Millions of Californians struggle to afford their utility bills. Fortunately, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers a significant helping hand to eligible low-income households. This program provides substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for those who need it most. A key question for many is: What Are The Income Limits For The California Care Program? This article breaks down the income requirements, eligibility criteria, and benefits of the CARE program to help you understand if you qualify for these valuable energy savings.
Who is Eligible for the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is designed to assist households with limited incomes in managing their energy costs. Eligibility is primarily based on your total household income. However, enrollment in certain public assistance programs can also automatically qualify you for CARE, regardless of your income level.
Let’s first look at the income-based eligibility. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) sets specific income limits for the CARE program, which are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. These income limits are based on household size.
Below is a table outlining the current income guidelines for the CARE program, 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 |
To determine if you meet the income requirements, calculate your total gross household income. This includes income from all sources before taxes, for everyone living in your home. If your household income falls at or below the limits shown in the table for your household size, you are likely eligible for CARE based on income.
This image displays the CARE program income limits table, clearly showing the maximum annual income allowed for households of different sizes to qualify for energy bill assistance in California.
Automatic Enrollment Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits mentioned above, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This automatic enrollment pathway ensures that those already receiving aid can also benefit from reduced energy costs. Qualifying public assistance programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- 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
If you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs, you should explore CARE enrollment, as you are very likely to be eligible.
Understanding the CARE Discount and How to Apply
The CARE program provides a significant discount on your monthly utility bills. Customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can make a substantial difference in your monthly expenses, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
To apply for the CARE program, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE application process. You can request an application form and get more detailed information by visiting your utility’s website or calling their customer service line.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major California utility providers to help you get started with your CARE application:
| 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 |
This image shows a table providing contact information for various California utility companies, including phone numbers and website links specifically for accessing CARE program details and application assistance.
Beyond CARE: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, there is another program to consider: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
The income limits for FERA are higher than those for CARE, making it an option for households with slightly higher incomes who still need assistance with their energy costs.
Here’s a comparison table showing the income limits for both CARE and FERA programs:
| Household | CARE Income Limit (2024-2025) | FERA Income Limit (2024-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,640 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,400 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,160 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,920 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,680 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,440 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
This image presents a comparative table illustrating the income thresholds for both the CARE and FERA programs in California, allowing users to quickly see which program they might qualify for based on their household income and size.
If you believe your income might make you eligible for FERA, contact your electric utility provider (PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E) to inquire about the program and application process.
Take Action and Save on Your Energy Bills
Understanding the income limits for the California CARE program is the first step towards potentially lowering your energy expenses. If you think you might be eligible based on your household income or participation in a qualifying public assistance program, don’t hesitate to apply. The CARE program, and potentially FERA, are valuable resources designed to help California residents manage their energy bills and make ends meet. Contact your utility company today to learn more and begin your application process.
