The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re struggling to pay your electricity and natural gas bills, understanding Care Program Eligibility is the first step towards accessing significant financial relief. This program offers substantial discounts, making energy more affordable for eligible customers throughout California.
What is the California CARE Program and How Can it Lower Your Energy Bills?
The CARE program provides a crucial safety net for eligible households by offering discounts on monthly utility bills. 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 significantly reduce your monthly expenses, allowing you to allocate your budget to other essential needs. This financial assistance is made possible through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring that those who need help the most receive it.
Determining Your CARE Program Eligibility: Income and Public Assistance
Care program eligibility is primarily determined by two key factors: your household income and participation in certain public assistance programs. Let’s break down each of these criteria:
Income Eligibility for CARE
Your total household income must be at or below specific income limits to qualify for CARE. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the current income guidelines, effective through May 31, 2025, are as follows:
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
If your household size and income fall within these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program based on income.
Public Assistance Program Eligibility for CARE
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you may still meet care program eligibility if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Participation in any of the following programs automatically qualifies you for CARE:
- 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
Enrolling in CARE through public assistance program participation simplifies the application process, as your enrollment in these programs serves as proof of eligibility.
How to Apply for the CARE Program and Get Energy Bill Assistance
To apply for the CARE program and start receiving discounts on your energy bills, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company has dedicated resources and application forms available. You can reach out to them via phone or visit their websites for online applications and further details on care program eligibility and the application process.
| 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 |
This table provides direct links to the CARE program pages for major California utility providers, making it easy to find the specific information and application for your area.
Exploring Additional Assistance: The 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 energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
To determine FERA program eligibility, consider these income limits, also effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If your income falls within these FERA guidelines, contacting your electric utility provider is the next step to explore this additional assistance program.
Take the Next Step Towards Affordable Energy
Understanding care program eligibility is essential for accessing vital energy bill assistance in California. By reviewing the income guidelines and public assistance program criteria outlined above, you can determine if you qualify for CARE or the FERA program. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company to request an application, ask questions, and begin the process of lowering your energy costs today.
