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Income Eligibility for California Energy Rebates and Incentives

See if you qualify for California’s 2025 energy rebates and incentives under the IRA. This guide explains income eligibility limits for HEEHRA, HOMES, and more.

Do You Qualify for California’s Energy Rebates? 2025 Income Eligibility Guide

Thousands of Californians are eligible for energy rebates and incentives through state programs like HEEHRA and HOMES—but income limits vary. This page explains how income eligibility works for California’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)-funded energy programs and helps you find out if you can qualify in 2025.

Why Income Matters for Energy Rebates

Both the HEEHRA and HOMES programs aim to support equitable access to clean energy. That means:

  • HEEHRA rebates are only available to low- and moderate-income households.
  • HOMES rebates are available to all, but larger incentives are reserved for households with lower incomes or those living in disadvantaged communities.

Understanding where your income falls on the eligibility scale is the first step to unlocking these powerful energy incentives.

What Counts as Income?

Income is measured by household income—meaning the total gross income of everyone living in your home. This typically includes:

  • Wages and salaries
  • Social Security benefits
  • Pension or retirement income
  • Unemployment income
  • Rental or investment income

Your household size is also factored in. A family of four, for example, will have a higher income cap than a single-person household.

2025 Income Eligibility Guidelines for California

Below is a general guide based on the 80% and 150% Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds used in California energy programs.

Household Size 80% AMI (Low Income) 150% AMI (Moderate Income)
1 $66,000 $123,750
2 $75,400 $141,000
3 $84,750 $158,625
4 $94,150 $176,250
5 $101,700 $190,500
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Note: These are sample thresholds based on median incomes in major California metro areas. Official program requirements may vary by county.

Which Programs Use These Limits?

Program Income Requirement Eligibility Notes
HEEHRA Required Must be low or moderate income
HOMES Optional Higher rebates for low-income households
CA-TREC None Open to all contractors and tradespeople

How to Verify Your Income

Once applications reopen, income verification will be done through approved program partners. For HEEHRA, that means:

  1. Contacting a TECH Clean California-certified contractor.
  2. Providing basic income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns).
  3. Completing verification as part of the rebate reservation process.

For HOMES, income documentation may be optional depending on the rebate path you choose.

What if I Don’t Qualify?

If your income is too high to qualify for HEEHRA, you may still benefit from:

  • HOMES incentives, which are open to all Californians.
  • Federal tax credits for heat pumps, insulation, solar, and more.
  • Local energy rebate programs from your utility provider.

Explore additional rebate opportunities →

Final Thoughts

Income eligibility is a key part of unlocking California’s energy rebates and incentives in 2025. Whether you qualify for full HEEHRA benefits or partial HOMES rebates, understanding your status helps you get the most out of these federally funded programs.

Check your eligibility, contact a certified contractor, and start planning your upgrades today.