LIHEAP Opens July 15th!
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Supporting Households with Energy Costs
Funds Replenish July 15, 2025
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and operated through local community action agencies, provides crucial payment assistance to eligible individuals and families. This program helps alleviate the financial burden of heating costs during winter months and cooling expenses in summer months, covering both gas and electric utilities.
Brooke Becker, AVECC Member Service Specialist, emphasizes the program's impact: "LIHEAP could help hundreds of Arkansas Valley Electric members in need every year. The primary goal of this vital assistance program is to lift individuals out of poverty by easing the burden of energy costs. By providing support with home energy bills, LIHEAP helps families become more stable, empowered, and self-sufficient—creating a foundation for a better quality of life.
Funding and Eligibility
LIHEAP receives federal funding twice annually, with allocations distributed in both summer and winter. Assistance is available to qualifying individuals until these allocated funds are exhausted for the respective term.
"A member may receive LIHEAP assistance twice a year—once during the winter and once during the summer." Explains Sierra Cowens, AVECC AVECC Member Service Specialist. "The member may qualify for both regular LIHEAP and Crisis LIHEAP. In order to qualify for crisis, the member must have received a shut-off notice and or their power is at immediate risk of disconnection, this would be considered a crisis and may qualify for Crisis LIHEAP assistance."
The amount of financial assistance provided is determined by several factors, including household income, the number of occupants, and other relevant criteria. In Arkansas, LIHEAP eligibility is based on 60% of the State Median Income and 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Members of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) automatically qualify for LIHEAP and will receive an application by mail. However, many individuals who do not receive SNAP benefits may still be eligible. It's important to note that businesses are not eligible for LIHEAP benefits.
How to Apply
AVECC Members interested in checking their eligibility and acquiring an application should contact their local community action agency. Find the appropriate contact number here.
"AVECC's Member Service Representatives are knowledgeable about these programs," states Brandon Fisher. "Members can contact AVECC with questions regarding their income eligibility or household size."
For more information about LIHEAP or for questions regarding local aid, please visit https://www.avecc.com/ways-to-pay/payment-assistance.
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A person should check their eligibility and acquire an application by contacting their local action agency. AVECC members may find the appropriate number below.
Arkansas
ARVAC Inc.: 479-229-4861
Crawford, Sebastian Comm. Dev. Council Inc. (C-SCDC): 479-785-2303
Community Outreach Service (COS) Paris: 479-963-3300
Help Network Inc.: 501-967-7890
Crawford County DHS: 479-474-7595
Franklin County DHS: 479-667-2379
Johnson County DHS: 479-754-2355
Logan County DHS (Paris): 479-963-2783
Logan County DHS (Booneville): 479-675-3091
Madison County DHS: 479-738-2161
Newton County DHS: 479-446-2237
Pope County DHS: 479-968-5596
Scott County DHS: 479-637-4141
Sebastian County DHS: 479-646-6211
Yell County DHS: 479-495-2723
Oklahoma
- Sequoyah County
Sequoyah County Human Services: 918-775-4463
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma: 918-775-6834 - Leflore County
Oklahoma Dept. of Human Services: 918-649-2300 or 800-482-8988
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma: 800-522-6170
Kibois Community Action Foundation Inc.: 918-647-3267
Salvation Army: 918-647-8780