Rental Assistance in Arkansas: Rent Relief Status, ESG Alternatives, County Options & Resources

Is the Arkansas Rent Relief Program still accepting applications—and what can you do instead?

Arkansas Rent Relief applications are closed, but eligible Arkansans may still find help through other housing stability options—especially Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) providers and county-level rental assistance resources. If you already applied previously, your case may still be reviewed, and you should use the official portal tools to track your status and respond to any requests for documents.

Get Help Finding Arkansas Rental Assistance

Arkansas rental assistance applicant preparing documents and submitting an application
If you’re applying for Arkansas rental assistance alternatives, complete documents and quick follow-up can reduce delays.

Arkansas Rent Relief Program Update and Application Deadline

The program has been updated.

***The Arkansas Rent Relief Program will no longer accept new or renewal applications after noon on April 1, 2022.

Rental Assistance in Arkansas

Applications for the Arkansas Rent Relief Program are not being accepted at this time. However, you may be eligible for rent assistance through the Emergency Solutions Grant Program.

Previously submitted applications will be examined and considered. To track the progress of an existing application, select the Track Status button from the drop-down menu below.

The Arkansas Rent Relief Program has been a crucial lifeline for many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet during these challenging times. With the deadline for new or renewal applications approaching on April 1, 2022, at noon, it’s essential to act quickly. If you have already applied, it will be carefully reviewed and considered. To stay informed about the progress of your existing application, select the Track Status button from the drop-down menu below. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive much-needed assistance with your rent payments.

ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant):
A federally funded program that supports homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and rapid re-housing services through local providers.
Rapid re-housing:
Short-to-medium-term help that can include rent assistance and case management to quickly help households stabilize in housing.

How to Track an Existing Arkansas Rent Relief Application

Arkansas rent relief application portal screen showing form fields and status tracking
Status tracking matters: check messages, upload missing documents, and confirm landlord contact details if requested.

If you previously applied, your application may still be reviewed. In most cases, the fastest way to avoid delays is to (1) log in to your applicant account, (2) monitor messages/requests, and (3) upload any missing documents immediately.

  • Check for document requests: missing ID, lease proof, or arrears proof commonly stalls review.
  • Confirm landlord details: incorrect payment info can block disbursement.
  • Save proof of submissions: screenshots/receipts help if you need to follow up.

If your Arkansas rent relief application is pending or you need an alternative program, we can help you choose the right next step.

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Homelessness Prevention in Arkansas Through ESG Providers

Homelessness Prevention in Arkansas

Individuals with minimal financial means Arkansans who require rental, homelessness prevention, or urgent re-housing assistance can apply for the Emergency Solutions Grant program. This program is funded by the Department of Homeland Security and handled by groups across the state. Individuals who meet the requirements are eligible to apply for support. Please visit this page to find a provider of Emergency Solutions Grants.

Individuals facing financial hardship in Arkansas can now seek assistance through the Emergency Solutions Grant program. This program, which receives funding from the Department of Homeland Security and is under the control of numerous state-wide organizations, aims to help those in need with housing, homelessness prevention, or urgent rehousing. If you or someone you know qualifies for this program, do not hesitate to visit the provided link to locate a provider of Emergency Solutions Grants and access the help you deserve.

If you need a directory-style starting point, Arkansas DHS has published ESG rental assistance agency contact lists in PDF form:

ESG Rental Assistance Agencies (PDF)

.

Benton County and Washington County Rental Assistance Options

Benton and Washington County

Benton and Washington County residents: Residents are encouraged to apply directly to their county’s rental assistance program. This is where you may learn more about your county’s program:



County of Benton



County of Washington

Do you require assistance?

It is the quickest method to keep track of the status of your Arkansas Rent Relief Program application by logging into your account here.


Eligibility Basics and Documents for Arkansas Rental Assistance Alternatives

Arkansas rental assistance eligibility requirements and checklist illustration
Eligibility typically depends on household income, hardship, housing instability risk, and having the required documentation.

Even when a specific rent relief program is closed, many ESG and local assistance providers will still ask for a similar “core set” of proof documents. Having these ready can speed up screening and placement.

