As temperatures plummet across Arkansas, navigating energy bills can become a significant challenge for low-income households. Fortunately, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is here to help. Beginning January 8th, 2024, Arkansas’ LIHEAP program will reopen application cycles, offering crucial financial assistance to ensure families stay warm and secure throughout the winter months.
LIHEAP, a federally funded program administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), delivers vital aid to eligible households struggling with energy costs. Through a network of 15 designated community-based organizations (CBOs) across all 75 counties, LIHEAP provides several forms of assistance:
Understanding LIHEAP: What’s This Money For?
LIHEAP delivers vital aid to eligible households struggling with energy costs. Through a network of 15 designated community-based organizations (CBOs) across all 75 counties, LIHEAP provides several forms of assistance. The initiative helps alleviate financial burdens by directly paying eligible families’ heating and cooling bills, offering peace of mind and ensuring uninterrupted utility services. For unforeseen emergencies related to heating or cooling needs, LIHEAP offers one-time financial assistance to stabilize vulnerable families during challenging situations.
Last but not least, the LIHEAP program also helps American households with weatherization needs. Investing in long-term solutions, LIHEAP also sponsors home weatherization services. This includes measures like insulation upgrades and energy-efficient appliance repairs, ultimately reducing families’ future energy bills and promoting sustainable practices.
To qualify for LIHEAP assistance in Arkansas, households must meet specific income and residency criteria. Generally, household income must fall at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. For comprehensive eligibility requirements and income limits, please visit the Arkansas DHS website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/
What Do I Need to Apply for LIHEAP Assistance?
To apply for LIHEAP assistance in Arkansas, you will need to submit a completed application along with supporting documentation. This includes your electric or gas bill, photo ID, and Social Security cards with the dates of birth for all members of your household. Additionally, proof of income for the previous month is required for all household members, which may include paycheck stubs, printouts from employers, social security documentation, unemployment records, child support documentation, VA (Veterans Affairs) information, housing allowance details, and unemployment benefits information. Ensuring that you provide these required documents will facilitate the application process for LIHEAP assistance.
If you have not been employed in the past two months, it is necessary to provide a statement from your former employer indicating your last day of employment. If you have no income, proof “of how the household’s monthly expenses are being met” is required along with the following forms:
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- Zero income form
- Collateral statement
- Contribution statement
- Odd job income form
You Can Apply in the Next Locations
Below are links where you can apply online, based on the county you live in, or you’re close to:
• Benton County: https://www.ohcnwa.org/energyassistance
• Carroll County: https://www.ohcnwa.org/energyassistance
• Madison County: https://www.ohcnwa.org/energyassistance
• Washington County: Economic Opportunity Agency (click here for LIHEAP application)
• Crawford County: https://www.cscdc.net/li-heap/
• Sebastian County: https://www.cscdc.net/li-heap/
• Franklin County: https://www.arvacinc.org/services/community-programs
• Johnson County: https://www.arvacinc.org/services/community-programs
• Logan County: https://www.arvacinc.org/services/community-programs
• Scott County: https://www.arvacinc.org/services/community-programs