CARE Eligibility Calculator
Check whether your household qualifies for CARE — 30-35% off your electric bill and 20% off gas — using the current 2026-2027 income guidelines.
You qualify for CARE if your household's gross annual income is at or below the limit for your household size (from $43,280 for 1-2 people up to $111,440 for 8, plus $11,360 per additional person), or if anyone in your household already participates in a program like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or SSI. CARE qualifiers get 30-35% off electric and 20% off gas.
Enter your household size and either your income or your public-assistance enrollment status below. This tool uses the CARE/FERA income guidelines effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027.
CARE Eligibility Calculator
Your CARE Eligibility Result
How this is calculated
CARE has two independent paths to qualify — you only need one. The first is categorical: if anyone living in your household already receives Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, SSI, WIC, LIHEAP, National School Lunch Program benefits, Tribal TANF, Head Start (tribal), or Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, you qualify regardless of income.
The second is the income test: your household's total gross annual income (before taxes, from every household member, from all sources) must be at or below the ceiling for your household size — $43,280 for a household of 1-2, up to $111,440 for a household of 8, adding $11,360 for each person beyond 8.
If you qualify, your discount is 30-35% off your electric bill and 20% off gas, plus a reduced monthly Base Services Charge (about $5-10/mo instead of the standard rate). If your income is above the CARE ceiling but your household has 3 or more people, you may still qualify for FERA — this tool checks that automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CARE program in California?
CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) is a statewide program that gives qualifying households 30-35% off their electric bill and 20% off their gas bill, plus a discounted Base Services Charge. It's administered by your utility under CPUC oversight.
What is the income limit for CARE in 2026?
For the period June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027: $43,280 or less for a household of 1-2, rising to $111,440 for a household of 8, adding $11,360 for each additional person. You qualify on income alone if you're at or below this limit for your household size.
Can I qualify for CARE without meeting the income limit?
Yes. You automatically qualify regardless of income if you or someone in your household participates in a program like Medi-Cal, CalFresh/SNAP, CalWORKs, SSI, WIC, LIHEAP, the National School Lunch Program, Tribal TANF, or Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
What if my income is too high for CARE?
You may still qualify for FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance), which covers households of 3 or more with income somewhat above the CARE limit, offering an 18% electric-only discount.
How do I apply for CARE once I know I qualify?
Apply directly through your electric or gas utility (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, SoCalGas, or your municipal utility) online, by phone, or by mail. CARE and FERA share one combined application.
Does CARE affect other benefits I receive?
No. CARE is a utility bill discount, not a cash benefit, and enrolling does not affect eligibility for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or other public assistance programs.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not affiliated with the CPUC or any utility. Confirm your eligibility and enroll through your utility's official CARE/FERA program page — actual approval depends on your utility's verification of the information you provide.