If your electric bill has been brutal this summer, Arkansas’s Summer LIHEAP program can help. But time is short. Regular assistance closes at the end of this month for most of the state, so don’t wait to apply.
Here’s what you need to know, broken down by where you live.
What Is Summer LIHEAP?
LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It’s a federally funded program that helps pay for home energy costs. In the summer, that means help with your cooling bills.
Arkansas doesn’t run LIHEAP through one central office. Instead, the state works with local Community Action Agencies (CAAs), and each one covers a specific set of counties. You have to apply through the CAA that serves your county, not through the state directly.
Income eligibility statewide is based on 60% of the state median income or 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, whichever gives you a higher qualifying amount. If you want a general sense of where your income falls, our Federal Poverty Level guide can help. Your local CAA can confirm your exact eligibility.
Deadlines by County
Baxter, Boone, Marion, Newton, Searcy, and Van Buren Counties
These six counties are served by Ozark Opportunities, Inc. Summer LIHEAP opened July 6, 2026.
- Regular assistance: Apply by August 31, 2026
- Crisis assistance: Apply by September 30, 2026
You can apply at the Clinton, Harrison, or Mountain Home office Monday through Thursday, or at the Marshall office on Wednesdays. Bring your completed application, a copy of your current utility bill (including any shut-off notice), Social Security numbers for everyone in the household, proof of ID, and proof of income for the past month for every household member 18 and older.
Questions? Call (870) 741-2089 or email liheap@ozarkopp.org.
Craighead, Cross, Crittenden, Greene, Jackson, Poinsett, St. Francis, and Woodruff Counties
These eight counties are served by the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council (CRDC).
- Regular assistance: Apply by August 31, 2026
- Crisis assistance: Apply through September 30, 2026, or until funds run out, whichever comes first
Because crisis funds could be exhausted before the September deadline, it’s worth applying as soon as you can if you’re facing a shut-off. Call (870) 802-7108 for more information.
Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Jefferson, and Lincoln Counties
These five counties are served by the Central Delta Community Action Agency (CDCAA). As of this writing, CDCAA’s website hasn’t posted Summer LIHEAP dates yet. If you live in one of these counties, call CDCAA directly to ask about the current application window before you make a trip to the office.
What Do I Need to Apply?
Requirements vary slightly by agency, but plan to bring:
- A completed application (available from your local CAA)
- Your most recent utility bill, including any shut-off notice if you’re facing disconnection
- Social Security cards or numbers for everyone in your household
- A picture ID
- Proof of income for the past month for all household members 18 and older
- Proof of Social Security, SSI, retirement, VA benefits, or unemployment, if applicable
If you’re applying for crisis assistance, you’ll also need your shut-off notice on hand.
What If I Live Somewhere Else in Arkansas?
Arkansas has 15 Community Action Agencies covering all 75 counties, so if you don’t live in one of the areas above, you still likely qualify through a different local agency. Our LIHEAP guide explains how the program works nationwide, and our Summer LIHEAP guide breaks down how cooling assistance works state by state.
Relief Recap
Summer heat is dangerous, and a maxed-out electric bill shouldn’t be the reason someone goes without air conditioning. If you’re in one of the counties above, get your application in now, before the regular assistance window closes. For more Arkansas resources, visit our Arkansas area page.
