Arkansas's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households cover heating and cooling bills. The program is federally funded and operated through the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (ADEQ), which channels funds to a network of community-based organizations (CBOs) covering all 75 counties. For the 2026 program year, regular heating assistance can reach up to $570 and cooling assistance up to $287, with crisis assistance available separately up to $500. All payments go directly to your utility company or fuel supplier, not to you.
Before getting into the details, you can check whether you qualify for LIHEAP and other programs using the free Benefits Navigator screener.
What Arkansas LIHEAP Covers
Arkansas LIHEAP runs two seasonal assistance components plus a crisis component:
Heating assistance (January through April 30) helps pay your primary heating bill during the winter months. Coverage includes electricity used for heating, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and other solid or liquid fuels. A fixed benefit is calculated based on your household income, household size, and energy source type. Payment goes directly to the utility company or fuel supplier.
Cooling assistance (July through September 30) helps pay your electricity bill for air conditioning during the summer. The summer program is limited to electric service and operates only when crisis-level cooling situations exist. Standard cooling benefit availability depends on annual funding levels. During years with lower federal allocations, cooling funds may be more restricted.
Crisis assistance runs parallel to the heating and cooling seasons: winter crisis from January through April 30, and summer crisis from July through September 30. Crisis benefits are available when your utility service is disconnected or facing imminent disconnection, your fuel supply is exhausted, or a broken heating or cooling system creates a health or safety risk. Crisis assistance is capped at $500 per household per program year and is a one-time benefit.
Weatherization referrals connect LIHEAP-eligible households to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which provides free home energy efficiency upgrades including insulation, air sealing, and HVAC improvements. WAP uses an income threshold of 200% FPL, so some households above the LIHEAP limit may still qualify for weatherization. Your local CBO can screen you for both programs at the same time.
Arkansas LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Arkansas uses a hybrid income standard: eligibility is set at whichever is higher between 60% of State Median Income (SMI) and 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In practice, for most household sizes, the 150% FPL threshold applies. There is no asset test for Arkansas LIHEAP.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (150% FPL) | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 people | $30,660 | $2,555 |
| 3 people | $38,730 | $3,228 |
| 4 people | $46,800 | $3,900 |
| 5 people | $54,870 | $4,573 |
| 6 people | $62,940 | $5,245 |
| 7 people | $71,010 | $5,918 |
| 8 people | $79,080 | $6,590 |
For households larger than 8 people, add approximately $8,070 per additional person to the annual limit.
These figures are based on the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Arkansas counts gross household income before taxes. Income sources included in the calculation: wages and salaries, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, SSI, SSDI, pensions, unemployment compensation, child support received, veterans benefits, and other regular income. SNAP benefits, one-time tax refunds, insurance settlements, and educational grants used for tuition are generally excluded.
Benefit Amounts for 2026
Regular benefit amounts are calculated using a formula that considers your household income, household size, and type of energy source (electric, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or other). The benefit matrices vary by fuel type. The figures below represent the published ranges for FY 2026:
Heating Season (January through April 30)
| Benefit Level | Amount |
|---|
| Minimum heating benefit | $50 |
| Maximum heating benefit | $570 |
| Crisis assistance maximum | $500 |
Cooling Season (July through September 30)
| Benefit Level | Amount |
|---|
| Minimum cooling benefit | $50 |
| Maximum cooling benefit | $287 |
| Summer crisis maximum | $500 |
Households with lower incomes relative to the eligibility threshold tend to receive amounts closer to the maximum. Benefits are paid directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. The $500 crisis cap is a combined limit per program year across all crisis assistance received.
Who Qualifies for Arkansas LIHEAP
To be eligible, your household must meet all of the following:
- You are an Arkansas resident at the address where assistance will be applied
- At least one household member is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- Your household gross income is at or below the income threshold (150% FPL or 60% SMI, whichever is higher)
- Your household is responsible for paying home energy costs, either directly to a utility or as part of your rent
No asset test. Arkansas LIHEAP does not consider savings, home equity, vehicles, or other property. Only income is evaluated.
Renters qualify. If you pay your own utility bill, you may apply. If utilities are included in your rent, contact your local CBO to discuss whether assistance can be applied to your landlord's account.
Homeowners qualify. There is no requirement to rent rather than own a home.
Priority groups. Arkansas gives priority to households with the lowest incomes relative to energy costs and to households that include elderly individuals (age 60 or older), people with disabilities, or young children. Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying at the start of each season is strongly recommended.
Documents You Will Need
Gather the following before contacting your local community-based organization:
- Photo ID for the applicant (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
- Proof of income for all adult household members for the past 30 days (pay stubs, Social Security award letters, pension statements, unemployment benefit statements, or most recent tax return)
- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement)
- Most recent utility bill or fuel account statement showing your account number and service address
- Documentation for categorical eligibility if applicable (SSI award letter, Medicaid card, or similar)
For crisis applications: your disconnection notice, a shutoff warning from your utility company, documentation of exhausted fuel supply, or evidence of a broken heating or cooling system.
