Arkansas residents struggling with heating and cooling costs can get help through LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Funded by the federal government and administered through local community action agencies across all 75 Arkansas counties, LIHEAP provides one-time seasonal payments that go directly toward your energy bill or fuel supplier. For 2026, Arkansas uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as its income cutoff, with no asset limit required.
What Is LIHEAP in Arkansas?
LIHEAP stands for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. In Arkansas, the program is overseen by the Arkansas Energy Office (part of the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment) and delivered locally through a network of 15 community-based organizations (CBOs) that collectively cover every county in the state.
The program runs on a seasonal schedule. Winter heating assistance and crisis assistance open in January. Summer cooling assistance opens in July. Benefits are paid directly to your utility company or fuel vendor, not as cash to you.
There are two benefit types:
- Regular Assistance: A fixed payment based on household income, size, and primary energy source.
- Crisis Assistance: Emergency help to prevent a disconnection or restore service. Available on a rolling basis while funds last.
Arkansas LIHEAP Income Limits 2026
Arkansas sets its LIHEAP income threshold at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. The table below shows the annual income limits by household size for 2026.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (150% FPL) | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 | $30,660 | $2,555 |
| 3 | $38,730 | $3,228 |
| 4 | $46,800 | $3,900 |
| 5 | $54,870 | $4,573 |
| 6 | $62,940 | $5,245 |
| 7 | $71,010 | $5,918 |
| 8 | $79,080 | $6,590 |
For households with more than 8 people, add approximately $8,070 per additional person to the annual limit.
Income that counts toward these limits includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment compensation, and other regular income before taxes. Arkansas LIHEAP has no asset limit, so savings accounts and property do not affect eligibility.
Benefit Amounts
Benefit amounts vary depending on your household income, size, and the type of energy you use. For the 2026 program year, approximate benefit ranges are:
| Benefit Type | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|
| Regular Heating | $60 | $570 |
| Regular Cooling | $60 | $344 |
| Crisis (Winter) | up to $500 | $500 |
| Crisis (Summer) | up to $500 | $500 |
Households with lower incomes and larger sizes generally receive higher benefit amounts. Benefits are paid once per season per household.
2026 Program Schedule
| Program | Open Date | Close Date |
|---|
| Winter Heating Assistance | January 5, 2026 | March 31, 2026 |
| Winter Crisis Assistance | January 5, 2026 | April 30, 2026 |
| Summer Cooling Assistance | July 7, 2026 | August 29, 2026 |
| Summer Crisis Assistance | July 7, 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
All dates are subject to early closure if funds run out. Arkansas operates LIHEAP on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early in each season gives you the best chance of receiving benefits.
Who Qualifies for Arkansas LIHEAP?
To be eligible, your household must meet all of the following:
- Income at or below 150% FPL based on the table above.
- Responsible for energy costs either directly through a utility account in your name, or indirectly if energy costs are included in your rent.
- U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen for at least one household member.
- Experiencing an energy burden at the time of application, meaning you have current energy costs or a fuel need.
There is no minimum age requirement to be the applicant. Renters qualify if their lease arrangements tie energy costs to their tenancy.
Documents Required to Apply
Gathering your documents before you contact your local agency speeds up the process. You will typically need:
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) for the applicant
- Social Security numbers or cards for all household members age 18 and older
- Proof of income for all household members for the 4 weeks prior to applying (pay stubs, benefit award letters, bank statements)
- Your most recent heating or cooling utility bill
- Proof of current address if your ID does not match your utility bill
Individual agencies may ask for additional documents. Call ahead to confirm the list for your county.
How to Apply for Arkansas LIHEAP in 2026
LIHEAP applications in Arkansas are submitted to your local community-based organization, not to the Arkansas Energy Office directly. There are three ways to apply:
Step 1: Find Your Local Agency
Visit the Arkansas Energy Office agency locator at adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx and click on your county to find the CBO name, phone number, address, and website for your area.
Step 2: Choose How to Apply
Online: Many agencies accept applications through the LIHEAP Applicant Portal at GetLIHEAP.com. This is the fastest option and lets you submit documents electronically.
In person: Visit your local CBO office during business hours. Bring all required documents. In-person applications are helpful if you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance filling out the form.
By phone: Some agencies take phone applications or can mail you a paper application. Call your local agency to ask.
