Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills? Southern California Edison (Edison) understands the financial challenges many households face. That’s why they offer the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, designed to provide significant discounts on your monthly electricity and gas bills. This program can substantially ease the burden for eligible, low-income customers. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy expenses, understanding how to apply for the Edison CARE program is your first step towards financial relief. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to determine your eligibility and complete the application process.
Understanding the Edison CARE Program
The Edison CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers a substantial discount to income-qualified households. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can make a significant difference in your monthly budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential needs. The program is funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring support for those who need it most.
Eligibility Requirements for Edison CARE
To qualify for the Edison CARE program, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, primarily based on household income or enrollment in specific public assistance programs.
Income-Based Eligibility
Your total household income must be at or below the specified income limits. These limits are updated annually and are effective through May 31, 2025. Here are the current income guidelines:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household size and income fall within these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Eligibility Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the 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’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.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Edison CARE
Applying for the Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application:
-
Gather Necessary Information: Before you begin the application, collect the following information:
- Your Edison account number.
- The names, dates of birth, and social security numbers (or other tax ID) for everyone in your household.
- Proof of income for all household members, if applying based on income. This could include pay stubs, tax returns, or social security statements.
- Documentation of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program, if applicable. This could be your program award letter or benefit card.
-
Access the Application: You can apply for the Edison CARE program online or by mail.
- Online Application: The quickest and easiest way to apply is through the Edison website. Visit the Edison CARE program website. Look for the “Apply Now” or “Enroll Now” button to start your online application.
- Mail-in Application: If you prefer to apply by mail, you can download the application form from the Edison website or request a form by calling Edison directly at 1-866-675-6623. Once you have the form, fill it out completely and mail it to the address provided on the form.
-
Complete the Application Form: Whether you apply online or by mail, you will need to fill out the application form accurately and completely. Be prepared to provide information about:
- Your personal information (name, address, contact details).
- Household members and their information.
- Household income or enrollment in qualifying public assistance programs.
- Your energy usage information (usually found on your Edison bill).
-
Submit Supporting Documentation: Depending on your eligibility basis (income or public assistance program enrollment), you may need to submit supporting documents. Follow the instructions on the application form regarding required documentation and how to submit it. For online applications, you may be able to upload documents directly. For mail-in applications, you will need to include copies of your documents with your application form.
-
Review and Submit Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully review all the information you have provided to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once you are confident that everything is correct, submit your application online or mail it in.
-
Wait for Confirmation: After submitting your application, Edison will review it to determine your eligibility. The processing time may vary, but you will typically receive a notification in the mail or via email regarding the status of your application. If approved, your CARE discount will be applied to your future energy bills.
Required Documents for Application
The specific documents you need to provide will depend on whether you are applying based on income or enrollment in a public assistance program.
-
For Income-Based Eligibility: You will likely need to provide proof of income for all household members. Acceptable documents may include:
- Recent pay stubs
- Federal tax returns
- Social Security benefit statements
- Unemployment benefit statements
- Pension or retirement income statements
-
For Public Assistance Program Enrollment: You will need to provide documentation verifying your enrollment in a qualifying program, such as:
- Benefit award letter from the program
- Benefit card with your name and program name
- Official document from the program confirming your enrollment
Make sure the documents you provide are clear, legible, and up-to-date.
FERA Program: Additional Assistance
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a lower discount of 18% on your electricity bill. It is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If your income falls within these higher limits, consider exploring the FERA program as an additional avenue for energy bill assistance. Contact Edison directly to inquire about FERA eligibility and application process.
Conclusion
The Edison CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households in California, providing much-needed financial assistance with energy costs. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following this step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Edison CARE program, you can take proactive steps to reduce your energy bills and improve your financial well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Edison directly for any questions or further assistance with your application. Visit the Edison website or call their customer service line to get started today.