How to Apply for Arkansas LIHEAP: Step-by-Step
ADEQ does not accept applications directly. All Arkansas LIHEAP applications are processed through community-based organizations. There is at least one CBO serving each of Arkansas's 75 counties.
Step 1: Find your local community-based organization.
Visit the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment LIHEAP page at adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/liheap.aspx to find the CBO serving your county. You can also call 211 to be connected to your local energy assistance office.
Step 2: Confirm the application window for your season.
Winter heating assistance applications are accepted from January through April 30. Summer cooling and crisis applications run from July through September 30. Funding can run out before the end of the season. Contact your local CBO at the start of each season to confirm they are still accepting applications.
Step 3: Choose your application method.
Most Arkansas CBOs offer several ways to apply:
- In person: Visit your local CBO office (appointments may be required; call ahead)
- Phone: Call your agency to schedule a phone interview or get instructions for document submission
- Mail or drop box: Some agencies accept mailed or dropped-off applications with supporting documents
- Online or email: Some agencies accept document submissions by email; ask your local office what is available
Step 4: Submit your application and documents.
Provide your household size, income details, and utility account information. Submit all required documents at the time of application to avoid delays. Incomplete applications take longer to process and risk losing your place in a funding queue.
Step 5: Wait for a determination.
Processing times vary by agency and season. You will receive a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, payment goes directly to your utility provider or fuel supplier. You do not receive cash.
Step 6: Appeal if denied.
You have the right to appeal a denial. The denial notice will include the reason for denial and instructions for requesting a review. Contact your local CBO or ADEQ within the timeframe stated on your notice.
Other Energy Assistance Programs in Arkansas
LIHEAP does not cover your entire energy bill. These additional programs can help:
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free home energy efficiency improvements for households at or below 200% FPL, administered through ADEQ. WAP can reduce your energy costs long-term through better insulation, air sealing, and HVAC tuning.
- Entergy Arkansas assistance programs: Entergy offers budget billing, low-income payment plans, and Project HELP, a charitable assistance fund for customers in financial hardship. Contact Entergy Arkansas directly.
- Arkansas Oklahoma Gas assistance: AOG offers budget billing and limited hardship assistance for natural gas customers in its service area.
- 2-1-1 Arkansas: Call or text 211 for referrals to local emergency energy assistance, including utility-specific programs and community nonprofit funds beyond LIHEAP.
- SNAP: Food assistance for eligible low-income households. Many LIHEAP-eligible households also qualify for SNAP.
- Arkansas Medicaid: Health coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families.
Use the free Benefits Navigator screener to check your eligibility for LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and more than 11 other programs at once, or visit the Arkansas benefits guide for a full overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum LIHEAP benefit in Arkansas for 2026?
The maximum regular heating benefit is $570 and the maximum cooling benefit is approximately $287. Crisis assistance has a separate cap of $500 per household per program year. The regular benefit and crisis benefit are funded separately, so a household may be able to receive both types of assistance within the same season if both situations apply.
Does Arkansas LIHEAP cover air conditioning?
Arkansas runs a summer cooling and crisis component from July through September 30. Cooling benefits cover electric service only and range up to $287. In years where federal funding is lower, the summer cooling component may be more limited than the winter heating component. Contact your local CBO at the start of summer to confirm cooling assistance is available in your county.
What is the income limit for a family of four in Arkansas in 2026?
A family of four must have annual gross income at or below $46,800 (150% FPL) to qualify, or approximately $3,900 per month. There is no asset test.
Can renters apply for Arkansas LIHEAP?
Yes. Renters may apply as long as they are responsible for their utility costs, either through a direct utility bill or as a component of their rent. Contact your local community-based organization if heat or cooling is included in your rent to find out whether assistance can be applied in that situation.
Is there an asset limit for Arkansas LIHEAP?
No. Arkansas does not impose an asset test for LIHEAP eligibility. Savings, home equity, vehicles, and other property do not count against you.
When does Arkansas LIHEAP accept applications?
Winter heating assistance applications run from January through April 30. Summer cooling and crisis applications run from July through September 30. Funding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served, so applying early in each season is important. The program may stop accepting applications before the official end date if funds run out.
What if my utilities have already been shut off?
Contact your local community-based organization immediately and ask about crisis assistance. Crisis benefits up to $500 can help restore disconnected service and are typically processed faster than regular applications. Have your shutoff notice ready when you call.
Does Arkansas LIHEAP cover propane or fuel oil?
Yes. Arkansas LIHEAP covers all primary home heating fuels including electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and other solid or liquid fuels. The benefit amount varies by fuel type and is calculated using a separate benefit matrix for each fuel source. Payment is made directly to the fuel supplier or utility on your behalf.
How do I find my local Arkansas community-based organization?
Visit adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/liheap.aspx to find the agency serving your county, or call 211 to be connected to local energy assistance services.
Can I receive both LIHEAP and SNAP in Arkansas?
Yes. LIHEAP and SNAP are separate programs and you can receive both simultaneously if you meet each program's eligibility requirements. The income thresholds are similar, and many households that qualify for one also qualify for the other.
