Budget stretched? You may be able to save at least 20 percent on your electric and natural gas bill by using the PG&E CARE program (California Alternate Rates for Energy). This program provides a monthly discount on energy bills for income-qualified households.
Qualification is based on two things: 1) the number of people living in your home and 2) the total annual income for the household. The total gross annual income (based on the number of household members) must be at or below the amount shown below:
Size of Household Income
1 or 2 $40,880
3 $51,640
This income limit is higher than last year, so you may now qualify even if you did not qualify last year. Or you may qualify this year because your work hours have been reduced or you have retired.
Be aware that PG&E defines income as money from all household members and from any source including non-taxable as well as taxable income sources. Pensions, 100 percent of your Social Security benefits, disability payments, and alimony are some examples of income that PG&E will consider even though they may not be taxable for income tax purposes.
You may also qualify for the CARE program if you participate in a public assistance program such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medi-Cal.
You may apply for this program online at pge.com/care. If you prefer, the SRS office can give you a paper application form. The application is short; you give your PG&E account number, name, address, check a box to show you qualify by income or by a public assistance program and sign a declaration that your information is correct. No further documentation is required with the application.
After application, you may be contacted by PG&E to provide verification of qualifying household income. You will then need to provide documents to confirm your income. SRS services are available should you require further assistance.
PG&E will ask you to renew your eligibility every two years; four years if a senior on a fixed income.
If you qualify for this program, act now. The sooner you apply, the sooner you will start to save. The program should start with your next billing cycle. Your PG&E bill will show your CARE discount each month.
SRS Alert:
Do you have the Homeowner Exemption?
If the property you own in The Villages is your primary residence, you are entitled to a small exemption on your property tax. The exemption is only $7,000 of assessed value, but it amounts to a tax savings of about $80 a year. This means in five years you will have saved $400.
If you are a new resident or have changed your title for some reason such as changing the title to a Living Trust or removing a joint name, you likely need to reapply for the exemption.
You may file online by going to www.sccassessor.org and clicking on the Homeowner Exemption box on the left side of the home screen. Or call the Assessor’s office at 408-299-6460 and the County will mail you the simple application. Or request the form by email at Exemptions@asr.sccgov.org. Include the property address and assessor parcel number in your request.
Note: The Senior Resource Services (SRS) office hours for drop-in assistance are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. The SRS office is in the Cribari Center across from the Post Office. You may also leave a message at 408-239-5253 or e-mail SRS at villagessrs@sbcglobal.net. The purpose of SRS is to provide education and general business and financial information. All assistance is free and confidential. You should ask your professional advisor about your individual situation.
