Navigating the application process for assistance programs can be daunting, especially when it comes to providing the right documentation. If you’re looking to enroll in the Socalgas Care Program, it’s crucial to understand what documents are accepted to verify your eligibility. This guide breaks down the acceptable documents for both program participation and income verification, ensuring your application process is as smooth as possible.
To qualify for the SoCalGas CARE program, you will need to demonstrate participation in certain public assistance programs or provide proof of your household income. Whether you are submitting documents for program participation or income verification, ensure that your documentation is current.
When submitting screenshots or copies of your documents, please ensure they meet the following criteria:
- Clarity: The image must be clear and easy to read.
- Source Identification: The name of the issuing agency or website must be visible.
- Name Verification: Your name, or the name of the relevant household member, must be clearly displayed.
- Date Validity: The document date must be current or within the last 12 months to be considered valid.
- Amount Visibility (if applicable): If the document is intended to demonstrate proof of income or benefit amount, this figure must be clearly shown.
Important Security Note: For your personal security, remember to black out any Social Security numbers and/or bank account numbers on all copies of documents you submit.
Document Guide for Program Participation in the SoCalGas CARE Program
If you are participating in one of the public assistance programs listed below, you can provide documentation from that program as proof of eligibility for the SoCalGas CARE program.
| Program You Participate In: | Acceptable Documents for SoCalGas CARE Program: |
|---|---|
| Medi-Cal | – A current letter of eligibility or your Benefits Identification (ID) card, ensuring it has a valid issue date within the last 12 months. – Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, specifically DHCS 68-0317191. |
| Medi-Cal for Families A&B | – A current statement that clearly shows your monthly premium amount. This statement should be no older than 12 months. |
| Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) | – WIC Authorization Folder (WAF) that includes your ID Number. This must show a future dated appointment (including month/date/year) or a current WIC voucher. – Alternatively, you can provide an Award letter or Notice of Action letter from WIC. – A screenshot from the WIC Phone App displaying your appointment is also acceptable. |
| CalWORKs (TANF), Tribal TANF | – A current Notice of Action or a computer printout of your benefit letter. This document must show current participation and be dated within the last 12 months. |
| Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only | – A current Award Letter (Notice of Action). – An approved Head Start application. – A statement confirming your enrollment in Head Start. |
| CalFresh (Food Stamps) | – A current Award Letter (also known as Notice of Action), or a letter of eligibility dated within the last 12 months. |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs – General Assistance | – A current Notice of Action from County Social Services. – A copy of a current check. – An ID card, all dated within the last 12 months. |
| National School Lunch Program (NSLP) | – A current Award or Acceptance letter that explicitly states NSLP participation. – A current school year Acceptance Letter from your School or School district. |
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | – Proof of direct payment to the utility company. – A copy of the Energy Intake Form (CSD 43). – Proof of LIHEAP Payment made to the utility. |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | – Notice of Planned Action dated within the last 12 months. – A recent bank statement showing direct deposit of SSI. – IRS Form 1099. |
Documentation Guide for Income Verification for the SoCalGas CARE Program
If you are not participating in a qualifying public assistance program, you will need to provide documentation to verify your household income for the SoCalGas CARE program. You can use the following documents as proof of income. Alternatively, you can submit a complete copy of your most recent federal income tax return, provided it includes all sources of your household income.
| Source of Your Income: | Acceptable Documents for SoCalGas CARE Program: |
|---|---|
| Wages, Salary, Paychecks, Tips, Commissions | – Copies of your two most recent consecutive pay stubs showing 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 in the household. |
| 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. – IRS Form 1099. |
| Unemployment Benefits | – Copy of a current check or printout from the Employment Development Department. – Two most recent consecutive checks or check stubs. – Award Letter/Notice of Action Letter from the Employment Development Department. – Federal Income Tax filing with attached W2s and/or 1099s. |
| Pensions and Annuities | – Copies of a current check. – Annual statement from your pension plan. – Bank statement showing pension deposit. – Two most recent consecutive checks or check stubs. – Most recent Award Letter/Notice of Action. |
| Disability Compensation | – Copy of a current check. – Printout from the agency or insurance company verifying the amount of compensation. |
| 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 an affidavit. |
| Interest/Dividends from Savings Accounts, Retirement Accounts, Stocks, Bonds | – Monthly or quarterly statement of interest income from the bank or agency. – IRS Form 1040. – IRS Form 1099(s). |
| Insurance, Legal settlements | – Settlement documents related to insurance or legal settlements. |
| Child and/or Spousal Support | – Most recent Court Documents showing child and/or spousal support amounts. – Copy of a current check. – Signed letter from the paying spouse showing amount and frequency of support. – Bank Statements reflecting support payments. – Affidavit of Income from recipient/Notarized Document. |
| Veteran’s Benefits | – A letter indicating receipt of Veteran’s Pension or copy of a V.A. check. – V.A. two most recent consecutive checks 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 a check and statement signed by the person providing support showing amount and frequency. – Affidavit from the individual providing support. |
| 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. |
The SoCalGas CARE program is funded by California utility customers and administered by SoCalGas under the guidance of the California Public Utilities Commission. It’s important to note that program funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and the program may be modified or terminated without prior notice. Make sure to review the full program conditions to confirm your eligibility and to understand all requirements. By preparing the correct documents, you can ensure a quicker and more efficient application process for the SoCalGas CARE program, helping you save on your monthly gas bill.
