The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program designed to assist low-income households with their home energy cost.

Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Economic and Medical Services, Office of Community Services, is responsible for the program. However, applications are take statewide at various locations by Community Action Agencies, during specified application periods. The local agencies also determine eligibility according to the program guidelines and make assistance payments. The payments are made by local agencies directly to home energy suppliers in most situations.

Assistance is available as a one-time payment to the energy supplier for eligible households.

Local agencies operate many application offices across the state. You should apply at the application office nearest to your home in the county where you live. If you do not know where to apply, contact your local agency. If you do not know which agency handles your county, call the Division of Economic and Medical Services toll-free number in Little Rock:
1-800-482-8988

Applications are available from the Office of Human Concern, Inc. during the months the program operates (begins early January and continues until funds are exhausted, or September 30).

Proof of income: If you receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, VA Benefits, or other retirement or disability pensions, bring your award letter or a statement from the source of your income. Unemployment must obtain a print-out from ESD. If you have a job, bring a statement from your employer or all your check stubs for the prior month. If you are self-employed, bring your most recent federal income tax return and records of your business income and expenses. The income received by all household members must be verified.

Utility Bill:
Bring the most recent bill you have for your main heating and cooling expense. This helps the local agency make the payment to the correct account. If you have received a shut-off notice for your utility, please bring the notice also (shut-off date must be within 7 days of assistance application).

Proof of resources:
Bring your most recent checking and savings account statements.
Other:

If other proof of your household's circumstances is needed, you will be notified in writing. You will be allowed 10 days to submit necessary information.

The Home Energy Assistance Program will not discriminate against any individual group because of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, handicap or political beliefs.