  • Identity verification: photo ID for the applicant (and household members if required).
  • Proof of residence: lease, landlord letter, or other tenancy evidence.
  • Income proof: pay stubs, benefits statements, or other income verification.
  • Hardship proof: documentation showing crisis expenses or income loss.
  • Arrears evidence: rent ledger, notice to vacate, utility shutoff notice (if applicable).

Common questions about Arkansas rental assistance

Is Arkansas Rent Relief still accepting applications?
No—Arkansas DHS has stated the program is closed to new applications. If you applied previously, use status tracking tools and respond to any requests quickly.
What is an ESG provider and how can they help?
ESG providers are local organizations that deliver homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing support. Depending on eligibility and funding, they may help with rent assistance, housing navigation, and stability services.
What documents should I prepare first?
Start with your ID, lease/tenancy proof, income proof, and any notices showing past-due rent or housing instability risk.
Where do I find Arkansas ESG rental assistance contacts?
Arkansas DHS has published ESG agency contact lists (PDF). See the linked provider directory in this article.
Can I get help with utilities too?
Possibly. Some programs coordinate utility help through local agencies and LIHEAP providers. Availability depends on county and funding windows.

Additional Arkansas Resources: County Income Charts, Guides, FAQs, and LIHEAP

Additional Helpful Resources

The following materials are available from the Department of Homeland Security to assist you further:


Median Income by County in the Area


Guide to Tenant Application


User Guide for Landlords


Rent Relief Frequently Asked Questions


Documents Required


Spanish Tenant Application Guide


Spanish User Guide for Landlords


Rent Relief Frequently Asked Questions – Spanish


Required Documents for Rent Relief – Spanish


Required Documents for Rent Relief – Marshallese


Rent Relief Frequently Asked Questions – Marshallese


Tenant Application Guide for Arkansas Rent Relief – Marshallese


User Guide for Arkansas Rent Relief Landlords – Marshallese

LIHEAP Arkansas for Qualified Applicants.

In Arkansas, LIHEAP is operated through community-based organizations across all counties, and contact information is available through state resources.

Arkansas LIHEAP info (Energy & Environment)

Unlike the Arkansas Rent Relief Program, this is not a government-sponsored program. Following the coronavirus epidemic, the Division of County Operations of the Department of Homeland Security collaborated with community organizations nationwide to award Emergency Solutions Grant funding to qualifying Arkansans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to the epidemic. Funding was provided to three different sorts of organizations:

  • To engage homeless individuals who do not currently live in a shelter or other sort of accommodation, street outreach is conducted.
  • Homelessness Prevention: provides rental assistance in Arkansas, including Pulaski County, and other services to those who are at risk of becoming homeless, allowing them to remain in their homes or relocate;
  • Providing homeless individuals with support in seeking and paying for housing, as well as case management during the process of returning to stability;
  • The emergency shelter provides critical services to residents, such as child care, skills training, and transportation assistance, and it serves as a vital support system for the shelter’s daily operations.

An alphabetical list of groups organized by county may be found on this page, as well as the name of the person who should be contacted by applicants in that county to serve as the ESG contact for that group. You must apply for this funding through your county’s organization, not the Department of Homeland Security.

Need help finding an Arkansas ESG provider or local rent assistance option?

If you’re behind on rent or facing housing instability, support can help you identify open programs and prepare the right documents.

  • Help locating the right county/provider contact
  • Document checklist guidance (ID, lease, income, arrears)
  • Support responding to portal or provider follow-ups
  • Alternative options when funding is limited

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Other Rental Assistance News

About the author

Denise M
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Denise Madison, age 34, is an expert in housing policy and rental assistance. Denise earned her Master’s in Public Administration from McGill University, focusing her thesis on the effectiveness of rental assistance programs in major Canadian cities. After graduation, she worked with the Canadian government before transitioning to a consulting role in the United States, aiding in the enhancement of federal housing policies and programs. Denise is known for her practical workshops and seminars aimed at landlords and tenants, fostering better understanding and compliance with housing laws. When not at work, Denise cherishes time with her husband and their three young children, exploring the outdoors and teaching them about the importance of community involvement.

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