More than one million low-income households in California can get free appliances.
But how do you know if you qualify?
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Who qualifies for free appliances?
SoCalGas is a utility provider and has helped over 1.6millions households through the Energy Savings Assistance Program since 2002. The company is based out of Southern California offers various home repairs and replacements for appliances for eligible customers. Many residents thought the offer was too good to be true– so there was a low number of applicants. In order to boost the free program, they expanded the eligibility requirements in July– making another 330,000 households eligible.
California residents that meet the income requirement or that participate in certain assistance programs will qualify. If you are enrolled in one of the following programs, you are eligible:
- Medi-Cal/Medicaid
- Medi-Cal for Families A & B
- Women, Infants & Children
- CalWORKs or Tribal TANF
- Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- CalFresh (Food Stamps)
- National School Lunch Program
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Supplemental Security Income
You may also be eligible if you earn $33,975 a year or less. However, that amount increases by $11,800 for each additional person in the household. For example, a family of four making up to $69,735 will still qualify
What kind of repairs will they do?
California residents can submit an interest form or call 1-800-331-7593. If are deemed eligible, the next step is being referred to an authorized contractor. The contractor will then visit their home and decide what needs to be done. After that, they will schedule a day to make the necessary repairs. Repairs and replacements offered include:
- attic insulation
- caulking
- furnace repair/ replacements
- washing machine repair/ replacements
- door weather stripping
- water heater repair/ replacements
- minor fixes for exterior doors and/or windows
Customers can save up tp 20% on their annual gas bill, depending on what upgrades are made.
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