Navigating the application process for assistance programs can often feel overwhelming, 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 exactly what documents are accepted to verify your eligibility. This guide will walk you through the necessary paperwork, ensuring you have everything in order for a smooth application process.
The SoCalGas CARE program, funded by California utility customers and overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission, offers crucial financial assistance on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible customers. To determine your eligibility, SoCalGas requires documentation to confirm your participation in qualifying public assistance programs or to verify your household income. Providing the correct documents is a key step in accessing these valuable program funds.
Acceptable Documents for Public Assistance Program Participation
If you are currently enrolled in one of the public assistance programs listed below, you can provide documentation from that program to verify your eligibility for the SoCalGas CARE program. Remember, all documents must be current, generally dated within the last 12 months.
Here’s a breakdown of acceptable documents for each program:
Medi-Cal
- Current letter of eligibility
- Benefits ID card with a valid issue date within the last 12 months
- Form 1095-B, Health Coverage DHCS 68-0317191
Medi-Cal for Families A&B
- Current statement showing your monthly premium amount (no older than 12 months)
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
- WIC Authorization Folder (WAF) with ID Number (must have a future dated appointment including month/date/year or current WIC voucher)
- Award letter or Notice of Action letter
- WIC Phone App Screenshot of Appointment
CalWORKs (TANF), Tribal TANF
- Current Notice of Action, or computer printout of benefit letter showing current participation dated within the last 12 months
Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only
- Current Award Letter (Notice of Action)
- An approved Head Start application
- Statement of enrollment in Head Start
CalFresh (Food Stamps)
- Current Award Letter (aka: Notice of Action)
- Letter of eligibility dated within the last 12 months
Bureau of Indian Affairs – General Assistance
- Current Notice of Action from County Social Services
- Copy of current check
- ID card dated within the last 12 months
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Current Award or Acceptance letter (must explicitly state NSLP)
- Current school year Acceptance Letter from School or School district
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Proof of direct payment to the utility
- Copy of Energy Intake Form (CSD 43)
- Proof of LIHEAP Payment to Utility
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Notice of Planned Action dated within the last 12 months
- Recent bank statement of direct deposit
- IRS Form 1099
Acceptable Documents for Income Verification
If you are not participating in any of the public assistance programs listed above, you will need to provide documentation to verify your household income to qualify for the SoCalGas CARE program. You can also choose to submit a complete copy of your most recent federal income tax return, provided it includes all sources of household income, as an alternative to the documents listed below.
Here’s what you need to provide based on your income sources:
Wages, Salary, Paychecks, Tips, Commissions
- Copies of the 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
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 or IRS Form 1099
Unemployment Benefits
- Copy of current check or printout from Employment Development Department
- Two most recent consecutive check or check stubs
- Award Letter/Notice of Action Letter from Employment Development Department
- Federal Income Tax filing with W2s and/or 1099s attached
Pensions and Annuities
- Copies of current check
- Annual statement from pension plan
- Bank statement showing pension deposit
- Two most recent consecutive check or check stubs
- Most recent Award Letter/Notice of Action
Disability Compensation
- Copy of current check
- Printout from agency or insurance company verifying the amount
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 affidavit
Interest/Dividends from Savings Accounts, Retirement Accounts, Stocks, Bonds
- Monthly or quarterly statement of interest income from bank or agency
- IRS Form 1040 or IRS Form 1099(s)
Insurance, Legal settlements
- Settlement documents
Child and/or Spousal Support
- Most recent Court Documents showing child and/or spousal support amounts
- Copy of current check
- Signed letter from paying spouse showing amount and frequency
- Bank Statements
- Affidavit of Income from recipient/Notarized Document
Veteran’s Benefits
- A letter indicating receipt of Veteran’s Pension
- Copy of V.A. check
- V.A. two most recent consecutive check 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 check and statement signed by person providing support showing amount and frequency
- Affidavit from the individual
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
General Guidelines for Document Submission
To ensure your documents are accepted and your application for the SoCalGas CARE program is processed efficiently, please keep the following guidelines in mind when preparing your documents:
- Image Clarity: Ensure any screenshots or copies of documents are clear and readable.
- Identifying Information: The document must clearly display the name of the issuing agency or website and the customer’s or household member’s name.
- Date Validity: The document must be current, dated within the last 12 months, unless otherwise specified (like WIC future dated appointments).
- Amount Visibility: If the document is intended to demonstrate proof of income, the amount must be clearly visible.
- Redact Sensitive Information: For your personal protection, please black out Social Security and/or bank account numbers on all copies of your documents.
By carefully preparing and submitting the correct documentation, you can streamline your application for the SoCalGas CARE program and take advantage of the financial assistance available. Remember that program funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so timely and accurate submission is key. The program may be subject to modifications or termination without notice, so it’s always best to apply as soon as you are eligible.
