Apply

• Because illegal immigrants do not qualify for the Arkansas Food Stamp Program, residents must provide a Social Security number (SSN) before proceeding with their application. Residents may fill out an application online, or they may visit their local Human Services branch to submit a paper application. If the department approves your application, a hearing will be scheduled to ensure that you meet the criteria of the program. Residents with disabilities and the elderly may receive a telephone interview.
  
  

Time Frame

• The state of Arkansas recognizes that many residents need aid immediately. If an individual or family has little income and savings, the Department of Human Services will issue SNAP benefits within seven days. For less severe cases of need, the benefits process will take no longer than a month. Arkansas residents can continue to receive food stamps as long as they demonstrate need.
  
  

Eligibility

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, households may not have more than $2,000 in assets, but this exemption increases to $3,000 in liquid assets if a member of the household is older than 60 or disabled. Persons already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) automatically qualify for food stamps. An applicant must have gross monthly income below 130 percent of the federal poverty level or his net income must be below 100 percent of the federal poverty level.
  
  

Benefits

• The state of Arkansas distributes food stamp benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card similar in appearance and function to a credit or debit card. SNAP recipients may swipe this EBT card at a grocery store ATM machine in order to pay for food. The total benefits per month depend upon disability and the number of persons in the household. The Arkansas SNAP program will provide a single individual household with up to $200 in food stamps per month.
  
  

Restrictions

• Arkansas residents may only use SNAP benefits to purchase eligible grocery items. Needy residents who need to purchase paper goods, cleaning products, personal care items, tobacco, alcohol and vitamins must pay for these items with their own money.