The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses 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 Care Program Income Guidelines is your first step towards potential relief. This program offers a substantial 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills for eligible customers.
Navigating the CARE Program: Income Eligibility and How to Qualify
To determine if you qualify for the California CARE program, income is a key factor. The program sets specific income limits based on household size to ensure assistance reaches those who need it most. These income guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are crucial for determining your eligibility. Below are the current CARE income guidelines, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 clearly outlines the maximum gross annual income your household can earn to qualify for the CARE program. For instance, a household of four can have an annual income of up to $62,400 to be eligible. It’s important to note that these guidelines are in effect from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025.
Multiple Pathways to CARE Program Eligibility
Income isn’t the only determinant for CARE program eligibility. California understands that low-income status is often reflected in participation in other public assistance programs. Therefore, enrollment in certain programs automatically qualifies you for CARE, regardless of your specific income level (as long as it meets the general low-income criteria of those programs). These 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
If you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs, you are very likely to be eligible for the CARE program. This streamlined eligibility process ensures that those already receiving assistance can also benefit from reduced energy costs.
Exploring Additional Support: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another valuable program: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households. This program acts as a safety net, extending assistance to families who are still income-constrained but might not qualify for CARE. FERA is currently available for customers of major utilities like Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
| 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 |
Reviewing the FERA income guidelines can help you determine if this program is a better fit for your household’s financial situation.
Taking the Next Step: Application and Contact Information for Your Utility Provider
Ready to apply or need more details? The next step is to contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with application forms and answer any specific questions you have about the CARE program income guidelines or the application process. Here’s a handy table with contact information and website links for major California utility providers:
| 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 |
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider to explore your eligibility and start saving on your energy bills today. California’s CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources designed to make energy more affordable for eligible households.
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