Are you finding it difficult to keep up with your energy bills in California? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, a state initiative designed to help low-income households manage their electricity and natural gas expenses. This program provides significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who qualify. This guide will walk you through How To Qualify For The Care Program and access these valuable savings.
Understanding the CARE Program and its Benefits
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to eligible customers, specifically a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, providing much-needed financial relief. The program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and reach within California.
To determine if you’re eligible, there are two primary pathways: income guidelines and enrollment in public assistance programs. Let’s explore each of these to see if you qualify.
Income Guidelines for CARE Program Eligibility
One of the main ways to qualify for the CARE program is based on your household income. The income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, the income limits are as follows:
| 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 |
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely to qualify for the CARE program based on income.
Automatic Qualification Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you can still qualify for the CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. California recognizes that participation in these programs indicates financial need and automatically qualifies you for CARE. These 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Once you’ve determined that you likely qualify for the CARE program through either income guidelines or participation in a public assistance program, the next step is to apply. The application process is straightforward. You can request an application form and get more information by contacting your utility company directly.
Each utility company in California manages CARE applications for its service area. Here’s a table with contact information and website links for major utility providers to help you get started:
| 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 |
You can visit the websites listed or call the provided phone numbers to inquire about the CARE program and request an application. Application forms are also often available through community agencies in your area, offering another avenue for accessing the program.
What if You Don’t Qualify for CARE? Consider FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill and has higher income thresholds than CARE. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Contact your electric utility to see if you qualify for the FERA program.
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 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 |
Take the First Step Towards Energy Savings
The CARE program is a vital resource for low-income Californians struggling with energy costs. By understanding how to qualify for the CARE program and taking the steps to apply, you can access significant discounts and make your energy bills more manageable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today to learn more and begin your application process. Energy bill relief could be just an application away.
