MID CARES for low-income customers
(Community Alternative Rates for Electric Service)

Your enrollment in MID CARES reduces your fixed monthly charge from $12.50 to $5.00, and includes a 23% discount on the remainder of your bill for a period of three years, or as long as you qualify.

How do I qualify for the discount?

Ask yourself:

1. How many people live in your house?
2. How much money (before taxes) does each person get each month? You might get money from CalWORKS, SSI/SSP, SSA, pensions, wages or interest income.
3. The total income of all people in the household must be at or below:

How do I apply for the discount?

• Download one of the applications below.
• Print and fill it out.
• Include a copy of your MID electric bill. The name on the MID bill and the name on the application must be the same.
• Include proof of one month's income received within the last three months for everyone in your household.
• Mail the completed application and support documents to the address listed on the application form.

Apply for the MID CARES program:

• English: Application in English (PDF, 52kbs)
• Spanish: Solicitud de Inscripción en Español (PDF, 82kbs)
  (These documents are in PDF format. To read them you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer. Download a free version of it from Adobe's web site.)

If you need assistance completing this application, please call (209) 526-7373, or bring your information to MID office at 1231 11th Street, Modesto.  TDD/TTY call  (209) 525-9948 or California Relay Service at  (800) 735-2929 TTY.

Applications are also available by calling this toll free number:
(866) 645-6625 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

You can also call (866) 645-6625 to check the status of your application after you have applied. The toll free number is active Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. excluding holidays.

I need help to fill out the form.

• We will help you. Come to the MID lobby at 1231 11^th Street, Modesto, the first Friday of the month. Call MID (209) 526-7435 for dates. Bring your MID bill and proof of income with you.

Examples of proof of income are:

• Your most recent pay check stub
• Your yearly social security summary
• A copy of a recent disability or unemployment check.

How long before I see the discount?

• If approved, your discount will show up on your MID bill in about 8 to 12 weeks.

When will I have to apply for the discount again?

• In three years, MID will ask you to recertify.

How much will the discount lower my bill?

• That depends on how much electricity you use. If your bill is $50 (before taxes), the discount lowers it to $38.50.

What other help can MID offer?

• Medical Life Support Rate. If your medical condition requires items that increase your electric bill, you may qualify for the medical life support rate. Call (209) 526-7337. Free Home Energy Check-Up Learn how to lower energy use in your home. Call (209) 526-7339.
• View other Help and Services here.