LIHEAP Arkansas

LIHEAP in Arkansas

The LIHEAP program provides monetary support paid directly to utility companies providing energy for heating and cooling costs. Residents must fall below 60% of the state median income to qualify for LIHEAP in Arkansas. In 2011, about 65,000 applicants qualified for the program. Additional support for LIHEAP and other heating and cooling assistance programs may be available from utility companies in Arkansas, including:

• American Electric Power
• Arkansas Western Gas
• CenterPoint Energy
• Empire District Electric
• Entergy

Arkansas LIHEAP Assistance

The federal LIHEAP program supplied more than $21 million to the state of Arkansas for 2012. Residents qualifying for the program will receive a minimum of $61 and a maximum of $309 to help with heating and cooling costs. The average benefit is $153 per household.

LIHEAP is controlled by the Department of Human Services with community action agencies working with local governments to accept LIHEAP applications. For more information on Arkansas LIHEAP assistance, residents can contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services at 1-800-482-8988.

LIHEAP Application & How to Apply

Applications for LIHEAP are accepted at the Department of Human Services and through community action agencies in your local area. If you are having trouble paying your heating or cooling costs, contact your utility company for more information on how to apply for the LIHEAP program or 1-800-482-8988. Applicants must fall below 60% of the state median income to qualify for Arkansas. Other factors may be taken into consideration, so meeting income guidelines does not ensure acceptance into the program. Applications for LIHEAP in Arkansas are accepted year-round. There is a waiting period for general applications and money is disbursed twice per year. If you have an emergency need for support, the crisis application is processed more quickly and funding is provided on an as-needed basis.

LIHEAP Eligibility – Am I Eligible?

Before applying for LIHEAP in Arkansas it is best to compare your gross income with the income guidelines established for the state. The estimated median income for 2011/2012 was $56,219. Income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on this median income.

If there are more than six persons in your household, you’ll need to calculate the qualifying income using a percentage of the state median income. The state median income is estimated at $56,219. 60% of the state median income is $33,731. A family of six can earn 132% of $33,731 or $44,525 as shown on the income table. Each additional family member about six adds 3% onto the total income allowed. For instance, a family of seven could earn 135% of $33,731 or $45,537. For more information on extended income guidelines contact the Department of Human Services at 1-800-482-8988.