Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? Relief may be available through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative provides significant discounts to eligible low-income households, making energy more affordable. If you’re looking to Qualify For Care Program benefits and reduce your monthly expenses, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
The CARE program offers a substantial discount of 30-35 percent on your electric bill and 20 percent on your natural gas bill. This can lead to significant savings for families and individuals who meet the eligibility requirements. Let’s explore how you can determine if you qualify for care program discounts and how to apply.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to assist low-income customers in managing their energy costs. By enrolling in CARE, you can receive a considerable discount on your monthly utility bills. This program is crucial for helping families maintain essential services without facing undue financial strain. The discounts are funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring the sustainability of this vital assistance.
Eligibility Criteria to Qualify for CARE Program
There are two primary ways to qualify for care program benefits: through income guidelines or enrollment in specific public assistance programs.
Income Guidelines for CARE
Your household income is a key factor in determining eligibility. The income limits are updated annually and are effective through May 31, 2025. Here are the current income guidelines to qualify for 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you likely qualify for care program discounts.
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the guidelines, you may still qualify for care program if you are enrolled in one 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 makes you eligible to qualify for care program benefits, regardless of your specific income level (provided it aligns with the requirements of the enrolled public assistance program).
How to Apply for the CARE Program
To apply and qualify for care program, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its CARE applications. You can request an application form and get detailed information by visiting their websites or calling their customer service lines.
Here are the contact details for major utility companies in California to help you qualify for care program:
| 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 |
By contacting your utility provider and inquiring about the CARE program, you can begin the process to qualify for care program discounts and start saving on your energy bills.
Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
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 |
If you don’t qualify for care program due to slightly higher income but still struggle with energy costs, FERA could be the solution. Contact your electric utility to check if your family qualifies for FERA.
Take the Next Step to Lower Your Energy Bills
If you believe you might qualify for care program or FERA, don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company. These programs are designed to help California residents manage their energy expenses. By exploring these options, you can take a significant step towards financial relief and ensure access to affordable energy.
