Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive LIHEAP benefits?

LIHEAP Summer Cooling or Winter Heating benefit takes approximately 35 days for applications to be processed. However, it may take up to 90 days for your utility provider to reflect your LIHEAP benefit. Additionally, your utility provider does not reflect your pledge on your bill. It will only be reflected when the check reaches the provider.

Is there an income and resource limit?

Yes. The income limit is based upon the Federal Income Guidelines provided to us from ADEQ. Additionally, households must not have resources valued at greater than $3,250 if the household has an elderly member and $2,250 for all other households.

Does my utility bill have to be listed in my name?

No. The applicants must present a current utility bill with account number for each energy source listed on the application. The name on the bill should match the applicant’s name or the name of someone listed in the household on the application. If the name on the utility account is not a household member’s name, the applicant must document on the application what the relationship is to the utility’s accountholder. Additionally, we would need the name, contact information, and last four of their Social Security number

I don't have a utility bill because my heat and electric services are included in my rent. Can I still apply for LIHEAP?

Yes. If you do not have any energy bills because energy costs are included in your rent payment, you must prove your monthly rent costs are greater than 30% of the household's income for the past 30 days.

If I qualify for assistance, how are the payments made to my utility?

Payments are made directly to the utility company on behalf of the applicant. In the case of applicants whose utilities are included in their rent, payment is then made directly to the applicant.

Can I apply for LIHEAP without a social security number?

No. LIHEAP requires a SSN for any household member over 1 year of age.

I work but I am paid in cash. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply. You will need to complete an Earnings Statement. Form where you write down how much cash you received in the 30 days prior to the application date, including the date of application.

I do not have any income right now; can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply. Customers claiming zero income will need to complete a Zero Income Form showing how you live with no income. Your benefit amount is based on your income, Collateral Form and/or Contribution Form.

When will our bill get paid?

It often takes several weeks to receive the funding from Little Rock. Once we receive the funds, we generally issue the checks with 24 hours to the utility company.

So, I don’t need to pay on this month’s bill?

Yes, you do. We only pay past due bills or the benefit amount. The qualifying household is responsible for paying the charges that exceed the approved amount, prior to Li-Heap’s payment. A copy of the receipt must be on file at the Li-Heap office in Fort Smith if the amount is over the crisis limit. Additionally, any new charges incurred are the responsibility of the applicant.

What documents do I need?

Please click Required Documents link.

Why do I need to show letter from Child Support, when I do not receive child support?

It is supporting documentation toward proof of income.

Why do I need to show proof of no income?

Your benefit amount is based on your income. The unemployment claims history shows the amount you receive or the fact that you do not have unemployment income. The claims history may be obtained at the Unemployment Office on Garrison Avenue. The person(s) needing a claims history, must go in person to the unemployment office.

Have you processed my application?

Your application is processed in the order they are received. If the application is a life-threating situation your application may be considered a priority.

Why did I get denied?

Please click the Denial Codes link.

When does Li-Heap start accepting applications?

During the winter applications are tentatively released on the 1st Monday after the New Year. Summer is usually, the 1st Monday after the 4th of July.

How will I know if I am approved?

You may send an email to [email protected] or call 479-785-2303, ext. 100.

Do I need to fill out a new Li-Heap application every time I bring in a disconnect notice?

Yes, along with all new documentation. Please remember you can only get crisis benefits once a season.

Are there any other agencies that will help with utilities?

Please call our office at 479-785-2303 ext. 100 for a list of contacts.