How To Apply For Food Stamps In Arkansas

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a Arkansas Benefit Security Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in Arkansas. If you have additional questions or concerns about the Arkansas SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services for assistance.

Who Can Get Arkansas SNAP Benefits?
U.S. citizens and some non-citizens who are living in the U.S. legally may receive Arkansas SNAP benefits if they meet program rules. Your household must meet income and resource standards. Other work-related rules may apply to your household. You can find out if you are likely eligible for SNAP by completing a simple pre-screening tool available at access.arkansas.gov.

How Do I Apply For SNAP Benefits?
You may apply online at access.arkansas.gov. If you do not have a computer, your local library will have computers you can use. The application is available for printing online. For the english version, click here. To view the Arkansas EBT application in spanish, click here. You may also call or go to the Department of Human Services (DHS) office in any county and ask for a paper application. Complete as much of the information as you can and take, send, or fax the application to a DHS office. If you need help with completing the application, tell a county office worker.

What Will Happen After I Turn In My Application?
They will schedule and complete an interview with an adult member of your household (or an authorized representative, if you choose).

What Are My Responsibilities As An Applicant?
When you apply for SNAP benefits, you must follow these rules:

• You must answer all questions completely and honestly.
• You must give them proof of some information.
• You must let them know if you need help getting this proof.
• You must not put your money or property in someone else's name in order to get SNAP benefits.
• You must not hide information or give false information to get SNAP benefits.

If I Am Eligible How Will I Get My Benefits?
Your household will get an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. You will use this card to purchase food. A county office worker will explain the EBT card.

How Long Does It Take To Receive Benefits?
If you meet program requirements, you should receive your SNAP benefits within 30 days. If you have little or no income or savings, you may be eligible to receive your SNAP benefits within 7 days

You May Be Asked to Provide the Following Information

• An I.D. showing your name
• Proof of your address
• Social security numbers (SSNs) for everyone in your household*
• Proof of the amount of money you or anyone in your household has in any bank account
• Proof of all of your household's income
• Proof of legal alien status for anyone who is not a U.S. citizen*
• Medical bills for anyone who is age 60 or older or who receives a disability check based on full disability

*Providing SSNs and/or information about citizenship is voluntary. However, you may receive SNAP benefits only for those people who provide this information.

Arkansas SNAP Eligibility Requirements

Residency/Citizenship
Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is limited to U.S. Citizens and certain legally admitted non-citizens.

Lawful SNAP Household
A household is normally composed of individuals who live together and purchase food and prepare meals together. The following individuals may not participate in the Program: boarders, ineligible students, disqualified persons, and residents of certain institutions.

Work Registration
All able-bodied individuals age 16 to 59 who are not otherwise exempt must register for work. Exemptions are granted for school attendance, full-time employment, disability, care of a dependent under the age of six, and care of a disabled dependent of any age. People who quit their jobs or who intentionally reduce their working hours to less than 30 hours per week without good cause are subject to sanction.

Requirement to Work
All able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 who are not pregnant or the parent of a minor dependent child must work at least twenty hours per week or participate in a work program. Any individual who fails to comply with this requirement for at least three months out of a designated 36-month period will be ineligible to receive SNAP benefits for the remainder of the 36-month period. The disqualification applies to the individual, not the entire household, and may be lifted if the individual complies with the requirement or becomes exempt from the requirement.

Resources
The value of non-exempt resources cannot exceed $3,250 for households with at least one member age 60 or older or disabled. The resource limit is $2,250 for all other households.

Social Security Number
Each household member who wishes to participate in the Program is required to provide a SSN or to apply for one before they are allowed to participate. Household members who do not comply with this requirement are disqualified from participation in the Program.

Income
Households containing a individual with disability member or a member age 60 or older must have a net income at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. All other households must have both a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines and a net income at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Gross Income Limits Apply First to Households with no Elderly or Disabled Members (Regular Households)

Net Income Limits Apply to all Regular Households Who Meet the Net Income Limits and to Households with Elderly and or Disabled Members. Categorically eligible households do not have to meet income or resource limits. Categorically eligible households include any household with at least one member who receives TEA benefits or a household where all members receive SSI benefits.