The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to assist low-income households in managing their energy expenses. If you are a SoCalGas customer and are finding it challenging to keep up with your natural gas bills, understanding the Socalgas Care Program Qualifications could be the first step towards significant financial relief. This program offers a substantial discount on your monthly natural gas bill, making energy more affordable for eligible households.
Understanding the SoCalGas CARE Program
The CARE program provides a crucial financial cushion for eligible customers by offering a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. This discount can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, allowing you to allocate your budget to other essential needs. Funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, CARE is a state-mandated program demonstrating California’s commitment to supporting its low-income residents.
Income Qualifications for SoCalGas CARE
Eligibility for the SocalGas CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program utilizes income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of the latest guidelines, the income limits to qualify for CARE are effective through May 31, 2025, and are structured as follows:
| 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 determine if you meet the SocalGas CARE program qualifications based on income, simply compare your total gross household income to the income limit corresponding to your household size in the table above. If your income falls at or below the specified limit, you are likely to qualify for the program based on income criteria.
Public Assistance Program Qualifications
Beyond income thresholds, there’s another pathway to qualify for the SocalGas CARE program. If you or someone in your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs, you automatically meet the eligibility requirements. These qualifying programs include:
- 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
Enrolling in any of these programs automatically fulfills a major qualification for the SocalGas CARE program, simplifying the application process for participants of these assistance initiatives.
Further Assistance: Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
It’s also worth noting the existence of the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. While CARE focuses on both electricity and natural gas discounts, FERA specifically targets electricity bill discounts for families whose income slightly exceeds CARE limits. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills and is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. While FERA is not directly related to SocalGas, it’s a valuable resource to be aware of if you are also an electricity customer in California and narrowly miss CARE eligibility.
Take the Next Step: Contact SoCalGas
Understanding the SocalGas CARE program qualifications is the first step toward potentially lowering your natural gas bills. If you believe you meet either the income-based or public assistance program criteria, the next step is to apply for the program. To request an application form or to get more detailed information specific to your situation, it is recommended to contact SoCalGas directly.
You can reach SoCalGas at 800-427-2200 or visit their website dedicated to the CARE program for online resources and application details: SoCalGas CARE Program. Don’t hesitate to explore this valuable program and see if your household can benefit from the financial assistance it offers.
