE program website. You can find it by searching “SCE CARE program” on any search engine or directly navigating to https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/care-fera.
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Review Eligibility Requirements: Double-check the eligibility requirements on the website to ensure you meet the income guidelines or participate in a qualifying public assistance program.
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Complete the Online Application: SCE provides an online application form that you can fill out directly on their website. This is the quickest and most convenient method. The application will ask for information about your household size, income, and whether you participate in any qualifying public assistance programs.
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Gather Necessary Documents (If Required): In some cases, you might need to provide documentation to verify your income or enrollment in a public assistance program. This could include:
- Proof of income (like pay stubs, tax returns, or social security statements).
- Proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program (like a benefit award letter).
- Your SCE account number.
The online application will guide you on whether you need to submit any documents and how to do so.
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Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the online form and attached any required documents, submit your application through the website.
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Wait for Confirmation: After submitting your application, SCE will review it to determine your eligibility. You will typically receive a notification regarding the status of your application within a few weeks.
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Contact SCE for Assistance: If you prefer to apply offline or need assistance with the application process, you can contact SCE directly.
- Phone: Call SCE’s dedicated assistance line at 866-675-6623.
- Website: Use the contact options available on the SCE website for further inquiries.
Additional Assistance: The FERA Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s designed for families with slightly higher incomes who still need help managing energy costs. Contact SCE to inquire about FERA if you think you might qualify.
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 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 |
Conclusion
Navigating financial assistance programs can seem daunting, but applying for the SCE CARE program is a simple process that can provide significant relief on your energy bills. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following these steps on how to apply for the SCE CARE program, you can take control of your energy expenses and ensure your home remains comfortable and powered. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Southern California Edison for any assistance you may need – help is available to make energy more affordable for eligible households.
