The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. This crucial program offers significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible residents. Understanding the Care Program Income Limits is the first step in determining if you qualify for these valuable savings.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program provides a substantial reduction in utility expenses for eligible households. Participants in the CARE program receive a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. This financial assistance can be a significant help for families struggling to afford essential utilities.
Who is Eligible for CARE?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. However, enrollment in certain public assistance programs can also qualify you for CARE, regardless of your specific income level.
Income Limits for CARE Program
To qualify for CARE based on income, your total household income must be at or below the specified limits. These income thresholds are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. The current income limits, effective through May 31, 2025, are detailed below:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds these limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in one of the following public assistance programs:
- 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
CARE Program Benefits and Discounts
The CARE program offers significant discounts to help make energy bills more manageable. The level of discount depends on the size of the utility company. Larger electrical corporations, those with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California, provide a 30% – 35% discount on electricity bills. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. All CARE participants also receive a 20% discount on their natural gas bills.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income is slightly above the CARE program income limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program provides another option for energy bill relief. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. The income limits for FERA, also effective through May 31, 2025, are as follows:
| 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 |
How to Apply for CARE Program
To apply for the CARE program and begin saving on your energy bills, you can request an application form and further information directly from your utility company. You can contact them by phone or visit their websites. Application forms are also often available through various community agencies.
| 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 |
Conclusion
The California CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for helping low and moderate-income families in California afford their energy bills. Understanding the care program income limits and eligibility criteria is essential to accessing these benefits. If you believe you may qualify, contact your utility provider today to learn more and begin the application process. These programs are funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, demonstrating a community effort to support energy affordability for all.
