LIHEAP applications now open for winter utility bill assistance

Sen. Boozman shares a timely message with Arkansas residents

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their winter utility bills can apply now for up to $475 in assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program’s regular assistance application period runs through the end of March, officials said, or until funds are expended while crisis assistance applications will be accepted through April 30.

LIHEAP is a critical, life-saving program that targets and serves the most vulnerable households, including older Americans, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children. Many rely on fixed monthly incomes, meaning that their pay does not increase when the cost of heating and cooling their homes increases. LIHEAP recipients make heartbreaking choices every day between food, medicine, or utilities.

LIHEAP is designed to lower the energy burden by paying benefits for home energy bills for low-income households, who pay a higher proportion of their income for home energy costs. The program is available during summer and winter, as heating and air units work harder and use more energy during extreme temperatures.

An online application is available for most Entergy Arkansas customers at www.getliheap.com, but applications can also be made in person at local communitybased organizations.

“Customers can quickly and easily complete the LIHEAP application and upload the required documents from a computer, tablet or smart phone,” said Brandi Hinkle with Entergy Arkansas Corporate Social Responsibility.

“We encourage family and friends to help those who might not be as tech-savvy to help expedite their applications when possible.”

The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment manages the LIHEAP program for electricity, natural gas and water, but applications for assistance must be made through a community-based organization. Customers can find their local community action agency online at www.adeq.state.ar.us/, along with a complete list of eligibility and required documentation to complete the application.

Eligibility in Arkansas is determined by household size and income, which is 60% of state median income and 150% of Federal Poverty Level. For example, a single individual with a maximum monthly countable income of $2,054 and a family of four with $3,949 would both be eligible. Required documentation includes digital copies of a photo ID for the utility account holder, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, proof of residency and copies of the most recent utility bills. Once approved for LIHEAP funding, agencies make a pledge on a customer’s account for reconnection or to prevent disconnection.

About 45% of Entergy Arkansas customers are considered low-income households, meaning their total income is less than $40,000 annually. Data also shows that one in five Arkansans faces food insecurity, as well as an inability to pay for other ne-

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Photo by Diana Tacker LIHEAP

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cessities.

“Entergy Arkansas is always seeking ways to help our customers and the LIHEAP program is an excellent resource to help during financial difficulty,” Hinkle said. “The online application makes the process faster to ensure your power stays on or can be reconnected if necessary, which is especially important when temperatures are low.”

The most recent data from the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition indicates that while more than 327,000 households were eligible for LIHEAP funds, only 66,407 received the funding because the $41M in funding was exhausted. In Arkansas, 75% of those who did receive LIHEAP assistance had at least one vulnerable member: an elderly person, disabled individual or a child younger than 6. Each year, representatives from utility companies including Entergy Arkansas and local community action agencies come together as part of LIHEAP Action Days to advocate for those who are most in need and implore congress to adequately fund the program.

For additional ways to help with managing your Entergy Arkansas bill, such as Level Billing or Pick A Date, visit www.entergy-arkansas. com/residential, where energy efficiency tips can also be found. A one-stop source for public benefits and other resources can also be found at our Singlestop, which provides recommendations for help with housing, jobs, education, and legal assistance based on location and eligibility.