Area served: Fulton, Independence, Izard, Sharp, Stone.

Arkansas Community Action Agencies (CAAs) offer various opportunities for low- and middle-income residents of Arkansas to improve the stability and self-sufficiency of their households.
Low-income people have the opportunity to participate as members of their communities through volunteering and other civic activities.
People with disabilities and seniors benefit from support and emergency services that help them maintain their independence.
Infants, children and young people receive development services that enable them to reach their full potential.

Arkansas CAAs work with a network of community partners to offer opportunities for families and improve living conditions in low-income communities.

Services:

Energy efficiency and utility assistance programs

Utility costs for low-income families consume a considerable part of their monthly income.
Improving the energy efficiency of these homes will not only reduce your utility bills, but also reduce your energy consumption.

LIHEAP

Arkansas Community Action Agencies offers energy assistance to low-income families through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is funded by the federal government.
This program works on the principle of "first come, first served".
Funding is limited.

LIHEAP Regular Assistance Program

A flat benefit is offered based on the monthly income and size of the household.
Income guidelines are reviewed annually.
In general, LIHEAP services are paid directly to the utilities on behalf of the applicant.
Qualified families can be helped once per program.

LIHEAP crisis intervention program

Offers assistance to low-income households to avoid disconnection or to restore service after disconnection.
State policy determines the maximum amount of assistance available per family.
Benefits are paid directly to the utility companies.
Eligible families may receive assistance once in each program.
A copy of the shutdown notice is required.

Information required for the application:

- Proof of residency

- Proof of income for all family members and from all sources that were received during the month before the application for assistance Proof of income may include

- Copies of pay slips with payroll pre-tax with full, part-time or self-employment

- Declaration of the Employment Security Service for all unemployed adult(s)

- A statement from the Office of Child Support Enforcement that if one or more biological parents are not in the household

- Copy of award letter or bank statement showing automatic deposits of Social Security, SSI, Veteran's Administration, or other pensions or disability payments

- Identifying information for all family members (names, dates of birth, social security numbers) o Copy of utility bill

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program is called LIHEAP. They assist low income people and families with their heating and cooling bills. This program is therefore, a year long program that is available 12 months a year. To qualify for the LIHEAP assistance, you need to qualify. We provide the current Federal Poverty Rates nationwide below.

You are automatically qualified for LIHEAP assistance if you participate in the SNAP food stamps program, TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the SSI program through Social Security.

Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2024

Persons In Family	Earnings (100% Fed Poverty Guideline)
1	$15,060
2	$20,440
3	$25,820
4	$31,200
5	$36,580
6	$41,960
7	$47,340
8	$52,720

*Alaska and Hawaii have different rates for HUD federal poverty guidelines.
These numbers above represent 100% of the Federal Poverty Rate. In order to get legal aid from some offices, they use a sliding fee scale. When they use a sliding fee scale, the 100% rate can be different than 100%. In those cases, using for example a 200% federal poverty level, you will only need double the 100% number listed above to 200%.

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