Southern California Edison (SCE) understands the financial challenges many families face. That’s why they offer the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity bills. If you’re wondering “How Do You Qualify For Edison Care Program,” this guide will provide you with a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements and how to access these valuable savings.
Understanding the Edison CARE Program
The Edison CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that provides significant discounts to eligible low-income customers. By enrolling in CARE, you can receive a discount of 30-35% on your electric bill. This substantial reduction can make a real difference in managing your household expenses. The program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring support for those who need it most.
To determine if you can benefit from this program, it’s essential to understand the qualification criteria. There are two primary ways to qualify for the Edison CARE program: through income guidelines or by participating in certain public assistance programs.
Eligibility Criteria for Edison CARE
Income-Based Eligibility
Your household income is a key factor in determining CARE eligibility. The income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, and are 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 |
If your total gross household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely to qualify for the Edison CARE program based on income. It’s important to note that these income limits are subject to change, so always refer to the most current guidelines provided by Edison or the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Program-Based Eligibility
Even if your income slightly exceeds the income limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you or someone in your household is 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 qualifies you for the Edison CARE program, regardless of your specific income level (as long as you are within the guidelines of the qualifying program itself). This ensures that those already receiving assistance through other channels can also benefit from reduced energy costs.
How to Apply for the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. Southern California Edison provides multiple avenues to apply and access assistance. The most direct method is through their website, which offers online applications and detailed information.
To apply or learn more about the Edison CARE program, you should:
- Visit the Edison Website: Go to the official Southern California Edison website. Navigate to the “Assistance Programs” or “Save Money” section. Look for the CARE program page. A direct link is provided for your convenience: CARE.
- Online Application: The website typically offers an online application form that you can fill out and submit electronically. This is often the quickest and easiest way to apply.
- Phone Application: You can also apply by phone. Contact Edison’s dedicated assistance program line at 866-675-6623 to request an application form or ask questions about the program.
- Community Agencies: Application forms are also available through various community agencies and organizations in your area. These agencies can often provide assistance with the application process as well.
When applying, be prepared to provide documentation to verify your income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of enrollment in programs like SNAP or Medi-Cal.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less than the CARE discount, it still offers significant savings for households that are just above the CARE income limits.
FERA has its own income guidelines, which are higher than CARE’s. It’s designed to help families who are still struggling with energy costs but don’t quite meet the stricter CARE income requirements. FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, as well as San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
| 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 believe your income might be too high for CARE but still need assistance, it’s worth checking if you qualify for FERA. Contact Edison or visit their website to learn more about FERA eligibility and application process.
Conclusion
Navigating financial assistance programs can seem daunting, but the Edison CARE program is designed to be accessible and helpful. By understanding the income guidelines and program-based eligibility criteria, you can determine if you qualify for significant savings on your electricity bill. Don’t hesitate to explore the Edison website or contact them directly to apply and start taking advantage of the support available to income-qualified households in Southern California. Reducing your energy costs can provide valuable financial relief and help make your household budget more manageable.
