LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an annual campaign that takes place each October with the purpose of educating the public about disability employment issues and celebrating the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "My disability is one part of who I am." In light of this month's celebration, SoCalGas is highlighting its Medical Baseline Allowance program.

SoCalGas understands that not all customers are alike and that some households have family members with health concerns that require more heating during cool weather. The Medical Baseline Allowance program helps customers with serious health conditions by providing an additional allowance of natural gas at the lowest rate.  

Customers may qualify for the program if a full-time member of the household:

• Has a life-threatening illness or a compromised immune system
• Is seriously disabled
• Requires more heat in winter due to a serious health condition or to prevent deterioration of the individual's medical condition

Covered conditions include: paraplegia, quadriplegia, hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, compromised immune system, life-threatening illness or any medical condition for which additional space heating is medically necessary. A doctor's certification is required.

"I suffer from multiple sclerosis and need additional heat during the colder months to stay comfortable. It is reassuring to know that I can keep my heat on without having to worry about a very expensive natural gas bill. It helps me a lot," says Adriana Smith, a 15-year SoCalGas customer.

Eligibility is based on medical condition only, not income, so many more customers battling an illness can remain comfortable in their homes. Additionally, the gas service does not have to be in the Medical Baseline patient's name.

Customers can learn more by clicking here, or by calling (800) 427-2200 for English, (800) 342-4545 for Spanish and (800) 252-0259 for hearing impaired customers who are unable to use a conventional telephone.

About Southern California Gas Co.
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160629/385035LOGO

SOURCE SoCalGas