How to apply for SNAP food assistance in Arkansas

Who it's for

SNAP gives a monthly benefit on an EBT card to buy groceries, and it can be used at farmers markets. In Arkansas, a household with a member who is 60 or older or who has a disability only has to meet the net income limit, which is 100% of the federal poverty guidelines after deductions. Medical costs of an older or disabled member can be deducted. Households can have up to $5,500 in countable savings for 12 months; after that the limit is $4,500 for households with someone 60 or older or disabled. A home, retirement accounts and one vehicle do not count. Apply online at Access Arkansas, with the paper SNAP Application Form, or call the Access Arkansas Call Center at 1-855-372-1084.

What you'll need

• Call to ask what to bring

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about SNAP food assistance in Arkansas. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call the Access Arkansas Call Center at 1-855-372-1084 to ask what documents to bring and what information is needed for your household.
2. Gather the documents and details the call center tells you to provide.
3. Apply for SNAP online through Access Arkansas or apply by phone at 1-855-372-1084.
4. Give complete information about your household, income, and any medical costs for a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability, since some costs can be deducted.
5. Submit your application and keep any notice or confirmation you receive.
6. Read your approval notice carefully if you are approved. It will say how many months you have before you need to reapply.

What to expect: After you apply, DHS reviews your information and makes the final decision about eligibility and benefit amount. Processing times can vary, so ask the agency for an estimate if needed. If approved, SNAP benefits are provided monthly on an EBT card and can be used to buy groceries, including at farmers markets. Renewal timing varies, and the approval notice explains when to reapply. Income limits change each October. Households where everyone gets SSI do not have to meet the income or savings limits.

Renewals

varies (the approval notice says how many months before you reapply)