Are you struggling to afford your energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households reduce their electricity and natural gas costs. This state-sponsored initiative offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for eligible residents. If you’re looking for ways to lower your utility expenses, understanding How To Sign Up For The Care Program is your first step towards financial relief.
The CARE program provides a substantial discount of 30-35% on your electric bill and 20% on your natural gas bill. These savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs. Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on your household income, but enrollment in certain public assistance programs can also qualify you. Let’s explore the criteria to see if you can benefit from this valuable program.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
There are two main ways to qualify for the CARE program: income limits and enrollment in public assistance programs.
Income Limits:
Your household’s total gross income must be at or below the following limits to be eligible for CARE. These income guidelines are updated annually and are effective until May 31, 2025.
| 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 |
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs:
You automatically qualify for CARE if anyone in your household is currently 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)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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
How to Apply for the CARE Program: Step-by-Step Guide
Signing up for the CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s how to apply and start receiving discounts on your energy bills:
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Identify Your Utility Provider: Determine which utility company provides your electricity and/or natural gas service. This information is usually found on your energy bill. Common providers in California include PG&E, Southern California Edison, SDG&E, and SoCalGas, among others.
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Visit Your Utility Company’s Website or Contact Them Directly: The easiest way to apply for CARE is through your utility provider’s website. Each company has a dedicated section for assistance programs, including CARE. You can also contact them by phone to request an application form and get personalized assistance.
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Locate the CARE Application Form: On the website, navigate to the CARE program page. Look for a link to the application form. This form may be available online for direct submission or as a downloadable PDF that you can print and mail.
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Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately and completely. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program if applicable.
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Submit Your Application: Follow the instructions provided by your utility company to submit your application. This may involve online submission, mailing the form, or submitting it in person at a customer service center.
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Provide Required Documentation (If Necessary): Depending on your application method and utility company, you may need to provide supporting documents to verify your income or enrollment in a public assistance program. Check the application instructions carefully to ensure you include all necessary paperwork.
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Wait for Confirmation: After submitting your application, your utility company will review it to determine your eligibility. You will typically receive a notification regarding the status of your application within a few weeks.
Contact Your Utility Provider for CARE Program Assistance
For specific application forms, detailed instructions, and to ask any questions, it’s best to directly contact your utility company. Here are the contact details and website links for major California utility providers offering the CARE program:
| 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 |
Explore the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill for eligible customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E. Contact your electric utility to learn more about FERA eligibility and how to apply.
Start Saving on Your Energy Bills Today
The CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income California residents seeking to manage their energy costs. By understanding the eligibility requirements and the simple sign-up process, you can take advantage of these significant discounts and make your energy bills more affordable. Don’t wait – reach out to your utility provider today and begin your application to the CARE program.
