The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. If you’re a resident of California struggling to afford your electricity and natural gas, understanding the income limits for the CARE program is the first step to potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually.
The CARE program offers a substantial discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for eligible customers. This financial relief can make a significant difference for families and individuals with limited incomes. To determine if you qualify for these savings, it’s crucial to know the income thresholds.
Understanding the CARE Program Income Limits
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program sets upper income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the current income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025. These limits are based on household size to accommodate varying needs.
The following table outlines the income eligibility upper limits for the California CARE program:
| 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 |
To qualify for CARE, your total gross household income must be at or below the income limit corresponding to your household size. It’s important to note that these income limits are subject to change, so always verify the most current guidelines with your utility provider or the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Additional CARE Program Eligibility Criteria
Besides income, you can also qualify for the CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that individuals already receiving aid from other low-income support systems can also benefit from reduced energy costs. Qualifying public assistance programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / CalFresh / 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 makes you eligible for CARE, regardless of your specific income level, streamlining the application process for those already receiving assistance.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a lower discount of 18% on electricity bills. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E).
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, designed to assist households that are still income-constrained but don’t qualify for the deeper CARE discounts. Here’s a comparison of income limits for both CARE and FERA programs for larger households:
| Household Size | CARE Income Limit (200% Federal Poverty) | FERA Income Limit (250% Federal Poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 limits but exceeds the CARE limits, you should inquire about the FERA program with your utility provider.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the California CARE program is straightforward. The best way to apply is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company has its own application process and can provide you with the necessary forms and information. You can typically find CARE program applications and information on your utility provider’s website.
Here are the contact details and website links for major California utility companies offering the CARE program:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | Programs |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
Numerous community agencies also distribute CARE program applications. The CARE program is funded by a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, highlighting a collective effort to support low-income households in California.
Conclusion
Understanding the income limits for the California CARE program is essential for determining your eligibility for energy bill assistance. If your household income falls within the specified limits, or if you participate in a qualifying public assistance program, you are encouraged to apply. The CARE program and the FERA program are valuable resources for reducing your energy expenses and making your utility bills more affordable. Contact your utility provider today to learn more and begin your application process.
