CARE takes 30 to 35% off the electric bill and 20% off gas. FERA takes 18% off electric for households just over the CARE line. Both are SDG&E programs, set by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Apply with SDG&E Online, no documents needed to apply, or call 1-877-646-5525.
Do you qualify? 30 seconds
Income means everyone living in the home, before deductions. A check, not an approval: SDG&E decides.
Income limits, June 2026 to May 2027
| People in home | CARE: up to | FERA: between |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | $43,280 | $43,281 to $54,100 |
| 3 | $54,640 | $54,641 to $68,300 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $66,001 to $82,500 |
| 5 | $77,360 | $77,361 to $96,700 |
| 6 | $88,720 | $88,721 to $110,900 |
| 7 | $100,080 | $100,081 to $125,100 |
| 8 | $111,440 | $111,441 to $139,300 |
| Each person after 8 | add $11,360 | add $14,200 |
Or qualify through a program
If anyone in the home is enrolled in one of these, you can qualify for CARE without the income check:
- Medi-Cal (Medicaid)
- CalFresh / SNAP
- WIC
- CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- National School Lunch Program (free lunch)
- LIHEAP
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal only)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Once approved, the discount runs two years before you renew (four years for fixed-income households, per SDG&E).
Already on CARE? Answer the letter
CARE has to be renewed. SDG&E sends a recertification request and gives about 120 days to respond; households that don't answer are removed. In 2025, SDG&E counted 80,077 CARE drop-offs, and enrollment fell from 307,554 in January to 287,358 in December. If you got dropped, reapply: it's the same short form.
FERA: the discount most eligible homes miss
FERA takes 18% off for households a little over the CARE limits (see the table). SDG&E estimated 81,019 households eligible in 2025 and had 18,936 enrolled: about 23%.
Behind on the bill? Up to $8,000 forgiven
CARE and FERA customers can join SDG&E's Arrearage Management Payment Plan: pay each current bill on time for 12 months and SDG&E forgives 1/12 of the old debt each time, up to $8,000 in all, with no disconnection while you're in it. To qualify: on CARE or FERA, a customer for at least six months, at least one on-time payment in the last two years, and a past-due balance of $500 or more (gas only: $250) with some of it 90 days old. Enroll through SDG&E's online assistant: AMP plan.
More ways to cut the bill
- Every way to lower the SDG&E bill, narrowed to your home
- Where the Climate Credit went in 2026
- Why the SDG&E bill jumps
- What your AC costs by the hour
- Text PJ: he'll do the application with you, put the recertification date on your calendar, and sign you up for AMP if you're behind. Plans start as low as $25.
Sources: CPUC, CARE/FERA program · SDG&E, CARE and FERA programs · 2025 CARE/FERA annual report · AMP plan. Checked October 6, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25.
Questions people ask
What is the income limit for SDG&E CARE in 2026?
For June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027: $43,280 a year for 1 or 2 people, $54,640 for 3, $66,000 for 4, $77,360 for 5, plus $11,360 for each person past 8.
How much does CARE save?
30 to 35% off the electric bill and 20% off natural gas, per the CPUC. FERA is 18% off electric.
Who qualifies for FERA?
Households with income just over the CARE line: for example $66,001 to $82,500 for a family of 4, June 2026 to May 2027.
Can I qualify for CARE without an income check?
Yes, if someone in the home is enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, SSI, CalWORKs, free school lunch, LIHEAP or another listed program.
Know someone who needs this?
Something changed here? Text PJ and we'll update this page.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.