The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to assist low-income households in California with their energy expenses. If you’re a SoCalGas customer struggling to manage your natural gas bills, understanding the CARE program and its income limits could be the first step towards significant savings. This program offers substantial discounts, making energy more affordable for eligible families.
What is the SoCalGas CARE Program?
The CARE program provides a discount of 20% on natural gas bills for income-qualified customers. This discount can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, helping you allocate your budget to other essential needs. It’s a state-mandated program funded by a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring support for those who need it most.
For SoCalGas customers, enrolling in CARE means accessing crucial financial relief. The program is designed to be accessible, with eligibility based primarily on household income. Let’s delve into the specific income limits to see if you qualify.
2024-2025 SoCalGas CARE Program Income Limits
To be eligible for the SoCalGas CARE program, your household income must fall at or below certain limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. The current income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| 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 |
If your household size and income align with these limits, you are likely eligible for the SoCalGas CARE program discount. It’s important to note that these figures represent the upper limit of income eligibility.
Additional Ways to Qualify for CARE
Even if your income is slightly above the listed limits, you may still qualify for the SoCalGas CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial assistance and automatically qualify you for CARE. Qualifying 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 simplifies the CARE application process, providing an alternative pathway to energy bill relief.
Benefits of the SoCalGas CARE Program
The most direct benefit of the CARE program is the 20% discount on your monthly natural gas bill. This can translate to significant annual savings, freeing up funds for other household necessities. Beyond the financial benefit, CARE ensures that essential energy services remain accessible to low-income families, promoting household stability and well-being.
Furthermore, CARE is a stepping stone to other assistance programs. Understanding your eligibility for CARE can open doors to other resources designed to support low-income households in California.
How to Apply for SoCalGas CARE Program
Applying for the SoCalGas CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to start is by contacting SoCalGas directly. You can reach them at 800-427-2200 or visit their website dedicated to assistance programs.
Their website provides detailed information about the CARE program, including application forms and additional resources. You can also request an application form and information from community agencies in your area.
What About the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills (note that FERA is for electricity, while CARE discussed above for SoCalGas is for natural gas). FERA has slightly higher income limits than CARE. It’s worth exploring FERA if you are a customer of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, or Pacific Gas and Electric Company and narrowly miss the CARE income thresholds.
Take Action and Save on Your SoCalGas Bill
The SoCalGas CARE program is a valuable resource for eligible households struggling with energy costs. By understanding the income limits and other eligibility criteria, you can determine if your household qualifies for this significant discount. Don’t hesitate to contact SoCalGas or visit their website today to learn more and begin the application process. Reducing your energy bills can make a real difference in your monthly budget and overall financial well-being.
