Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in California

Where to start

Quick reference

California LIHEAP and crisis help

The California LIHEAP program helps eligible households with home heating and cooling costs. California received $236 million in federal LIHEAP funding for federal fiscal year 2026, but local agencies must still prioritize the households with the greatest need.

LIHEAP has three main parts. The Home Energy Assistance Program can provide one-time bill help. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program can help in a crisis, such as a 24- to 48-hour shutoff notice or a dangerous energy problem. LIHEAP Weatherization can provide approved energy-saving and health or safety improvements.

The amount of help is not the same statewide. Local providers consider income, household size, bill status, vulnerability, utility service, and available funds. A family can meet the income limit and still be placed behind a household with a more urgent need.

2026 LIHEAP income limits

The current LIHEAP income table uses monthly household income. The local agency makes the final eligibility decision.

For more than 10 people, the state adds $192.21 for each extra person. Income sources and local rules can affect the result, so do not reject yourself based only on the chart.

CARE, FERA, and Energy Savings Assistance

The CARE and FERA programs are monthly utility discounts. CARE generally provides a 30% to 35% electric discount and a 20% natural gas discount through large regulated utilities. FERA provides an 18% electric discount for households with income above the CARE limit.

CARE can use income or enrollment in programs such as Medi-Cal, WIC, CalFresh, LIHEAP, SSI, CalWORKs, Tribal TANF, or the free school lunch program. Check the ASMOM California food guide, California TANF guide, and California WIC guide if you may qualify for those benefits.

Current annual income limits

These limits are effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. FERA is offered by PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric. Apply through the utility that sends your bill.

No-cost home energy upgrades

The Energy Savings Assistance program uses the higher FERA income limits. Approved services may include insulation, weatherstripping, caulking, low-flow showerheads, a water-heater blanket, certain appliances, or furnace work. A home assessment decides which measures are allowed.

Renters may qualify, but the utility or contractor may need landlord permission for some work. No household is promised every listed upgrade.

Payment plans, debt relief, and utility funds

The CPUC late-bill page explains payment plans, billing disputes, and service restart help for regulated utilities. Call your utility first and ask for the longest affordable arrangement. If that fails, the CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch may help with a privately owned utility.

Arrearage Management Plan

Major regulated utilities offer an Arrearage Management Plan, called AMP, for some CARE or FERA customers with old debt. Each time the current monthly bill is paid in full and on time, the utility forgives one-twelfth of the eligible past-due balance. Missing current payments can remove the customer from the plan.

Rules differ by utility. For example, the SCE AMP page lists debt of at least $500 that is 90 or more days old and forgiveness of up to $8,000. Ask your own utility to check the account rather than assuming the same limit applies.

Current utility hardship funds

Amounts and open status can change during the year. Confirm the amount before making a payment plan. A grant or pledge may be sent directly to the account rather than to the customer.

Medical Baseline and outage needs

The Medical Baseline program gives an extra electricity or natural gas allowance at the lowest residential rate when a person has a qualifying medical condition or relies on approved medical equipment. There is no income limit.

Medical Baseline is not a cash grant and does not make a home immune from wildfire shutoffs, storms, equipment failures, or disconnection for unpaid bills. Ask the utility about outage notices, accessible alerts, backup-battery programs, and community resource centers.

A qualified medical practitioner usually completes part of the application. The ASMOM California disability guide lists related support for parents and children with medical or disability needs.

Water and sewer bill help

California’s Low Income Household Water Assistance Program is closed. The official LIHWAP status page says the temporary federal program stopped accepting applications and sunset on March 31, 2024.

Call the water company or city billing department and ask about a customer-assistance program, low-income rate, leak adjustment, payment plan, or shutoff review. The water assistance list covers large privately owned water companies regulated by the CPUC.

Publicly owned city and district water systems use their own programs and complaint steps. The CPUC may not regulate them. Ask the provider which local office reviews hardship requests.

Phone and internet assistance

California LifeLine offers discounted home or cell phone service. A household can qualify through income or programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, LIHEAP, SSI, Section 8, CalWORKs, or certain veterans benefits.

The current annual income limits are $24,600 for one person, $33,300 for two, $42,100 for three, and $50,800 for four. Add $8,700 for each extra person. These limits apply June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027.

California also launched a three-year home-broadband pilot in January 2026. The broadband pilot page lists up to $20 per month for standalone internet and up to $30 for bundled internet and voice through participating providers.

The low-cost internet finder lists other provider plans by ZIP code. The ASMOM phone and internet guide explains national options and scam warnings.

Documents and information to gather

Do not delay the first call because one paper is missing. Ask what other proof the program accepts. Use the ASMOM documents checklist to keep records together.