Financial Help:
Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments
The federal government is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others – including health plans – affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Help With Utilities:
During this difficult time, some utility companies will not disconnect service due to missed payments, and some offer flexible payment plans. Policies depend on the service company, so please contact your home’s provider.
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PG&E – payment, temporary moratorium. Information in Vietnamese.
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San Jose Municipal Water System: Monthly payment is still required. Late fees have been waived until July 1.
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San Jose Water Company – payment information and temporary moratorium.
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Great Oaks Water Company – payment, discontinuance policy.
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AT&T – moratorium.
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Comcast – payment and other information.
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T-Mobile – payment and other information.
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Garbage / Recycling Collection – payment is incorporated into your property taxes. Property tax payments are due on time but requests for penalty waivers are being accepted.
For San José residents: You can lookup your garbage, recycling, and water providers using your address in the City of San Jose’s lookup tool.
Discount programs
Local residents and businesses may be eligible for programs that offer savings on your electricity bill, home energy efficiency upgrades, and discounts on electric vehicles through State or Federal funding. Lean more about these programs and see if you qualify.
California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE)
This State program is administered by PG&E and offers a monthly discount of 30%-35% on electricity and 20% on gas. Customers must qualify through income guidelines or be enrolled in select public assistance programs. Customers must renew eligibility every two years or every four years if customer is on a fixed income. SJCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply and reapply through PG&E. If a customer does not qualify for the CARE program, they may still qualify for the FERA program. Review the income guidelines table below.
Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)
This State program is administered by PG&E and offers an 18% discount on electricity only. This discount is specifically for households of three or more people who meet the income guidelines. Customers must renew eligibility every two years. SJCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply through PG&E. Review the income guidelines table below.
This State program administered by PG&E is an assistance program for qualifying residential customers who have medical conditions that require special energy needs. Residents that qualify for Medical Baseline may receive an allowance of approximately 500 kWh of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas at the lowest rate each month based on medical condition and/or medical device. Application must be filled out and signed by the account holder and a medical physician. SJCE customers are eligible for Medical Baseline and must apply and reapply through PG&E.
One-Time Bill Assistance Programs:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This federally funded program administered through Sacred Heart offers assistance to eligible low-income households (renters and homeowners) with paying utility bills, weatherizing their home, and making energy-related home repairs. LIHEAP provides one payment, ranging from $175 to $324 every calendar year. This is a non-emergency program as it may take about 6-8 weeks for payment to be awarded. Customers must apply through Sacred Heart.
Relief for Energy Assistance Through Community Help (REACH)
PLEASE NOTE: Customers impacted by the COVID-19 emergency will be provided with up to an additional $100 in bill payment assistance through March 4, 2021.
This donation program administered by the non-profit Dollar Energy Fund gives income-qualified customers financial assistance during times of hardship. REACH provides a one-time energy credit each year for up to $300 based on a past due bill (energy credit support is subject to funding availability). To qualify, customers must have received either a 15-day or a 48-hour disconnection notice and customer income must not exceed the REACH income guidelines (same as CARE guidelines). Customers must apply through PG&E.
Energy Efficiency
This program provides replacement and repairs of critical home equipment it be roofing, heating, water heaters, critical plumbing and critical electrical. Income-eligible owner-occupied properties (Single Family or Mobile Homes) are eligible for critical home repairs that, if not corrected, would make the home uninhabitable.
Energy Savings Assistance Program
This program, which is paid for by ratepayer funds through the Public Purpose Program charge, provides income-eligible customers with free energy savings improvements. Income eligibility follows the same guidelines as those for CARE. Improvements can include replacing your refrigerator, repairing or replacing your furnace or water heater and installing insulation, weatherproofing, energy-efficient light bulbs, caulking, low-flow showerheads and more.
Loans and Claims:
The State of California Employment Development Department provides supportive services to individuals affected by COVID-19. If a medical professional says you are unable to work, your hours have been reduced, you are caring for an ill/quarantined family member, or your employer has shut down — you can file a claim. The EDD also developed a Rapid Response Factsheet to provide early intervention assistance to help avert potential layoffs, and immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses.
Small business owners who need help can find helpful information through the City of San José ’s department of Economic Development, including the Small Business Administration’s loan resources.