With LIHEAP Arkansas, you can get help with utilities and other energy bills. At EASY Wireless, we are here to help you find out how to get help today.
We will cover all the ways you can get help with energy costs in Arkansas. You can get help with crisis payments, water charges, summer cooling, winter heating, and replacing old equipment with the weatherization service.
What is LIHEAP
LIHEAP is short for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. It is a federal energy assistance program managed and distributed in every state according to different rules.
The program aims to help struggling households with their energy costs.
LIHEAP Arkansas
LIHEAP Arkansas is distributed through community-based organizations in each county. You have to get in touch with the organization in the county you currently live in.
There are 75 counties in Arkansas, and you can find the proper community-based organization to apply to by clicking on your county on their interactive map. You can also search by name from the drop-down list.
How to Qualify for LIHEAP Arkansas
LIHEAP Arkansas Eligibility depends on the number of people in your household, what % of your monthly income goes to energy costs, and your yearly income.
The income amounts vary yearly, so it is best to check the LIHEAP Arkansas site.
This year if you live alone, you need to make under $1,936 a month, and if you have a household of 4, you need to make under $3,723.00 a month.
What Does LIHEAP Arkansas Offer?
LIHEAP only discusses the amounts they disburse directly with the applicants because it varies.
It is important to note that LIHEAP Arkansas distributes funding to those who qualify on a first-come, first-serve basis. Usually, this is between January and April for the heating benefits and July to September for the cooling benefit. If anything is left over from the winter heating aid programs, then they use it for summer cooling.
You have to apply each year. You can check each year on the LIHEAP Arkansas website what the dates are for that year so you can apply as early as possible.
There are two main components to LIHEAP Arkansas. The first is a regular fixed payment. The amount they give you depends on the size of your household and the type of energy you use.
The second type is a crisis payment, and LIHEAP will pay up to a specific amount to help you get your utility turned back on. They will also pay for wood or propane if you are about to run out if you qualify for a crisis payment.
What Paperwork is Needed to Apply?
Once you contact your local community LIHEAP program in Arkansas, they will ask you to fill out an application form. You will have to provide the following:
- ID with Photo
- Social Security Card for all the members of your household
- Proof of residency- utility bills will work
- Copies of your most recent utility bills
- Proof of Income
When you apply for LIHEAP Arkansas, you can check a box and ask your application to be put forward to the weatherization scheme.
The Weatherization Assistance Program in Arkansas
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) aims to help low-income households to improve their home energy usage by providing conservation services.
This means applying weather stripping, insulation, and minor repairs. This can include a new boiler or air conditioner when the old one was is not energy efficient.
This not only makes you more comfortable in your home, but it can save you money on your energy bills for years to come.
The Weatherization Assistance Program uses seven service providers for all of Arkansas. The service providers are community action programs and nonprofits.
This program operates all year round, and you can apply at any time or when you apply for LIHEAP.
Once you are approved for the Weatherization service in Arkansas, the community agency you used will contact you to arrange an appointment for an energy auditor to inspect your home. This inspection will determine what help you need to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
Next, they will arrange for workers to come to your home free of charge to complete the work.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
If you receive benefits from the LIHEAP, SNAP, SSI, or TANF, you are automatically eligible for the LIHWAP benefit. This benefit will pay your past-due balance on your water or wastewater bill.
To apply, you have to fill out a separate application form, LIHEAP. Your water company must be enrolled in the LIHWAP program to receive payments. The payments are made directly to the water company for you.
Save Money on Other Bills to Help Pay Your Energy Bills
Another way you get help paying your bills is by ensuring you get all the benefits you are eligible for.
As an added benefit for those who live in Arkansas, you can also be eligible for the Lifeline Program with EASY Wireless and get a free smartphone!
EASY Wireless offers free unlimited data with free talk and text, so you can stop paying cellphone bills for as long as you qualify.
Fill in your zip code and email today and find out if you can qualify for a free phone and unlimited data with EASY Wireless today!
