Help with your
California utility bills.
Two systems, with two applications, cover energy bills in California. LIHEAP is federal money that the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) sends to local service providers in each city or county.
CARE and FERA are rate discounts run by your utility under the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). LIHEAP enrollment is one of the ways to qualify for CARE, so an approval from one can help with the other.
Eligibility
California income limits
| Household size | Monthly gross income | Annual gross income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,332 | $39,984 |
| 2 people | $4,357 | $52,284 |
| 3 people | $5,382 | $64,584 |
| 4 people | $6,407 | $76,884 |
| 5 people | $7,432 | $89,184 |
| 6 people | $8,457 | $101,484 |
| 7 people | $8,650 | $103,800 |
| 8 people | $8,842 | $106,104 |
| 9 people | $9,034 | $108,408 |
| 10 people | $9,226 | $110,712 |
Source: California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Verified October 15, 2026.
Meeting the income guideline does not guarantee assistance. Other program rules and available funding apply.
Three kinds of LIHEAP help from CSD
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) makes a one-time payment toward your utility bill. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) handles crises such as a 24 to 48 hour disconnect notice or a dangerous combustible appliance.
LIHEAP Weatherization adds free efficiency upgrades, plus energy education and budget counseling. The federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists FY 2026 heating payments of $94 to $1,500 and crisis payments up to $1,500.
California received $236.7 million in LIHEAP funding for Federal Fiscal Year 2026. CSD says providers put particularly vulnerable households first, so some eligible applicants may not get a benefit.
If you are new to California and want the federal basics first, read our guide on how to apply for LIHEAP.
Written appeals: provider first, then CSD
A denial, a late response, or unsatisfactory service from the local service provider can all be appealed in writing to that provider. It must decide no later than 15 days after it receives your appeal.
If you disagree with the provider's decision, appeal in writing to CSD under Title 22, California Code of Regulations section 100805: Utility and LIHEAP Assistance, 2389 Gateway Oaks Drive #100, Sacramento, CA 95833.
Source: CSD: Filing an Appeal
CARE and FERA cut the rate itself
CARE takes 30 to 35 percent off the electric bill and 20 percent off natural gas. Utilities with fewer than 100,000 accounts give 20 percent. CARE customers also pay a $6 monthly base charge instead of the standard $24.15.
You qualify for CARE by income, up to 200% of federal poverty guidelines ($43,280 for one or two people from June 1, 2026), or by enrollment in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, SSI, LIHEAP, free school lunch or TANF (CalWORKs).
FERA is for households a little over the CARE limit, up to 250% of poverty guidelines. It gives an 18 percent electric discount and only PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric offer it. Enroll in either one through your utility.
Source: CPUC: CARE/FERA Program
Shutoff protection that follows the forecast
Instead of a winter calendar, California ties shutoff protection to the forecast: 32°F or below, or 100°F or above, expected within the next 72 hours, according to the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse.
Utilities also protect customers registered for life support or critical care. That takes a form signed by a licensed physician or other health care provider. If you already hold a disconnect notice, ECIP through your local provider is the LIHEAP route.
Source: LIHEAP Clearinghouse (HHS/ACF): State disconnect policies
Ways to apply for LIHEAP
- Online through your Local Service Provider (find yours at csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx)
- By phone to the CSD hotline at 1-866-675-6623 for LSP referral
- In person at your Local Service Provider office (typically Community Action Agency)
- Dial 2-1-1, California's free and confidential referral line, open 24 hours a day
California county offices for LIHEAP
Local agencies in California's largest counties. Confirm the current provider for your address.
Other help in California
Other programs that may help your household.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Your local service provider, which you find on CSD's Find Services In Your Area page by city or county. The LIHEAP public inquiry line listed by the federal clearinghouse is 1-866-675-6623, and California 2-1-1 answers 24 hours a day.
Yes. They are separate programs. CSD lists CARE as a program it does not run, and the CPUC lists LIHEAP enrollment as one way to qualify for the CARE discount.
Yes. CSD says the one-time payment can go toward heating or cooling bills even if you use wood, propane or oil, not only gas and electric service.
ESA gives free weatherization to households that meet CARE income guidelines, such as attic insulation, efficient refrigerators and furnaces, weatherstripping and low-flow showerheads. CSD notes it does not administer ESA.
No. The federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse lists heating, cooling, crisis and weatherization help as year round in California. Funding is limited, though, so local providers may have to prioritize who they serve.
Official resources
Official links
Independent guide
GrantsHubUSA explains benefit programs and links to official resources. We do not approve benefits or process applications.
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