The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers crucial financial assistance to eligible low-income customers, providing significant discounts on their electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically for Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison) customers, understanding what counts as income for the So Cal Edison CARE program is the first step to accessing these benefits. This guide breaks down the income requirements and eligibility criteria for the SoCal Edison CARE program, ensuring you have all the necessary information.
Defining Income for CARE Program Eligibility
When determining eligibility for the SoCal Edison CARE program, it’s essential to understand how “income” is defined. The CARE program primarily considers your total gross household income. This generally includes money you receive before taxes and other deductions. Common sources of income that count towards CARE eligibility include:
- Wages and Salaries: This includes all earnings from employment, whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal.
- Self-Employment Income: If you are self-employed, your income is calculated as your gross earnings minus business expenses.
- Social Security Benefits: This includes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
- Pension and Retirement Income: Distributions from pensions, 401ks, IRAs, and other retirement accounts are generally counted as income.
- Unemployment Benefits: Payments received from unemployment insurance are considered income.
- Disability Payments: Income from state disability insurance or private disability policies counts.
- Rental Income: If you own rental property, the net rental income (after deducting expenses) is included.
- Interest and Dividends: Income earned from savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and other investments.
- Alimony and Child Support Received: Payments received for spousal or child support are counted as income.
- Public Assistance Benefits (in some cases): While enrollment in certain public assistance programs automatically qualifies you for CARE (more on this below), some cash assistance benefits themselves might be considered as income if not listed as an automatic qualifier. It’s best to clarify with SoCal Edison directly regarding specific public assistance types not explicitly listed as qualifying programs.
It is important to note that this is a general overview, and specific details can vary. For the most accurate determination of what counts as income for the So Cal Edison CARE program, always refer to the official guidelines provided by SoCal Edison or contact them directly.
SoCal Edison CARE Program Income Limits
Eligibility for the CARE program is largely based on established income limits that vary depending on household size. These income limits are updated annually and are crucial in determining if you qualify for the program’s discounts. Below are the current income guidelines for the CARE program:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To qualify for the SoCal Edison CARE program based on income, your total household income must be at or below the “Income Eligibility Upper Limit” corresponding to your household size. “Household size” includes all individuals living in your home, including yourself, your spouse, children, and any other dependents.
These income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are subject to change. It is advisable to check the SoCal Edison website or contact them for the most up-to-date income thresholds.
Automatic CARE Enrollment Through Public Assistance Programs
Beyond income limits, you can also automatically qualify for the CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This provides an alternative pathway to access the energy bill discounts. 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) / 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
If you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs, you are likely eligible for the SoCal Edison CARE program, regardless of whether your gross household income falls within the standard income limits. Enrollment in these programs serves as automatic qualification for CARE.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of SoCal Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are higher than those for CARE, making it accessible to households with slightly higher incomes who still need assistance with their energy costs. Here are the income limits for FERA:
| 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 |
If your household income falls within the FERA income guidelines but exceeds the CARE limits, you should explore the FERA program to see if you qualify for the 18% discount.
Take the Next Step: Contact SoCal Edison
Understanding what counts as income for the So Cal Edison CARE program and the associated income limits is crucial for determining your eligibility. If you believe you qualify for either the CARE or FERA program, or if you have any questions regarding income or application procedures, the best course of action is to contact SoCal Edison directly.
You can reach SoCal Edison at 866-675-6623 or visit their website dedicated to the CARE program for detailed information and application forms. Taking advantage of these programs can significantly reduce your energy expenses and ensure access to affordable energy.
