What's New with LIHEAP?
Notice of LIHEAP Program Close
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now closed.
Please check with your local Community Based Organization for other assistance options. You may also visit Benefits.gov to perform a self-search for help.
LIHEAP 2026 Model Plan
In accordance with the U.S Department of Health and Human Services requirements for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Arkansas Energy Office requests your feedback and comments regarding its annual Model Plan. The Model Plan proposes use and distribution of LIHEAP annual funds. The 2025 plan has been approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is the plan under which Arkansas LIHEAP is currently operating.
AEO is opening a two-week public comment period for the 2025 Model Plan, beginning Friday, June 13, 2025, through Friday, June 27, 2025. Your comments on the 2025 Model Plan will inform the development of the proposed 2026 Model Plan. The 2026 plan will be developed with consideration of public comments received from all sources, to meet all federal requirements to operate LIHEAP during 2026. Ensuing updates will be discussed during a virtual public hearing on Friday, July 18, 2025, beginning at 9:30 am. Details of the public hearing will follow.
Arkansas received approximately $36 million in federal funds for LIHEAP during federal fiscal year 2025 to help low-income households pay their heating and cooling utilities.
The proposed LIHEAP Model Plan is posted for review here.
Comments may be submitted via email with the subject line "2026 LIHEAP Model Plan" to AEOLIHEAP@Arkansas.gov or delivered or mailed to:
Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment
Attn: Office of Energy | LIHEAP
5301 Northshore Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118.
To be considered, all comments must be received or postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on June 27, 2025.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) lowers the energy burden for households by helping with home energy bills—heating costs during the winter and cooling costs during the summer for those who qualify.
Important Note: To apply for LIHEAP benefits, you must contact the community-based organization that serves the county in which you live.
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Arkansas LIHEAP will never ask customers for a fee for applications or services. Click here to report fraud using the Benefits Fraud Reporting Form.
Do not submit your application or documents to the Arkansas Energy Office (AEO). Applications must be submitted to your community-based organization. AEO does not process applications.
In Arkansas, LIHEAP is operated by a network of community-based organizations (CBOs), which serves all 75 Arkansas counties. Contact information is available here.
Who is eligible for LIHEAP benefits?
LIHEAP only assists residential applicants; businesses are not eligible. The following chart can help you know if you might be eligible for LIHEAP assistance.
How to apply for LIHEAP benefits
Contact the community-based organization (CBO) that serves your area for more information and to apply for LIHEAP benefits. Find contact information for each here.
- The CAA office name
- Their address
- Their telephone number
- Their website
Example LIHEAP application and required documents
You may want to review an example of the Arkansas LIHEAP application, or even print it out and begin completing it prior to contacting your community-based organization. You will need to provide the items listed below when you apply for LIHEAP benefits:
- Example of LIHEAP application
- 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)
Additional information and/or documents may be required to determine your eligibility for energy assistance.
When to apply
LIHEAP applications are accepted through the CBOs on a first-come, first served basis typically from January to April 30 and from July to September 30 of each year. Households should contact their local CBO to obtain an application.
Unless instructed, do not submit more than one application per program per benefit type.
Where to apply
Apply through the CBO that serves the county where you live. Contact the agency for instructions specific to their office.
NOTE: after reviewing your application, the CBO may request additional information or documentation to process the application.
Forms
Other Resource Documents
LIHEAP is a block grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It is designed to lower the energy burden for low-income households, who pay a high proportion of household income for home energy costs, by paying benefits for home energy bills. LIHEAP assists households with heating costs during the winter and cooling costs during the summer. LIHEAP only assists residential applicants; businesses are excluded from receiving the benefit.
Arkansas LIHEAP offers two types of benefit payments:
- Regular: a fixed benefit based on a model that considers the household income, the number of household members, and the type of energy source (e.g., electricity, gas, propane, wood, pellets).
- Crisis: a benefit up to a maximum amount established by policy that will prevent disconnection or restore service or provide energy/fuel when supply is depleted.
The CBO will discuss available benefits with each applicant.
Disclaimer
This website is supported by Grant Award Number 2503ARLIEA from the Office of Community Services within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither ACF nor any of its components operate, are responsible for, directly manage, or necessarily endorse the website’s content; any opinions expressed, conclusions, or recommendations on the site belong solely to the website creators and may not reflect the view of the ACF and the Office of Community Services.