The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs by providing significant discounts on their electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re a resident of California struggling to afford your utility bills, understanding the requirements for the CARE program is the first step towards accessing this valuable assistance. This article will detail the eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process for the CARE program, ensuring you have all the necessary information to determine if you qualify.
Understanding the California CARE Program and Its Benefits
The CARE program is a state-initiated program aimed at making energy more affordable for eligible low-income customers. Administered by major utility companies across California, CARE offers substantial discounts to help reduce the financial burden of essential energy services. Specifically, 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 significantly lower monthly expenses, making it easier for families and individuals to maintain essential energy services without financial strain.
To determine if you can benefit from these discounts, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility requirements set forth by the program. These requirements primarily revolve around household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs.
Key Eligibility Requirements for CARE
There are two primary ways to qualify for the California CARE program: through income limits or through enrollment in specific public assistance programs. Let’s explore each of these in detail.
Income-Based Eligibility for CARE
The most common way to qualify for CARE is by meeting specific income guidelines. These guidelines are based on household size and are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of the latest update, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025. If your total gross household income falls at or below the limits listed in the table below, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
| 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 your eligibility based on income, calculate your household’s total gross income, which includes income from all sources before taxes. Compare this figure to the income limit corresponding to your household size in the table above. If your income is at or below the specified limit, you meet the income requirement for CARE.
Eligibility Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the standard income limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This provision ensures that those already receiving aid from other low-income support systems can also access energy bill assistance. The qualifying public assistance 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
If you or someone in your household is enrolled in any of these programs, you automatically meet the eligibility criteria for CARE, regardless of your gross household income (provided it does not exceed a certain threshold significantly above the standard CARE limits). Enrollment in these programs demonstrates a need for financial assistance, streamlining the CARE qualification process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Once you’ve determined that you meet either the income-based or public assistance program enrollment requirements, the next step is to apply for the CARE program. The application process is straightforward and can be initiated by contacting your utility company directly.
To request an application form and receive more detailed information, you should reach out to your specific energy utility provider. Each utility company in California administers the CARE program, and you can find contact information and website details for the major providers in the table below. Visiting the websites listed is often the quickest way to access online applications and additional program details.
| 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 |
Application forms are also often available through various community agencies and organizations. These agencies can provide assistance with the application process and answer any questions you might have.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another assistance program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. It’s important to note that FERA discounts apply only to electricity bills, not natural gas.
The income limits for FERA are higher than those for CARE, designed to assist households that are still income-constrained but fall just outside the CARE eligibility range. The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are detailed below.
| 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 your income falls within the FERA income limits and you are a customer of one of the specified electric utilities, you may be eligible for the FERA program. Contact your electric utility company to inquire about FERA and the application process.
Conclusion
The California CARE program is a crucial resource for low-income households in California, offering substantial discounts on energy bills to ensure affordability and access to essential services. Eligibility is primarily determined by household income or enrollment in qualifying public assistance programs. By understanding these requirements and taking the steps to apply through your utility provider, you can potentially reduce your energy expenses significantly. If your income slightly exceeds CARE limits, explore the FERA program as another avenue for assistance with your electricity bills. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company to learn more about these programs and begin your application process today.
