Arkansas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Quick Facts

• What it does: Arkansas LIHEAP lowers the immediate burden of household energy bills by awarding seasonal credits paid directly to utility companies or fuel vendors, and by providing emergency aid when a family is facing disconnection, exhausting propane supplies, or experiencing a life-threatening home energy crisis.
• Who runs it: The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment’s Energy Office oversees funding and policy, while 15 regional community action agencies (CAAs) and local nonprofits accept applications, process documentation, and make vendor payments.
• How much you can get: Regular benefits generally range from $150 to $650 depending on household size, income, fuel type, and housing situation. Crisis benefits can add up to $1,500 annually when there is a documented energy emergency.
• Why it matters: Arkansas residents experience high humidity summers and cold snaps that strain both electric and propane budgets. LIHEAP prevents shutoffs, keeps medically fragile residents safe, and stabilizes budgets for working families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• Key deadlines: Winter regular assistance usually opens in early January and closes in April; summer cooling assistance launches in July and ends in September. Crisis aid is available all year, but funding is limited and processed on a first-qualified, first-paid basis, so submit applications quickly when bills spike.

Program Overview

Arkansas receives federal LIHEAP dollars from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and supplements them with state funds. Those dollars flow to community action agencies that directly pay energy vendors on behalf of eligible households. Unlike loans, benefits never need to be repaid. The program covers electric, natural gas, propane, wood, kerosene, heating oil, and even community water or sewer fees when they are required to keep energy service active.

Households can apply for regular assistance twice a year—once for the winter heating season and once for the summer cooling season. The seasonal grant is calculated using a point system that considers income relative to poverty guidelines, the number of vulnerable residents (children under six, adults over 60, or people with disabilities), the primary fuel type, and the amount of the current bill. The benefit is then paid directly to the utility company or fuel vendor, reducing the amount owed on the account.

The program also operates a crisis assistance track for households that have already received a shutoff notice, run out of delivered fuel, or have less than 10 days’ supply. Crisis funds can also cover reconnection fees, security deposits, temporary heating arrangements after disasters, and repair or replacement of unsafe heating equipment when no other resources exist. Applicants must demonstrate the emergency and show they can afford future bills with the aid of LIHEAP and other supports.

Arkansas pairs LIHEAP with other services. Many CAAs offer weatherization upgrades, energy education classes, furnace repair assistance, budgeting workshops, and referrals to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), childcare vouchers, or workforce services. When you complete the LIHEAP application, caseworkers often pre-screen you for these other programs to maximize household stability.

Eligibility Guidelines

To qualify, households must have gross income at or below 60% of the state median income or 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL)—whichever calculation provides the higher threshold. For example, a family of four can earn up to roughly $48,000 under the 60% SMI test for the 2025 heating season. Income includes wages, self-employment revenue after allowable deductions, unemployment insurance, Social Security, child support, and certain pensions. Some payments, like SNAP or lump-sum settlements, may be excluded, so review the CAA’s income worksheet carefully.

Applicants must live in Arkansas, demonstrate responsibility for home energy costs, and provide Social Security numbers for all household members. Renters whose utilities are included in rent can still apply if they receive a separate metered bill or pay for deliverable fuels directly. College students may qualify if they meet income guidelines and pay their own utilities. Homeowners are eligible even if their mortgage company escrows taxes and insurance—as long as they directly pay the energy bill.

Documentation is critical. You will need:

• Government-issued ID for the primary applicant.
• Social Security cards or official documents showing SSNs for each household member.
• Proof of all income received in the 30 days (or 12 months) prior to application.
• The most recent heating and/or cooling bill that shows the service address, account number, and amount owed.
• For crisis requests: shutoff notice, past-due bill, disconnect letter, or fuel delivery ticket showing insufficient supply.

Households with members who receive Supplemental Security Income, SNAP, or certain TANF benefits are often fast-tracked because those programs already verify income. Still, you must consent to data sharing and provide current award letters.

Benefit Calculations and Payment Flow

LIHEAP agencies use a point-based matrix to determine benefit amounts. Key factors include:

• Energy burden: The ratio of the energy bill to household income. Higher burden yields more points.
• Vulnerability status: Points awarded for households with seniors, children under six, or disabled members.
• Fuel type: Delivered fuels like propane or heating oil often receive higher benefits than natural gas or electric because prices fluctuate and require larger upfront payments.
• Dwelling type: Mobile homes, multi-unit apartments, and single-family houses have different baseline allowances.

The point total maps to a benefit tier. For example, a household with 18 points might receive $450 during the winter cycle, while 28 points could yield $700. Crisis assistance is layered on top and depends on the actual cost needed to prevent disconnection or restore service. Payments are made directly to vendors; you will receive a confirmation letter stating the amount paid and the remaining balance. Keep these records for your files.

Arkansas also encourages households to use budget billing or levelized billing options offered by utilities. If you enroll, your bills stay more predictable, and LIHEAP vendors can plan assistance schedules more effectively. Some utilities require a low down payment or proof of past on-time payments to join budget billing, so speak to customer service before submitting your LIHEAP application.

