The rising cost of living can be a significant challenge, and utility bills are a consistent expense for every household. For eligible, low-income households in California, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers substantial relief by providing discounts on electricity and natural gas bills. This state-level initiative, sometimes broadly referred to in public discourse related to support programs, aims to ease the financial burden of energy costs, ensuring access to essential utilities. While not a “Federal Cares Program” in name, the CARE program embodies the spirit of government assistance to vulnerable populations, mirroring the intent of broader social support frameworks.
The CARE program offers a significant discount to help make energy more affordable. Customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in household budgets, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
To determine if you qualify for these savings, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria. The CARE program is primarily based on household income, but enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies you.
Who is Eligible for the California CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is determined through two main pathways: income guidelines and enrollment in public assistance programs.
Income Guidelines for CARE Eligibility
Your household income must be at or below specific limits to qualify for CARE. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, these are the income eligibility upper limits:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
This table outlines the maximum gross annual income your household can earn to be eligible for the CARE program based on the number of people living in your home. It is important to note that these guidelines are effective until May 31, 2025, and are subject to change.
Public Assistance Program Enrollment for Automatic CARE Qualification
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a household’s need for financial assistance, automatically making participants eligible 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, as proof of participation often serves as automatic qualification.
How to Apply for the CARE Program and Get Assistance
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages CARE applications for its service area. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program directly from them. Many utility companies also have CARE program information and application forms available on their websites.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major utility providers in California, making it easy for you to reach out and inquire about CARE:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
You can use the phone numbers provided to speak directly with a representative or visit the websites for online resources and application forms. Application forms are also often available through community agencies, expanding access points for those who may need in-person assistance.
Understanding FERA: Additional Support for Families
California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program for families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households served by Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, recognizing the continued need for assistance even at slightly higher income levels. Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 is above the CARE limits but within the FERA limits, and you are a customer of the participating utilities, you should inquire about the FERA program. Contact your electric utility company to determine your eligibility and apply.
Conclusion: Accessing Energy Assistance in California
The California CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for low- and moderate-income households in California, helping to manage energy costs and improve affordability. While the concept of a “federal cares program” might represent a broader aspiration for nationwide support, state-level initiatives like CARE demonstrate a commitment to assisting residents with essential expenses.
If you believe you may be eligible for CARE or FERA, reaching out to your utility company is the first step towards accessing these valuable benefits. By taking advantage of these programs, eligible households can achieve significant savings on their energy bills, contributing to greater financial stability and well-being.
