If you’ve received a notification regarding high energy use and the renewal of your California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program discount, it’s crucial to act promptly to maintain your benefits. The California Public Utilities Commission mandates that even those receiving bill discounts must verify their eligibility if their energy consumption reaches 400% or 600% above the baseline. If you’ve surpassed this threshold, you are required to provide proof of continued eligibility. Failure to respond by the deadline specified in your notification letter will result in the termination of your discount.
This guide outlines the necessary steps to complete your Care Program Renewal Application and ensure your continued participation in the CARE program. If you have received a high energy use renewal letter, please carefully follow the steps detailed below.
Step 1: Provide Proof of Income for Every Adult in Your Household
The first step in your care program renewal application is to furnish proof of income for every adult (18 years or older) residing in your household. This is a mandatory requirement to validate that your total annual household income remains within the CARE income guidelines. It’s important to understand that income encompasses all sources of financial support, both cash and non-cash, including benefits and subsidies received by anyone living in your home.
To protect your personal information, please remember to black out Social Security numbers and bank account numbers on all copies of documents you provide. While submitting a tax transcript is optional, it can be used as proof of non-filing if applicable. You can obtain a free IRS transcript of your tax return or IRS verification of non-filing by visiting IRS.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or calling 1-800-908-9946 (and selecting option 2).
The table below details the specific documents required based on the type of income received. Please note that additional documentation may be requested to complete your care program renewal application.
| Type of Income | Required Documents (Additional documents may be requested) |
|---|---|
| Wages, salary, tips, commissions | Two consecutive paycheck stubs OR Written affidavit from employer for cash wages AND Two recent consecutive bank statements. |
| SSI, SSP, SSA, SSDI, pensions and annuities, workers compensation, unemployment benefits, foster care, veterans benefits. | Benefit/award letter AND Two recent consecutive bank statements showing the deposits. |
| Family or Monetary Support | Letter from person(s) providing support, including name, address, phone number, signature, and monthly or annual amount of support AND Two recent consecutive bank statements showing the amount(s). |
| School grants, scholarships, or other aid | Benefit/award letter OR Two recent consecutive paycheck stubs. |
| Zero income or non-filing | IRS Transcript of Tax Return indicating non-filing status for every adult household member AND Two recent consecutive bank statements. |
Step 2: Complete the Income Validation Form
The next crucial step in your care program renewal application process is to fill out the income validation form. You can access this form by clicking on the following link: validation form.
It is essential to complete this form accurately and thoroughly as it is a key component of your care program renewal application.
Important Note: Maintaining Energy Usage
To ensure continued eligibility for the CARE program discount beyond this renewal, it’s important to manage your energy consumption. You must maintain your energy use below 600% of your baseline. Exceeding this limit may require additional steps to keep your discount active in the future.
Submitting Your CARE Program Renewal Application
Once you have gathered the necessary income verification documents and completed the income validation form, you need to submit your care program renewal application and supporting documents. Please use one of the following methods:
- Fax: Fax your documents to 1-858-636-5749
- Mail: Return the document by mail to:
SDG&E CARE P.O. Box 129831 San Diego, CA 92112-9985
Ensure that you submit your care program renewal application and all required documentation before the deadline specified in the letter you received to avoid interruption of your CARE program benefits.
