Are you struggling with high energy bills in Southern California? The Southern California Edison (SCE) CARE program is designed to help eligible low-income households reduce their monthly electricity expenses. This essential program offers a significant discount on your electricity bill, making energy more affordable. If you’re looking to ease your financial burden and stay comfortable at home, understanding the Southern California Edison Care Program Eligibility requirements is the first step.
The CARE program, or California Alternate Rates for Energy program, provides qualifying customers with a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bill. This substantial saving can make a real difference in your monthly budget. Let’s explore who qualifies for this valuable program and how you can determine if you are eligible.
Who is Eligible for the SCE CARE Program?
Eligibility for the Southern California Edison CARE program is primarily based on two key factors: your household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs. You may qualify through either of these pathways.
1. Income-Based Eligibility:
Your total household income must be at or below specific income limits to qualify for CARE. These income limits are updated annually and are based on household size. The larger your household, the higher the income limit. Here are the current income guidelines to determine your Southern California Edison CARE program eligibility based on income:
CARE Income Guidelines*
| 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 |
Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
To determine if you meet the income requirements for Southern California Edison CARE program eligibility, simply find your household size in the table above. If your total gross annual household income is at or below the corresponding limit, you are likely eligible based on income.
2. Public Assistance Program Enrollment:
Even if your income slightly exceeds the income limits, you may still be eligible for the CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a need for financial assistance, automatically qualifying you for CARE. 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)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / CalFresh / 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
If you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs, you automatically meet the Southern California Edison CARE program eligibility criteria, regardless of your specific income level (as long as it’s within reasonable limits of these programs’ eligibility).
How to Apply for the Southern California Edison CARE Program
Applying for the Southern California Edison CARE program is a straightforward process. The easiest way to apply is online through the Southern California Edison website.
Steps to Apply:
-
Visit the SCE CARE Program Website: Go to the official Southern California Edison website and navigate to their CARE program page. You can usually find it under the “Save Money & Energy” or “Assistance Programs” sections. You can also directly search for “SCE CARE program” on any search engine.
-
Complete the Online Application: The SCE website provides an online CARE application form. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially your enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
-
Provide Necessary Documentation (If Required): In some cases, you may be asked to provide documentation to verify your income or enrollment in a public assistance program. This could include pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of enrollment in programs like Medi-Cal or SNAP. Follow the instructions on the application carefully regarding required documents.
-
Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the application form and provided any necessary documentation, submit it through the online portal.
Southern California Edison also provides phone assistance for CARE program applications. You can contact them at 1-866-675-6623 for assistance with the application process or to request a paper application form if you prefer to apply by mail.
Benefits of the SCE CARE Program
The primary benefit of the Southern California Edison CARE program is the significant discount on your monthly electricity bill, ranging from 30% to 35%. This reduction can free up funds in your budget for other essential needs.
Beyond the bill discount, enrolling in CARE can also make you eligible for other energy-saving programs and assistance from Southern California Edison, such as energy efficiency upgrades or payment assistance options.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still qualify for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, also offered by Southern California Edison. FERA provides a lower discount of 18% on your electricity bill for eligible households with slightly higher incomes than CARE allows.
Here are the income guidelines for the FERA program:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If you believe your income might be too high for CARE but still need assistance, explore the FERA program as another potential avenue for reducing your energy costs with Southern California Edison.
Contact Southern California Edison for More Information
For the most up-to-date information and to confirm your specific Southern California Edison CARE program eligibility, it is always best to contact SCE directly.
Southern California Edison CARE Program Contact:
- Phone: 1-866-675-6623
- Website: https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/care-fera
Take control of your energy bills today! Check your eligibility for the Southern California Edison CARE program and start saving money on your electricity costs. Affordable energy is within reach – explore the CARE program and see if you qualify.
