The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, administered by SoCalGas under the guidance of the California Public Utilities Commission, offers crucial financial assistance on your natural gas bill. This Care Program For Gas Company services aims to support eligible customers by providing a discount, making energy more affordable. To successfully apply and benefit from this program, providing the correct documentation to verify your eligibility is essential.
This guide clarifies the acceptable documents required for your CARE program application. Whether you are participating in qualifying public assistance programs or need to demonstrate your household income, understanding these requirements will streamline your application process and help you access the support you need from this valuable care program for gas company initiative.
Document Requirements for Public Assistance Programs
If you are currently enrolled in one of the qualifying public assistance programs, you can verify your eligibility for the CARE program by providing documentation of your participation. Ensure your documents are current and clearly show your enrollment. Here’s a breakdown of acceptable documents for each program:
-
Medi-Cal:
- Current letter of eligibility or Benefits Identification Card (ID card) issued within the last 12 months, showing a valid issue date.
- Form 1095-B, Health Coverage (DHCS 68-0317191).
-
Medi-Cal for Families A&B:
- Current statement showing your monthly premium amount, dated within the last 12 months.
-
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC):
- WIC Authorization Folder (WAF) with your ID Number. This must include a future-dated appointment (month/date/year) or a current WIC voucher.
- Award letter or Notice of Action letter from WIC.
- Screenshot from the WIC Phone App showing a future appointment.
-
CalWORKs (TANF), Tribal TANF:
- Current Notice of Action.
- Computer printout of your benefit letter showing current participation, dated within the last 12 months.
-
Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only:
- Current Award Letter (Notice of Action).
- Approved Head Start application.
- Statement of enrollment in Head Start.
-
CalFresh (Food Stamps):
- Current Award Letter (also known as Notice of Action).
- Letter of eligibility dated within the last 12 months.
-
Bureau of Indian Affairs – General Assistance:
- Current Notice of Action from County Social Services.
- Copy of a current check.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs ID card dated within the last 12 months.
-
National School Lunch Program (NSLP):
- Current Award or Acceptance letter that explicitly states NSLP participation.
- Current school year Acceptance Letter from your school or school district.
-
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
- Proof of direct LIHEAP payment made to your utility company.
- Copy of Energy Intake Form (CSD 43).
-
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- Notice of Planned Action dated within the last 12 months.
- Recent bank statement showing direct deposit of SSI benefits.
- IRS Form 1099.
Document Requirements for Income Verification
If you are not participating in a qualifying public assistance program, you can still be eligible for the care program for gas company discount by providing documentation to verify your household income. You will need to provide documents for all income sources currently applicable to your household. Here are the acceptable documents for various income types:
-
Wages, Salary, Paychecks, Tips, Commissions:
- Copies of your two most recent consecutive pay stubs showing gross income.
- Federal Tax Forms: Form 1040 and accompanying worksheets (Schedule(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), Form 2555, Form W-2, Form 1065, or Form 1099-M for all wage earners in the household.
-
Social Security (SS), Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Workers Compensation:
- Current statements of benefits.
- Two most recent copies of checks.
- Bank statements showing deposits of these benefits.
- IRS Form 1040 or IRS Form 1099.
-
Unemployment Benefits:
- Copy of a current check or printout from the Employment Development Department.
- Two most recent consecutive checks or check stubs.
- Award Letter/Notice of Action Letter from the Employment Development Department.
- Federal Income Tax filing with attached W2s and/or 1099s.
-
Pensions and Annuities:
- Copies of a current check.
- Annual statement from your pension plan.
- Bank statement showing pension deposit.
- Two most recent consecutive checks or check stubs.
- Most recent Award Letter/Notice of Action.
-
Disability Compensation:
- Copy of a current check.
- Printout from the agency or insurance company verifying the amount.
-
Profit from Self-Employment:
- IRS Form 1040, plus Schedule C or C-EZ.
- IRS Form 1099(s).
- Affidavit of Income (if other documents are unavailable).
-
Rental Income, Royalty Income:
- IRS Form 1040, plus Schedule E for rental income or Form 1065.
- Rental agreement specifying rent amount and affidavit.
-
Interest/Dividends from Savings Accounts, Retirement Accounts, Stocks, Bonds:
- Monthly or quarterly statement of interest income from your bank or financial agency.
- IRS Form 1040 or IRS Form 1099(s).
-
Insurance, Legal settlements:
- Settlement documents.
-
Child and/or Spousal Support:
- Most recent Court Documents showing child and/or spousal support amounts.
- Copy of a current check.
- Signed letter from the paying spouse showing the amount and frequency of support payments.
- Bank Statements.
- Affidavit of Income from recipient/Notarized Document.
-
Veteran’s Benefits:
- Letter indicating receipt of Veteran’s Pension.
- Copy of a V.A. check.
- Two most recent consecutive V.A. checks or check stubs.
-
School Grants, Scholarships, or Other Aid:
- Award Letters.
- Two most recent consecutive pay stubs.
- Copy of the check or financial statement of annual benefit from college, university, or bank.
-
Support from an Individual:
- Copy of check and statement signed by the person providing support showing the amount and frequency.
- Affidavit from the individual providing support.
-
Other sources of income:
- Documentation of other monies received by your household and used to pay your monthly bills.
-
None of the Sources Above (No Income):
- A statement explaining the sources of income used to support your household.
- Affidavit of Income.
General Guidelines for Document Submission
When submitting your documents for the care program for gas company application, please adhere to these guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly:
- Current Documents: Ensure all documents are current. Documents for program participation should generally be dated within the last 12 months.
- Clear and Readable: Provide clear and readable images or copies of your documents.
- Include Key Information: Make sure the documentation includes:
- The name of the issuing agency or website.
- Your name or the name of the household member applying.
- The date of issue (must be current or within the specified timeframe).
- The income amount, if you are providing proof of income.
- Protect Sensitive Information: For your security, please black out Social Security numbers and bank account numbers on all copies before submission.
By preparing and submitting the correct documentation, you can efficiently complete your application for the care program for gas company and access the financial assistance available to eligible customers. Remember that this program is funded by California utility customers and is subject to change or termination. Ensure you check the most recent program conditions for any updates.
