Financial Assistance for Families and Individuals
SCE understands that many customers continue to struggle financially, and that sometimes other expenses must come first. Our California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) financial assistance programs help qualifying families of all sizes lower their monthly energy bills when they need it most.
- CARE: Qualifying households receive 32.5% off their electric bills.
- FERA: Qualifying households receive an 18% discount on their electric bills.
Customers enrolled in CARE or FERA programs qualify for a discounted Base Services Charge. For CARE customers, your Base Services Charge will be approximately $6 per month. For FERA customers, your Base Services Charge will be approximately $12 per month. The actual amount will vary based on the number of days in your billing cycle. Learn more at BaseServicesCharge .
CARE/FERA Online Application
Applying is quick and easy. No additional documentation is required.
Other Ways to Apply
By Phone
Call our Automated Telephone System at 1-800-798-5723.
By Mail
Download an application, print, and mail it to us.
Download: Large Print Application
Download: Standard Print Application
How to Know if You Qualify
You may qualify for either CARE or FERA based on the size of your household and the total current income of all persons living in your house, condo, apartment, or mobile home.
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Household Income Guidelines
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Public Assistance Programs
Effective June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, income limits are as follows:
Household Size | CARE Income Eligibility Upper Limit ** | FERA Income Eligibility Lower and Upper Income Limits* |
|---|---|---|
1-2 | $43,280 | $43,281 - $54,100 |
3 | $54,640 | $54,641 - $68,300 |
4 | $66,000 | $66,001 - $82,500 |
5 | $77,360 | $77,361 - $96,700 |
6 | $88,720 | $88,721 - $110,900 |
7 | $100,080 | $100,081 - $125,100 |
8 | $111,440 | $111,441 - $139,300 |
Each Additional Person | $11,360 | $11,360 |
Additionally, you may qualify for CARE if you or someone in your home participates in at least one of the following public assistance programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- CalFresh/SNAP (food stamps)
- CalWorks (TANF)/Tribal TANF
- Head Start Income Eligible (tribal only)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medi-Cal/Medicaid
- Medi-Cal for Families (Healthy Families A&B)
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS
Agricultural Employee Housing (AEH) and Migrant Farmworker Housing Centers (MFHC)
Your AEH or MFHC facility(ies) may qualify for an approximate 32.5% discount off your monthly SCE bill. The facility must meet the criteria outlined in California Public Utilities Code § 739.2 and possess the necessary supporting documentation relevant for participation
Nonprofit Group Living Facility
The CARE program offers a monthly discount on energy bills for qualifying nonprofit group-living facilities. Learn if your tax-exempt group living facility qualifies.
Sub-Metered Tenants
Rate discounts are available for qualified tenants billed for energy usage through their landlords in apartment buildings, mobile-home parks, residential RV parks, or marinas.
Homekey Housing Facilities
Rate discounts are available for Homekey housing facilities owned or administered by public housing authorities. These facilities may qualify for the CARE discounted rate if their residents substantially meet the program's income eligibility requirements.
Message paid for by ratepayers.