Are you a Southern California Edison (SCE) customer struggling to manage your energy bills? You might be eligible for significant savings through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative is designed to help low-income households reduce their electricity costs, making energy more affordable. Understanding the CARE program and how to access the application form is the first step towards financial relief.
Understanding the Southern California Edison CARE Program
The Southern California Edison CARE program offers substantial discounts to eligible customers. If you qualify, you can receive a 30-35% discount on your electric bill. This discount can significantly ease the financial burden of monthly utility expenses, ensuring access to essential energy services for those who need it most. The CARE program is funded by a surcharge paid by other utility customers, reflecting a community effort to support vulnerable households.
Eligibility for the SCE CARE Program
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines 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 |
These income limits are effective until May 31, 2025, and are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living.
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 the Southern California Edison CARE discount, simplifying the application process.
How to Get the Southern California Edison CARE Program Form
Applying for the Southern California Edison CARE program is straightforward. You can access the application form through several convenient methods:
- Online Download: The quickest way to get the Southern California Edison Care Program Form is to visit the official SCE website. Navigate to their “Assistance Programs” or “CARE” section, where you should find the form available for download in PDF format. You can typically find the CARE program information on the SCE website.
- Request by Phone: If you prefer to receive a physical copy of the form, you can call Southern California Edison directly at 866-675-6623. Request a CARE program application form, and they will mail it to your address.
- Community Agencies: Numerous community-based organizations and agencies throughout Southern California also distribute CARE program forms. These agencies often provide assistance with completing the application as well. Contacting local community centers or social services organizations can provide another avenue for obtaining the form and application support.
Once you have obtained and completed the Southern California Edison CARE program form, carefully follow the instructions for submission, which are usually detailed on the form itself or on the SCE website.
Explore Other Assistance Programs: FERA
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 an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less substantial than the CARE discount, FERA can still provide valuable savings. Contact Southern California Edison to inquire about FERA eligibility and application procedures if you believe your income might be too high for CARE but still need assistance.
Conclusion
The Southern California Edison CARE program is a vital resource for low-income households in Southern California, offering significant discounts on energy bills. By understanding the eligibility requirements and knowing how to obtain the Southern California Edison CARE program form, you can take a significant step towards managing your energy costs and ensuring access to affordable electricity. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Southern California Edison or visit their website to access the form and begin your application process today.
