Navigating the application process for assistance programs can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to providing the right documentation. If you’re looking to enroll in the SoCalGas CARE program, it’s essential to understand exactly which documents are accepted to verify your eligibility. This guide breaks down the acceptable documents for both proof of participation in qualifying public assistance programs and proof of income, ensuring your application process is as smooth and efficient as possible. The SoCalGas CARE program is designed to help income-qualified households save money on their monthly natural gas bills. By providing the correct documentation upfront, you can avoid delays and quickly access the financial support you need.
Proving Participation in Public Assistance Programs for SoCalGas CARE
To qualify for the SoCalGas CARE program, participation in certain public assistance programs can serve as automatic eligibility verification. Here’s a breakdown of the accepted documents for each program:
Medi-Cal
- Current letter of eligibility or Benefits ID card: Make sure the issue date is valid and within the last 12 months.
- Form 1095-B, Health Coverage DHCS 68-0317191: This form also serves as valid proof of Medi-Cal enrollment.
Medi-Cal for Families A&B
- Current statement showing monthly premium amount: This statement should not be older than 12 months.
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
- WIC Authorization Folder (WAF) with ID Number: This must show a future-dated appointment (including month/date/year) or a current WIC voucher.
- Award letter or Notice of Action letter.
- WIC Phone App Screenshot of Appointment: A screenshot from the WIC app confirming your appointment can also be used.
CalWORKs (TANF), Tribal TANF
- Current Notice of Action, computer printout of benefit letter: This document must show current participation and be dated within the last 12 months.
Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only
- Current Award Letter (Notice of Action):
- Approved Head Start application or statement of enrollment in Head Start. Any of these documents will suffice.
CalFresh (Food Stamps)
- Current Award Letter (aka: Notice of Action), or letter of eligibility: Ensure it’s dated within the last 12 months.
Bureau of Indian Affairs – General Assistance
- Current Notice of Action from County Social Services:
- Copy of current check, and/or ID card: All documents must be dated within the last 12 months.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Current Award or Acceptance letter: The letter must explicitly state NSLP.
- Current school year Acceptance Letter from School or School district.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Proof of direct payment to the utility or copy of Energy Intake Form (CSD 43).
- Proof of LIHEAP Payment to Utility.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Notice of Planned Action: Dated within the last 12 months.
- Recent bank statement of direct deposit.
- IRS Form 1099.
Providing Income Documentation for SoCalGas CARE Program
If you are not participating in a qualifying public assistance program, you can still demonstrate eligibility for the SoCalGas CARE program by providing proof of your household income. Here are the acceptable documents based on your income source:
Wages, Salary, Paychecks, Tips, Commissions
- Copies of the two most recent consecutive pay stubs: These should clearly show gross income.
- Federal Tax Forms: Form 1040 and accompanying worksheets Schedule(s) 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, or Form 2555, or Form W-2, or Form 1065 or Form 1099M for all wage earners.
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 the deposits.
- IRS Form 1040, or IRS Form 1099.
Unemployment Benefits
- Copy of current check or printout from Employment Development Department.
- Two most recent consecutive check or check stubs.
- Award Letter/Notice of Action Letter from Employment Development Department.
- Federal Income Tax filing with W2s and/or 1099s attached.
Pensions and Annuities
- Copies of current check, annual statement from pension plan or bank statement showing pension deposit.
- Two most recent consecutive check or check stubs.
- Most recent Award Letter/Notice of Action.
Disability Compensation
- Copy of current check, printout from 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.
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 bank or 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 current check.
- Signed letter from paying spouse showing amount and frequency.
- Bank Statements.
- Affidavit of Income from recipient/Notarized Document.
Veteran’s Benefits
- A letter indicating receipt of Veteran’s Pension or copy of V.A. check.
- V.A. two most recent consecutive check 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 person providing support showing amount and frequency.
- Affidavit from the individual.
Other sources of income
- Documentation of other monies received by your household and used to pay your monthly bills.
None of the Sources Above
- A statement explaining the sources of income used to support your household.
- Affidavit of Income.
General Guidelines for Document Submission for SoCalGas CARE
When submitting your documents for the SoCalGas CARE program, keep these guidelines in mind to ensure they are accepted:
- Clarity and Readability: Ensure all images and copies are clear and easy to read.
- Agency or Website Name: The issuing agency or website should be clearly visible on the document.
- Customer or Household Member’s Name: Your name or the relevant household member’s name must be on the document.
- Date: Documents should be current or dated within the last 12 months unless specified otherwise.
- Amount (if applicable): If the document is proof of income, the amount should be clearly stated.
- Redact Sensitive Information: For your security, black out Social Security and bank account numbers on all copies.
By preparing and submitting the correct documents, you can streamline your application for the SoCalGas CARE program and take a step closer to managing your energy costs effectively. Remember, the CARE program is funded to assist eligible customers, and providing accurate documentation is a key part of the process. The SoCalGas CARE program, funded by California utility customers and administered by SoCalGas, is a valuable resource for those who qualify. Make sure to gather the necessary documents to apply and benefit from this program.
