Rising costs for everyday necessities continue to place a financial strain on families. There are many programs at the city, county and state levels to help residents lower their monthly bills, access tax credits and secure essential services.
Find local assistance programs that help lower costs for residents of Assembly District 54, which includes Koreatown, Pico Union, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Vernon, Commerce and Montebello.
Utilities: Discounts on Electric, Gas, Water & Other Bills
EZ-Save Program
Kickstart your utility bill savings and find out what other savings may be in store for you through other city and state programs with the EZ-Save Program! Proof of income is not required.
Life-Support Equipment Discount
Does someone in your household depend on motorized wheelchairs, respirators, or dialysis machines? You may be eligible for a discount!
Lifeline Rate for Senior Citizens & Individuals with Disabilities
Seniors and individuals with disabilities may be eligible for an exemption on their electric and utility bills.
Physician Certified Allowance Discount
Discounts on monthly electric bills are available to customers who provide verification by a state-licensed physician that a full-time member of the household serviced by LADWP is a paraplegic, hemiplegic, quadriplegic, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular or scleroderma patient as well as individuals with immune compromised systems.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
SCE and SoCalGas customers may be eligible for up to a 35% discount on electric bills and 20% discount on natural gas bills through the CARE program. There are two ways to qualify: income-based and enrollment in public benefits like Medi-Cal, WIC, SNAP and other programs.
Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)
Customers whose income exceeds the qualifying income requirement for the CARE Program may still be eligible for an 18% discount on electric bills.
CalWater Customer Assistance Program (CAP) - Commerce
Qualifying CalWater customers may eligible to receive a fixed monthly discount equal to 50% of the ⅝ x ¾ inch meter service charge. Customers must meet income requirements. If you or someone in your household is enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, WIC or others, you may already qualify for assistance.
San Gabriel Valley Water Company - Montebello
The Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides a discount on water bills for qualifying households. Customers who qualify for the CARE Program (see above) may already be eligible for CAP.
Phone Bill Discount
Monthly discount on home or mobile phone service for eligible households. Program-based qualifications include households receiving Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SSI, CalFresh, WIC, Section 8 and other programs. Income-based qualifications require total annual gross income.
Broadband For All: Affordable Internet Service
Find reduced and affordable home internet service and devices like laptops and desktops in your area.
California Climate Credit
As part of California's efforts to combat climate change, ratepayers receive two credits per year (typically April and October) to their electric and natural gas bills.
Home Repairs & Rebates
Free Home Repairs & Upgrades
Qualifying seniors and individuals with disabilities may be eligible for free home repairs and accessibility improvements through the LA Housing Department Handyworker Program. Common repairs and installations include handrails, faucets, toilets and more.
LA Cool Air Conditioner Rebates
LADWP customers may be eligible for up to $275 in rebates on the purchase of a new energy efficient Window & Wall Air Conditioning unit. Customers may select an eligible model through the LA Cool marketplace.
State Tax Credits
Cash-Back Tax Credits
State tax credits like the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) offer up to $3,644 for eligible families with additional amounts available for children under six.
Renter's Credit
Tax filers who paid rent in California for at least half the year may be eligible for a renter's tax credit provided they meet income requirements.
Transportation: Free Rides & Discounts
Free Metro Rides
Did you know that qualifying residents may be eligible for 20 free Metro rides every month? The Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program offers free or discounted rides on Metro and other participating transit operators. Applicants who receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI and other eligible public benefits may already qualify.
GoPass for Students
Students at participating K-12, Adult Schools and Community Colleges may be eligible for free rides on Metro buses and trains. Check your school to see if they offer GoPass.
Reduced Fares for Seniors, People with Disabilities & Medicare Riders
EZ Transit Passes are available for qualifying riders, including Seniors over 62, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients. These EZ Transit Passes ensure you never pay more than $2.50 in a single day or $5 in a 7-day period. Once you reach the cap, the rest of your rides are free.
Note: Eligibility and benefit levels are determined by the administering city, county, or state agencies. Income requirements and verification processes may differ by program. Individuals already receiving public benefits such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal or SSI may automatically qualify for certain programs, however you should confirm directly with the administering agency.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It does not account for individual circumstances, guarantee eligibility or outcomes, or constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please consult the appropriate agency.
