Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills in California? Southern California Edison (SCE) offers the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program to provide significant discounts to eligible low-income households. This program can substantially reduce your electricity and natural gas expenses, making your bills more manageable. Applying for the California Edison CARE program online is a convenient way to access these benefits.
The CARE program is designed to assist customers with a 30-35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts are crucial for families and individuals who meet the income guidelines or participate in specific public assistance programs.
Who is Eligible for the California Edison CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program uses income thresholds that are updated annually. As of June 1, 2024, 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 |
Even if your income slightly exceeds these limits, you might still qualify if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 participate in any of these programs, you automatically meet the eligibility criteria for the California Edison CARE program.
How to Apply for the California Edison CARE Program Online
Applying for the CARE program through Southern California Edison is straightforward, especially with the online application process. To start your application online, follow these steps:
- Visit the SCE CARE Program Website: Go to the official Southern California Edison website and navigate to their CARE program page. You can easily find it by searching for “Edison CARE program” or “CARE program application online” on any search engine, or by directly accessing the link provided on the original article table.
- Check Eligibility: Before starting the application, review the income guidelines and qualifying public assistance programs to ensure you meet the requirements.
- Complete the Online Application: The website provides a user-friendly online application form. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and participation in any qualifying public assistance programs.
- Submit Required Documentation (if necessary): In some cases, you might need to upload documents to verify your income or program participation. Ensure you have these documents ready in digital format.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you’ve entered before submitting your application.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. Like CARE, FERA is also available to Southern California Edison customers.
| 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 |
Don’t Delay – Apply for the California Edison CARE Program Today
Lowering your energy bills can significantly impact your household budget. The California Edison CARE program provides a valuable opportunity to receive much-needed financial assistance. Take advantage of the online application process and see if you qualify for these discounts. Visit the Southern California Edison website today to start your application and take a step towards more affordable energy bills. For any questions or further assistance, contact Edison directly using the details provided on their website.
