Are you finding it challenging to keep up with your energy bills? California residents may be eligible for significant financial relief through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative is designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses, ensuring access to essential utilities. Understanding your Care Program Status and the benefits available can make a substantial difference in your household budget.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program? Understanding Eligibility
The CARE program offers a substantial discount on your energy bills: a 30-35 percent discount on electricity and a 20 percent discount on natural gas. Eligibility is primarily based on your household income and size. As of June 1, 2024, and effective through May 31, 2025, the income limits are as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you may also automatically 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 these programs simplifies the care program status verification process.
How to Check Your CARE Program Status and Apply
To determine your care program status and initiate the application, the first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility provider manages CARE applications for its customers. You can request an application form and gather detailed information through their websites or by phone. Here’s a helpful table with contact information for major California utilities:
| 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 |
These utilities are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, ensuring standardized program guidelines while allowing for direct application processes through each company. You can also find application forms at numerous community agencies throughout California, offering in-person assistance if needed.
Exploring Additional Support: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
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. Currently, FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are:
| 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 |
Contact your electric utility provider to inquire about FERA and determine if your family qualifies for this additional support.
Conclusion: Take Action on Your CARE Program Status
Understanding your care program status and exploring available energy assistance programs like CARE and FERA is a proactive step towards managing your household expenses. These programs are funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers and overseen by the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB), ensuring support for those who need it most. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today to learn more, apply, and potentially lower your energy bills. Securing your care program status can provide valuable financial relief and peace of mind.