How to Apply Step-by-Step

1. Locate your local agency. Use the Arkansas Energy Office’s interactive map or call 833-402-0672 to find the community action agency serving your county.
2. Review required documents. Most agencies post checklists online. Organize proof of income, identification, Social Security numbers, and utility bills before your appointment.
3. Complete the application. Many CAAs allow online intake forms, but some require in-person or phone interviews. Be thorough and honest about all household members and income sources.
4. Submit supporting documents. Upload via the agency portal, email secure links, or deliver copies in person. Never send original documents by mail.
5. Attend an interview if requested. Caseworkers verify details, explain rights and responsibilities, and may pre-screen for related programs.
6. Respond to follow-up requests quickly. Missing information delays processing and could cause you to miss the seasonal funding window.
7. Monitor your utility account. Once approved, the payment typically posts within 30 days. If you receive a disconnection notice after approval, call your caseworker immediately.
8. Plan for next season. Mark your calendar for the next application opening. Keep income records updated and report changes promptly.

Expert Tips to Maximize Benefits

• Apply early in the season. Funding is capped. Early applicants secure both regular and crisis slots.
• Bundle services. Ask for referrals to Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), or Arkansas Fresh Start incentives that can complement LIHEAP.
• Document medical needs. Provide physician letters if someone in your household relies on electrically powered medical equipment. Utilities often flag these accounts for priority reconnection and may offer medical hardship protections.
• Negotiate with vendors. Share your pending LIHEAP approval number with the utility. Many companies will pause collections or waive late fees while the payment processes.
• Track consumption. Use energy usage dashboards offered by Entergy, CenterPoint, and SWEPCO to identify spikes. Small behavior changes—like adjusting thermostats, sealing ducts, or replacing filters—help keep future bills manageable.
• Coordinate with landlords. If you rent, notify your landlord that you’re applying. They may need to sign a landlord verification or confirm that utilities are your responsibility.
• Keep paperwork. Store copies of applications, approval letters, and vendor statements for at least three years. These records help if you appeal a decision or need to prove assistance for other programs.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Incomplete applications: Forgetting to list everyone in the household can lead to denial or repayment demands. Include roommates, even if they are not family.
• Unreported income: Agencies regularly match records with state wage databases. Report all earnings, including gig work and cash tips.
• Missing deadlines: If you receive a letter requesting more information, respond within the stated timeframe (often 10 days). Otherwise, your application will close, and you must restart.
• Utility in someone else’s name: LIHEAP usually requires the applicant’s name on the bill. If you share utilities, request the utility add you as an authorized user or change the account before applying.
• Moving mid-season: Benefits do not automatically transfer when you move. Inform your caseworker, supply the new bill, and ask to reissue remaining funds to the new vendor.

Coordination with Other Programs

Arkansas LIHEAP complements:

• Weatherization Assistance Program: Provides insulation, air sealing, and efficient appliances to lower long-term costs.
• Low Income Household Water Assistance Program: Offers crisis water/sewer bill relief when threatened with shutoff.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Participating households may qualify for the Standard Utility Allowance, which increases SNAP benefits.
• Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing: If you pay utility allowances directly, LIHEAP can cover shortfalls during extreme weather.
• Medicaid and Aging Services: Case managers can help homebound seniors file LIHEAP applications by mail or home visit.

Appeal and Recertification Rights

If denied or approved for a lower benefit than expected, you can request a hearing within 15 days of the notice. Appeals are reviewed by agency supervisors or the state Energy Office. You can present evidence, bring advocates, and receive a written decision. Households remain eligible to apply every season as long as they meet income guidelines. There is no lifetime cap, but the state may prioritize first-time applicants when funding is tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can LIHEAP help with utility deposits? Yes. Crisis assistance can pay deposits or reconnection fees if they’re required to restore service.

Will LIHEAP cover propane tank rentals or delivery fees? Agencies can pay reasonable rental fees and minimum delivery charges if they are necessary to obtain fuel.

Can I split benefits between electric and gas bills? The caseworker will evaluate which bill poses the greatest risk. You can request allocation, but final approval depends on preventing the most urgent crisis.

Does receiving LIHEAP affect immigration status? LIHEAP is a non-cash public benefit and generally does not trigger public charge determinations. Qualified noncitizens with eligible statuses can apply.

What if my landlord pays the utilities? If utilities are included in rent and you do not receive a separate bill, you may not qualify. Discuss with your landlord about sub-metering or other arrangements.

Additional Resources

• Arkansas Energy Office LIHEAP hotline: 833-402-0672.
• Statewide community action agency directory: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance.aspx.
• Entergy Arkansas Energy Smart Programs and payment plans.
• Center for Arkansas Legal Services for appeal support.

Staying proactive—organizing documentation, applying early, and coordinating with other assistance—ensures LIHEAP keeps your home safe and your budget stable year after year.