The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. If you’re struggling to afford your electricity and natural gas costs, understanding the Care Program Income Requirements is the first step to see if you qualify for assistance. This program offers a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills, making it a crucial resource for eligible residents.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program Based on Income?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program sets upper income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, these income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025. It’s important to check these figures to determine if your household income falls within the qualifying range.
Below is a table outlining the CARE program income requirements based on household size:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household size and income are at or below the listed limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program based on income.
Other Ways to Qualify for CARE
Besides meeting the income requirements, you can also qualify for the CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This is designed to streamline the process for those already receiving aid. Qualifying public assistance 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for CARE, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply and Get More Information
To apply for the CARE program and get detailed information about the application process, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its CARE program applications. You can reach out to them via phone or through their websites, which are listed below for your convenience:
| 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 |
What if You Exceed the CARE Income Limits? Consider FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program income requirements, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill and has higher income limits than CARE. FERA is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
| 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 |
Conclusion
Understanding the CARE program income requirements is essential for California residents seeking help with their energy bills. Whether you qualify based on income or enrollment in a public assistance program, the CARE program can offer substantial savings. If you believe you are eligible, reach out to your utility provider today to request an application and start saving on your energy costs. Don’t forget to also explore the FERA program if your income slightly exceeds CARE limits.
