As temperatures continue to climb, so do energy bills across the state of Arkansas and many are looking for assistance.

The Southwest Arkansas Development Council has opened a national program that can help qualified applicants.

The federal program provides financial help to residents for their electricity bills.

"What we do is provide assistance to those who are eligible based on information that we receive from the department of human services," said Tiffany Griffie, Senior Center Director.

The home energy assistance program is primarily geared for the elderly and disabled on a fixed income.

She says that on average it serves about 2,000 families per program year.

Griffie says families can only apply once during the program.

The Southwest Arkansas Development Council is accepting applications Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

All applicants must provide proof of income for every household member age 18 and older.