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 are a Southern California Edison customer, understanding the Edison Care Program Qualifications is the first step to potentially lowering your electricity costs by 30-35%. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to determine if you qualify for this valuable assistance program.
What is the Edison CARE Program?
The Edison CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers eligible Southern California Edison customers a substantial discount on their monthly energy bills. Specifically, participants benefit from a 30-35% reduction on their electric bill. This discount is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring that those most in need receive crucial financial support.
To determine if you can benefit from these savings, it’s essential to understand the qualification criteria. The Edison CARE program primarily considers two main pathways to eligibility: income guidelines and enrollment in public assistance programs.
Income Qualifications for Edison CARE
The most common way to qualify for the Edison CARE program is through meeting specific income guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and ensure the program reaches those who need it most. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are based on household size.
Below are the income eligibility upper limits for the Edison CARE program:
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely to qualify for the Edison CARE program based on income.
Qualification Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits mentioned above, you may still be eligible for the Edison CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that individuals and families already receiving support can further reduce their energy burden.
The 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 the Edison CARE program, regardless of your specific income level (as long as you are within the guidelines of the assistance program itself).
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. Southern California Edison provides easy access to application forms and additional information.
To apply or learn more, you can:
- Visit the Edison Website: The quickest way to access information and application forms is through the official Southern California Edison website dedicated to the CARE program: CARE.
- Contact Edison Directly: You can also request an application form and ask questions by contacting Edison’s dedicated assistance line at 866-675-6623.
Edison customer service representatives can guide you through the application process and answer any specific questions you may have regarding your eligibility.
Beyond CARE: Understanding FERA
While this article focuses on the Edison CARE program qualifications, it’s worth mentioning the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is another California initiative designed to assist households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits.
FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills to eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. If your income is slightly above the CARE guidelines, exploring the FERA program could be beneficial. Contact your utility company for details on FERA qualifications and application procedures.
Take the Next Step Towards Energy Savings
Understanding the Edison CARE program qualifications is crucial for accessing potential energy bill savings. Review the income guidelines and qualifying public assistance programs to determine your eligibility. By taking advantage of the CARE program, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses and make your energy bills more manageable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Southern California Edison to begin your application process and secure the financial assistance you deserve.
