Your Finances, Your Future - Getting a Break on Your Bills

SAVE ON UTILITY AND CAR INSURANCE BILLS:

• The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) offers a 20% discount on energy bills for qualified low- or fixed-income households;
• California’s Affordable Auto Insurance Program provides an affordable auto insurance option to low-income good drivers; 
• The California Lifeline Telephone Service provides a discount on basic land line phone service for low-income Californians.

EXPLORE OTHER STATE OPTIONS FOR EXTRA CASH:

• California’s Unclaimed Property Program: Does the State have money that may belong to you? Maybe you moved and forgot to collect the security deposit on your apartment or a utility? Maybe you are the heir to a deceased relative’s safe deposit box contents? The State of California has more than $5.1 billion in Unclaimed Property belonging to 8.2 million individuals and organizations. The most common types of property are bank accounts, safe deposit box contents, stocks and bonds, and uncashed cashier’s checks. Unclaimed property does not include real estate. You can do a free search for property at www.ClaimIt.ca.gov, or call 1-800-992-4647;
• The Earned Income Tax Credit is a tax credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and families. Even if you didn’t file a tax return, you may be eligible for the tax credit;
• New Home Purchase Tax Credit: California has a new program that provides qualified buyers of new homes that have never been occupied a total tax credit amount of either five percent of the purchase price, or $10,000, whichever is less. You must live in the house for at least two years.