EBT Guides
Apr 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families in Arkansas, ensuring access to nutritious meals and alleviating food insecurity across the state.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Arkansas
Income limits and benefit amounts for SNAP in Arkansas are determined based on federal guidelines, which consider the household size and gross monthly income. These limits ensure that assistance is provided to those who need it most. Below is a detailed breakdown of the maximum monthly income limits and SNAP benefit amounts for different household sizes:
Household Size: 1 person
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,383
Maximum Benefit Amount: $250
Household Size: 2 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,868
Maximum Benefit Amount: $459
Household Size: 3 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,353
Maximum Benefit Amount: $658
Household Size: 4 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,839
Maximum Benefit Amount: $835
Household Size: 5 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,324
Maximum Benefit Amount: $992
Household Size: 6 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,809
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,190
Household Size: 7 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,295
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,316
Household Size: 8 people
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,780
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,504
Household Size: Each additional person
Gross Monthly Income Limit: +$486
Maximum Benefit Amount: +$188
For the most current information, please visit the official Arkansas SNAP website.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Arkansas
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Arkansas, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
Income Limits: Applicants must meet both gross and net income limits based on household size.
Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in Arkansas.
Citizenship Status: U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can qualify.
Work Requirements: Certain work-related conditions must be met.
Special Conditions: Special considerations are given to seniors, disabled individuals, and students.
For detailed and up-to-date information, please visit the official Arkansas SNAP website.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Arkansas
Applying for SNAP benefits in Arkansas can be done online, in-person, or by mail, providing flexibility to applicants based on their convenience and accessibility needs.
Applying Online
To apply for SNAP benefits online as an Arkansas resident, follow these steps:
Visit the official SNAP application website
Go to the Access Arkansas portal to start your application.
Create an account or log in
Sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one.
Complete the application form
Fill out the online application form with your household and financial details.
Submit required documents electronically
Upload necessary documents such as proof of income and identification.
Review and submit your application
Double-check all entered information and submit your application for processing.
Applying In-Person
To apply for SNAP benefits in-person, follow these steps:
Locate your nearest SNAP office
Find the closest Department of Human Services (DHS) office using the DHS office locator.
Gather necessary documents
Collect essential documents such as identification, proof of income, and residency verification.
Visit the office during business hours
Go to the DHS office during their operating hours, typically Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Complete the application form
Fill out the application form provided at the office with your household and financial details.
Submit your application to a caseworker
Hand your completed application and documents to a caseworker for review and processing.
For more information, you can contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services at (501) 682-1001 or visit their official website.
Applying by Mail
To apply for SNAP benefits in Arkansas by mail, follow these steps:
Download and print the SNAP application form
Visit the Access Arkansas portal to download and print the application form.
Fill out the form completely
Provide your household and financial details on the application form.
Photocopy necessary documents
Make copies of essential documents like identification and proof of income.
Mail the application and documents
Send your completed application and photocopied documents to the address provided on the form.
Wait for confirmation or further instructions
Expect a response by mail with confirmation or additional steps.
Special SNAP Services in Arkansas
In Arkansas, residents may receive special SNAP services such as expedited benefits for urgent needs, disaster assistance, and support for homeless individuals. Visit the Arkansas SNAP Resource to learn more and see if you qualify.
Expedited SNAP Services in Arkansas
Residents of Arkansas facing emergency situations can receive expedited SNAP benefits to address urgent food needs. To qualify for expedited services, applicants must meet specific criteria. These include having a gross monthly income of less than $150 and liquid resources not exceeding $100, or being a destitute migrant or seasonal farm worker with less than $100 in resources.
Additionally, households with combined monthly income and liquid resources that are less than their monthly rent or mortgage, and utility expenses, may also qualify. The goal is to ensure that those in dire need receive assistance swiftly, typically within seven days of application, to alleviate immediate food insecurity.
Disaster Assistance for SNAP Beneficiaries
In Arkansas, individuals affected by disasters such as fires or power outages can request replacement SNAP benefits to cover lost food. Those who qualify include current SNAP recipients and individuals who are not already on SNAP but have experienced food loss due to a disaster.
To apply, current SNAP recipients should contact their local Department of Human Services (DHS) office and report the loss within ten days of the disaster. Non-recipients can also apply for emergency SNAP benefits by visiting a DHS office and completing an application.
Applicants will need to provide documentation such as identification, proof of residence, and details of the disaster's impact on their food supply. This ensures that those in need receive timely assistance to recover from their losses.
SNAP for Seniors and People with Disabilities
SNAP in Arkansas provides tailored support for older adults (60+) and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive the assistance they need. These groups often have simplified application options, such as shorter forms and the ability to apply by phone, making the process more accessible.
Eligibility criteria for seniors and disabled individuals may differ slightly, often allowing for higher income limits and more lenient asset tests. This ensures that those with fixed incomes or additional financial burdens can still qualify for benefits.
Common deductions for these groups include out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can significantly reduce their countable income. This adjustment helps maximize their SNAP benefits, ensuring better access to nutritious food.
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Arkansas
Once approved for SNAP benefits, it's important to understand how to use them effectively, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards are used by SNAP recipients to access their benefits. Similar to a credit or debit card, an EBT card is swiped at the point of sale, and the purchase amount is deducted from the card's balance. These cards can be used at authorized retailers to buy eligible food items, making it a convenient and efficient way for beneficiaries to manage their SNAP funds and ensure access to nutritious food.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Recipients in Arkansas can use their EBT cards to purchase a variety of eligible food items, ensuring they have access to nutritious options. These items include:
Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy products
Bread and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
However, there are restrictions on what can be purchased with EBT cards. Ineligible items include:
Alcoholic beverages
Hot foods and foods meant to be eaten in the store
Vitamins and supplements
Non-food products such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet foods
Personal care items
Tobacco products
Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT
With Benny, you can earn cash back on groceries from stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, as well as services such as Uber and Lyft. Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?
