In an effort to better serve our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have temporarily adjusted our income document guidelines related to unemployment benefits. If you have recently applied for unemployment benefits, please submit your last paystub, or your wages as you provided to EDD. Please see additional details below.
Due to COVID restrictions, our in person staff is limited. For quickest response, please apply online.
Energy Assistance Program FAQs
The Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) program is designed to serve customers with the greatest need.
Customers with the lowest household income, based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL) income guidelines, receive the largest discount. The program is also structured to increase the discount amount for customers with the greatest need in 2020 and 2021.
About the program
What is the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?
The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is used to determine financial eligibility for certain deferral programs. The guidelines are issued each year in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services.
How long will I receive the discounted rate?
We typically ask customers to re-apply every 1-2 years. When it’s time to re-apply, we’ll mail a recertification application which will require current copies of income/sources of money/benefit documentation.
What should I do if I no longer qualify for the discount?
If your income/sources of money or circumstances change, and you no longer qualify, please notify us by mail or give us a call at 1-888-742-7683 to update your account.
Application process
How is monthly income calculated?- Weekly pay period – average gross pay multiplied by 52 pay periods in the year divided by 12
- Biweekly pay period – average gross pay multiplied by 26 pay periods in the year divided by 12
- Semi-monthly pay period – (1st -15th and 16th - end of the month) average gross pay multiplied by 24 pay periods in the year divided by 12
How current do my income/sources of money documents need to be?
Your documents must be from within the last two consecutive months. Outdated documents will not be accepted. If you’re paid less than 12 months out of the year, please indicate that information on your application.
Where can I get a benefit/award letter?
Most agencies/programs have websites for you to verify and print information.
- Social Security
- Employment Development Department (EDD)
- My Benefits CalWorks/Cal Fresh
- Dept. Veterans Affairs
- Child Support
- Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency
- Subsidy Notice Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Will my income documents be returned to me?
We’re not able to return your original documents, so please send copies of any income/sources of money/benefit documentation with your application.
Can I apply for EAPR online?
Yes. You can check your eligibility, apply online and upload your income/source of money documentation with your application. When we receive your application in our system, you’ll receive more information about the status of your application.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
A completed application package is usually processed within 2-4 weeks of being received. After you’ve been enrolled, the Energy Assistance Program discount will be displayed as a line item on your SMUD bill each month.