Are you finding it difficult to keep up with your energy bills? You might be wondering, Do I Qualify For Care Program? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs by providing significant discounts on their electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re a resident of California, understanding this program and checking your eligibility could lead to substantial savings.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-wide initiative in California committed to assisting eligible low-income customers with their utility expenses. Administered by major utility companies across California, CARE offers a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills. This discount can make a real difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
Who is Eligible for CARE?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on two key criteria: household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs. Let’s break down each of these to help you determine if you might qualify.
Income Guidelines for CARE
Your total household income is a primary factor in determining CARE eligibility. The income limits are updated annually and are based on household size. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, as shown in the table below:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To qualify for CARE based on income, your gross annual household income must be at or below the limits specified for your household size.
Eligibility Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income is slightly above the stated limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in one or more of the following public assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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 CARE program, regardless of your specific income level (as long as you meet the enrollment criteria for the qualifying program).
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program from them. Many utility companies also provide online applications through their websites, making it even easier to apply.
Here is a list of major utility companies in California, along with their contact information and website links to their CARE program pages:
| 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 |
You can visit the website or call the provided number for your utility company to start your application process.
What if I Don’t Qualify for CARE? Consider FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it an option for families who need assistance but don’t quite meet the CARE criteria.
Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
FERA is available for customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (Edison), and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E). Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA if you think you might qualify.
Take the Next Step Towards Energy Savings
Navigating energy bills can be challenging, but programs like CARE and FERA are in place to provide support. If you’ve been wondering, do i qualify for care program, reviewing the income guidelines and public assistance program criteria is your first step. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company to learn more and begin your application. Energy bill assistance is available – take advantage of these valuable California programs to ease your financial burden and ensure consistent access to essential energy services.
