Marina Coast Water District is committed to assisting our customers who may be experiencing financial challenges. The resources below offer water, utility, housing, and other forms of assistance to eligible Monterey County residents.
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Assistance With Your Water Bill Is Coming Soon!
MCWD CARES is a Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) program to help income-qualified customers manage their water bills.
If you are an MCWD customer at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible to save up to $250 a year on your water bill.
How to Apply
All applications go through Dollar Energy Fund — MCWD does not process applications directly.
Application enrollment for 2026 is mid-June through July, then November–December if funds remain.
Enrollment Will Open Mid-June.
The Exact Date Enrollment Starts Will Be Announced Soon,
Along with Contact Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this program available in Spanish?
Yes, information about the CARES Program is available by clicking the translation button at the top left of this page.
¿Este programa está disponible en español?
Sí, hay información sobre el Programa CARES disponible haciendo clic en el botón de traducción en la parte superior izquierda de esta página.
Is my personal information safe?
Dollar Energy Fund is a trusted nonprofit organization. Your information is used only to verify eligibility for this program.
I applied — what happens next?
Dollar Energy Fund will review your application and notify you of your status. If approved, the credit will be applied automatically to your MCWD bill. Grants are dispersed on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants while funding is available.
How do I know if I qualify?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a Marina Coast Water District water customer
- Have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Have an account in good standing (no balance more than 30 days past due)
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines — 200% Threshold
Use the table below as a general guide. Contact Dollar Energy Fund to confirm your eligibility.
| Household / family size | 200% of 2026 federal poverty line |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $88,720 |
| 7 | $100,080 |
| 8 | $111,440 |
| For households larger than 8, contact Dollar Energy Fund for guidance on your eligibility. | |
Contact Dollar Energy Fund at the links and numbers above to confirm your eligibility.
Additional Assistance Resources
Energy Bill Assistance
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
Provides a 20% monthly discount on PG&E bills for qualifying low-income households.
- Call: PG&E at 866-743-2273.
- Website: pge.com/care
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Offers once-per-year payment toward heating or cooling bills. Also provides budget counseling.
- Call: 888-728-3637 (Central Coast Energy Services)
Fast Track Program
Emergency help for households facing utility disconnection or other energy-related crises
- Learn more: Benefits.gov Energy Help
Central Coast Energy Services
Provides energy conservation, utility assistance, and emergency support for Monterey and nearby counties.
- Call: 888-728-3637
- Mailing: P.O. Box 2707, Watsonville, CA 95077
Telephone Discount Program
California Lifeline
Discounted landline or mobile phone service for eligible low-income households.
- Call: 866-272-0349
- Website: Benefits.gov Lifeline Program
Local Nonprofit Assistance
Catholic Charities
Offers emergency help for rent, utilities, food, and shelter.
- Call: 831-722-2675
Tax Credits & State Assistance
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Refundable federal tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.
- IRS Info: irs.gov
- Call: PG&E at 800-829-1040.
California Homeowner & Renter Assistance
Annual assistance based on property taxes paid directly (homeowners) or indirectly (renters).
- Contact the Franchise Tax Board: 800-868-4171