Millions of Californians struggle to afford their utility bills. For those facing financial hardship in Southern California Edison (SCE) service areas, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers substantial relief. A key factor in qualifying for these significant discounts is understanding income eligibility. This guide breaks down what you need to know about income requirements for the SoCal Edison CARE program, ensuring you can determine if you qualify for much-needed assistance.
What is the SoCal Edison CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. For eligible customers, SoCal Edison provides a significant discount on both electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically, CARE participants receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can make a considerable difference in household budgets, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
Income: The Primary Eligibility Factor for CARE
While there are multiple pathways to CARE program eligibility, income is a central component for many applicants. The program is structured to support those who are genuinely in need, and income limits are set to target assistance to these households. To qualify based on income, your total gross household income must be at or below specific thresholds. These thresholds are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and federal poverty guidelines.
2024-2025 SoCal Edison CARE Income Limits
For the period of June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, the income limits for the CARE program 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 |
It’s important to note that these figures represent the gross annual income for your entire household. “Gross income” means your income before taxes and other deductions are taken out. All sources of income for everyone living in your household are typically considered when determining eligibility.
What Types of Income Are Considered?
While the CARE program focuses on total gross household income, it’s helpful to understand what generally counts as income. This can include, but is not limited to:
- Wages and Salaries: Income earned from employment, before deductions.
- Self-Employment Income: Earnings from your own business, after deducting business expenses.
- Social Security Benefits: Including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
- Pension and Retirement Income: Distributions from pensions, 401ks, IRAs, and other retirement accounts.
- Unemployment Benefits: Compensation received while unemployed.
- Disability Payments: Income from disability insurance or programs.
- Alimony and Child Support: Payments received for spousal or child support.
- Rental Income: Income from rental properties.
- Interest and Dividends: Earnings from investments.
- Public Assistance Benefits: While enrollment in certain public assistance programs automatically qualifies you for CARE (see below), the cash value of some benefits might be considered income if you are applying based solely on income limits.
For a definitive list and clarification on specific income sources, it’s always best to consult the official SoCal Edison CARE program application or contact their customer service directly.
Automatic CARE Eligibility Through Public Assistance Programs
Beyond income limits, you can also automatically qualify for the CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This streamlined eligibility pathway recognizes that participants in these programs already demonstrate financial need. Qualifying public assistance programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- 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 are likely eligible for CARE, regardless of your gross household income, as long as you are a SoCal Edison customer.
What if Your Income Slightly Exceeds CARE Limits? Explore FERA
If your household income slightly surpasses the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a smaller discount – an 18% discount on your electricity bill – but can still offer valuable savings. FERA has higher income thresholds than CARE, making it an option for households that are just above the CARE income cut-offs.
| Household Size | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) – Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
Applying for the SoCal Edison CARE Program
To apply for the SoCal Edison CARE program and determine your eligibility, you can take the following steps:
- Visit the SoCal Edison Website: Navigate to the official SoCal Edison website and search for “CARE program” or “assistance programs.”
- Download the Application: You should be able to download the CARE application form directly from their website.
- Contact SoCal Edison: Call SoCal Edison’s dedicated CARE program line at 866-675-6623 to request an application form be mailed to you or to ask any specific questions about income eligibility and the application process.
The CARE program is a vital resource for income-qualified SoCal Edison customers. By understanding the income guidelines and what counts as income, you can confidently determine your eligibility and take the first step towards lowering your energy bills and achieving greater financial stability. Don’t hesitate to reach out to SoCal Edison for further information and application assistance.