In Arkansas, EBT cards can be used at a variety of locations to purchase eligible food items. Recipients can shop at grocery stores, corner stores, and farmers' markets, ensuring access to fresh and nutritious options. Additionally, some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart accept EBT for eligible food purchases, providing further convenience.
When using an EBT card, simply swipe it at the point of sale and enter your PIN to complete the transaction. This flexibility allows recipients to manage their benefits efficiently and access a wide range of food sources.
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Effectively managing your SNAP benefits ensures you maximize your resources, maintain food security, and avoid running out of funds. Here's how to check your EBT balance, understand deposit schedules, and renew benefits.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Arkansas
In Arkansas, SNAP benefits are typically deposited onto EBT cards based on the last digit of the recipient's Social Security Number (SSN). This system helps ensure a smooth and organized distribution of benefits. Here is the deposit schedule:
Last digit 0-1: Benefits deposited on the 4th of the month
Last digit 2-3: Benefits deposited on the 5th of the month
Last digit 4-5: Benefits deposited on the 8th of the month
Last digit 6-7: Benefits deposited on the 9th of the month
Last digit 8-9: Benefits deposited on the 11th of the month
Understanding the deposit schedule is crucial for managing SNAP benefits effectively, as it helps recipients plan their grocery shopping and budget their resources throughout the month.
For more details, check out our guide on EBT deposit schedule in Arkansas to learn about common reasons for delays and other helpful information.
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
There are several methods available for checking your EBT balance in Arkansas. Here are the options:
Online Portal
Visit the ConnectEBT website and log in to view your balance and transaction history.
Benny App
Benny is a mobile app that allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions in real time by linking your EBT card to the app. Download Benny for free.
Phone Number
Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card and follow the prompts to check your balance.
ATM Receipt
Insert your EBT card into an ATM, enter your PIN, and select "Balance Inquiry" to print your balance.
For additional information on each method for checking your EBT balance, check our guide on EBT Balance Check in Arkansas.
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
Recipients in Arkansas must renew or recertify their SNAP benefits every 6 to 12 months, depending on their specific case. Required documents include proof of income, residency, and household expenses. The recertification process involves completing a renewal form, either online through the Access Arkansas portal, by mail, or in-person at a local DHS office.
Timely recertification is important to avoid benefit interruptions. Ensure all documents are up-to-date and submitted before the deadline. For more details, visit the official Arkansas SNAP website.
EBT Customer Support in Arkansas
For SNAP and EBT customer support in Arkansas, recipients can access various resources to resolve issues and get assistance. Check out our guide on EBT customer service in Arkansas to find contact details, support options, and solutions to common problems.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Arkansas
EBT Customer Service Phone Number: Call 1-800-997-9999 for assistance.
Hours of Operation: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Services Offered:
Report lost or stolen EBT cards
Request a replacement card
Reset your PIN
Check your EBT card balance
Get transaction history
Address any issues or concerns related to your EBT account
Local SNAP Office Locations and Contact Info
Finding your nearest SNAP or DHS office in Arkansas is straightforward with several available resources. You can use online locator tools, phone lines, or book appointments to ensure you get the assistance you need.
Here are the steps to find your nearest office:
Online Locator Tool
Visit the DHS office locator to find the closest office by entering your zip code or city.
Phone Line
Call the Arkansas Department of Human Services at (501) 682-1001 for assistance in locating your nearest office.
Appointment Booking
Some offices offer appointment booking options online or by phone to reduce wait times and ensure you receive timely assistance.
Multi-Langual Support
In Arkansas, SNAP application materials and assistance are available in multiple languages to support non-English speakers. This ensures that all residents can access the benefits they need. The most common languages in which assistance is available include:
Spanish
Marshallese
Vietnamese
Chinese
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Managing your SNAP benefits in Arkansas is easier with Benny. This app allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, ensuring you stay on top of your benefits. Additionally, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
With Benny, you can maximize your SNAP benefits and make your shopping more rewarding. Learn more about Benny and start managing your benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP in Arkansas
Who qualifies for SNAP benefits in Arkansas?
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Arkansas, you must meet income limits based on household size, be a resident of Arkansas, and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Additionally, you must comply with work requirements unless you are exempt due to age, disability, or other special conditions. For more details, visit the official Arkansas SNAP website.
Can college students apply for SNAP?
Yes, college students can apply for SNAP benefits in Arkansas if they meet certain conditions. These include working at least 20 hours per week, participating in a state or federally funded work-study program, or caring for a dependent under 6 years old. For more details, visit the official Arkansas SNAP website.
Can I get SNAP benefits if I’m an immigrant?
Some immigrants may qualify for SNAP benefits depending on their immigration status. Eligible non-citizens include those with legal permanent residency, refugees, and asylees. For a complete list of qualifying statuses, check the Arkansas SNAP eligibility page.
How often do I need to renew my SNAP benefits?
SNAP recipients in Arkansas typically need to renew their benefits every 6 to 12 months. The exact renewal period depends on individual circumstances and state rules. Keeping track of your renewal date is important to avoid any interruptions in your benefits. Make sure to submit all required documents on time to continue receiving assistance.