Step 3: Submit and Follow Up
After you apply, the agency reviews your file and notifies you of your determination. If approved, the benefit is sent directly to your utility provider or fuel supplier. You do not receive a check. Allow several weeks for processing, especially early in the season when application volume is highest.
Step 4: Crisis Assistance (If You Face Disconnection)
If your heat or electricity is about to be shut off, or has already been disconnected, contact your local CBO and ask specifically about crisis assistance. Crisis benefits are processed faster and can be issued within 18 to 48 hours in some cases. You will need to show a disconnection notice or shutoff warning from your utility company.
Notable Arkansas CBOs by Region
| Region | Agency | Counties Served |
|---|
| Central Arkansas | CAPCA (Community Action Program for Central Arkansas) | Faulkner, Conway, and surrounding counties |
| Southeast Arkansas | Southeast Arkansas Community Action Corporation | Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Drew |
| Delta Region | Central Delta Community Action Agency | Multiple Delta counties |
| Fort Smith Area | Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council | Crawford, Sebastian |
For a complete list, use the county map tool on the Arkansas Energy Office website.
Other Arkansas Energy Assistance Programs
LIHEAP is the main low-income energy program in Arkansas, but it is not the only one. Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for:
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free home energy upgrades (insulation, air sealing, furnace repairs) for income-eligible households. Administered by the same CBOs. No repayment required.
- Utility company assistance programs: Entergy Arkansas, Centerpoint Energy, and other providers offer their own low-income rate programs and payment assistance. Contact your utility directly to ask.
- SNAP: If you receive SNAP (food stamps), your household automatically qualifies for a minimum LIHEAP benefit in some states. Arkansas may apply a similar expedited eligibility rule, so ask your local agency.
- Medicaid and other programs: Use our free screener to check eligibility for multiple programs at once.
Check Your Eligibility Now
Not sure if you qualify? Our free eligibility screener checks LIHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, and 11 other federal and state programs in under 3 minutes based on your zip code, income, and household size.
Check your eligibility at /screener
For more Arkansas-specific assistance programs, visit our Arkansas benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for LIHEAP in Arkansas for 2026?
Arkansas LIHEAP uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Level as its income limit. For a household of 1, that is $22,590 per year ($1,883 per month). For a household of 4, the limit is $46,800 per year ($3,900 per month). There is no asset limit.
When does Arkansas LIHEAP open for 2026?
Winter heating assistance opened January 5, 2026 and runs through March 31, 2026. Winter crisis assistance runs through April 30, 2026. Summer cooling assistance runs from July 7 through August 29, 2026. All programs close early if funds run out.
How much money does Arkansas LIHEAP pay?
Regular heating benefits range from approximately $60 to $570 depending on income, household size, and energy source. Regular cooling benefits range from $60 to $344. Crisis benefits pay up to $500 per incident.
Can renters apply for LIHEAP in Arkansas?
Yes. Renters qualify for LIHEAP if they pay their own utility bills, or if their energy costs are built into their rent and they have an obligation to pay. Contact your local community action agency to confirm how to document your rental arrangement.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get LIHEAP in Arkansas?
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen (lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or certain other immigration statuses). Mixed-status households where some members are citizens and others are not may still qualify based on the citizen members.
What if my utilities are already shut off?
Contact your local CBO immediately and ask about crisis assistance. Crisis benefits are specifically designed for disconnection emergencies and are processed faster than regular assistance. Bring your shutoff notice to speed up the process.
How long does LIHEAP take to process in Arkansas?
Standard applications can take a few weeks depending on your local agency's caseload. Crisis applications are typically processed faster, sometimes within 1 to 3 business days. Apply as early as possible in the season.
Can I apply for LIHEAP online in Arkansas?
Yes. Many Arkansas CBOs accept online applications through GetLIHEAP.com. Some agencies have their own online portals. Check your local agency's website for their preferred application method.
Does Arkansas LIHEAP have an asset limit?
No. Arkansas does not count savings accounts, vehicles, or other assets when determining LIHEAP eligibility. Only household income is used.
What if I use heating oil or propane instead of natural gas or electric?
LIHEAP covers all primary heating sources including natural gas, electricity, heating oil, propane, kerosene, and wood pellets. The benefit amount may vary based on your fuel type and vendor. Your local agency can tell you how benefits are delivered to bulk fuel customers.
