How to apply for Arkansas LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

Who it's for

LIHEAP helps pay home energy bills: heating costs in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. There are two kinds of help. A Regular benefit is a set amount based on your income, household size, and type of fuel. A Crisis benefit can stop a shutoff, turn service back on, or get fuel when you run out. For the 2026 program year, a one-person household can have up to $2,347 a month in countable income, and a two-person household up to $3,070. Applications are usually taken from January to April 30 and from July to September 30, first come, first served. Households with someone 60 or older or disabled may be able to apply up to 30 days early. You must apply through the community action agency that serves your county, not the state office. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for household members 18 or older, your latest utility bills, and proof of income.

What you'll need

• A photo ID
• Social Security card (household members age 18 or older)
• Social Security numbers (household minors)
• Copies of your most recent utility bills
• Proof of income
• Proof of residency (current utility bills provide proof)
• A lease agreement, if utilities are included in your rent

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Check that you apply during the open season for help. Applications are usually taken from January to April 30 and from July to September 30. If your household has someone age 60 or older or disabled, you may be able to apply up to 30 days early.
2. Apply online through the community action agency that serves your county. Do not apply through the state office.
3. Gather your required documents before you start. Bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for household members age 18 or older, Social Security numbers for minors, your most recent utility bills, and proof of income.
4. Use your current utility bills as proof of residency. If utilities are included in your rent, provide your lease agreement to show that you pay for energy.
5. Complete the application with your household, income, and utility information. The community action agency will use this information to decide whether you can get a Regular benefit or a Crisis benefit.
6. Submit the application as early as possible. Help is first come, first served and depends on available funding.

What to expect: After you apply, the community action agency reviews your information and decides the benefit amount. A Regular benefit is based on your income, household size, and fuel type. A Crisis benefit may help stop a shutoff, restore service, or get fuel if you run out. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate if needed. This program must be renewed each season, so apply again for winter help and again for summer help.

Renewals

each season (apply again for winter and summer help)