Are you looking for ways to reduce your monthly electricity expenses in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, offered by Southern California Edison (Edison), provides significant discounts on your energy bills if you meet certain income requirements or participate in specific public assistance programs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for the Edison CARE program and start saving on your energy costs.
Understanding the Edison CARE Program
The CARE program is designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy expenses. It offers a substantial discount on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for those who need it most. Specifically, CARE provides a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills for eligible Edison customers. This can result in significant savings each month, helping you free up your budget for other essential needs.
The program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and continued support for low-income households in California.
Checking Your Eligibility for Edison CARE
To be eligible for the Edison CARE program, you need to meet certain criteria based on your household income or participation in public assistance programs. Let’s break down the eligibility requirements:
Income Guidelines for CARE
Your total household income must be at or below the following limits to qualify for CARE. These income limits are updated annually and are effective through May 31, 2025.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Alternative text for the table: CARE Income Guidelines Table: This table displays the income limits for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, effective from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. It lists household sizes from 1-2 to 8 and each additional person, along with their corresponding upper income eligibility limits, ranging from $40,880 for 1-2 persons to $105,440 for 8 persons, with an additional $10,760 for each additional person.
If your household income falls within these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Eligibility Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the guidelines, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in any 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 the Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application:
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Gather Necessary Information: Before you begin your application, collect the following information:
- Your Southern California Edison account number.
- Names, dates of birth, and social security numbers (or other identification) for all household members.
- Proof of income (if applying based on income guidelines) or proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program (if applicable).
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Access the Application Form: You can access the Edison CARE program application form through several methods:
- Online: Visit the Southern California Edison website dedicated to the CARE program. You can find the application form and submit it directly online.
- Phone: Call Edison at 866-675-6623 to request an application form be mailed to you.
- Website: CARE Program Website
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Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and completely. Ensure all information provided is correct to avoid delays in processing your application. You will need to certify under penalty of perjury that your household income and size information is accurate.
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Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the application form, submit it through your chosen method:
- Online Submission: If you applied online, simply submit the form electronically through the website.
- Mail: If you requested a physical form, mail the completed application to the address provided on the form.
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Provide Required Documentation: Depending on your eligibility criteria, you may need to provide supporting documents. This could include:
- Proof of Income: This may include pay stubs, tax returns, or other official income verification documents.
- Proof of Enrollment: If qualifying through a public assistance program, provide documentation confirming your enrollment, such as a program award letter or benefit statement.
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Wait for Confirmation: After submitting your application, Edison will review it to determine your eligibility. You will receive a notification regarding the status of your application, typically within a few weeks. If approved, the CARE discount will be applied to your future energy bills.
Maintaining Your Enrollment in the CARE Program
Once you are enrolled in the Edison CARE program, you will need to re-certify your eligibility periodically, typically every two years. Edison will notify you when it’s time to re-certify. This ensures that you still meet the income or program participation requirements to continue receiving the discount. It’s important to respond to these re-certification requests promptly to avoid any interruption in your CARE benefits.
Contacting Edison for CARE Program Assistance
If you have any questions or need assistance with your CARE program application, Southern California Edison provides dedicated support. You can reach them through:
- Phone: Call Edison’s dedicated CARE program line at 866-675-6623.
- Website: Visit the Edison CARE program website for more information and FAQs.
Taking advantage of the Edison CARE program can significantly reduce your energy bills and ease your financial burden. By following these steps, you can confidently apply for the program and access the energy assistance you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Edison for support throughout the application process. Start saving on your energy bills today!
