Arkansas SNAP (Food Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
Arkansas SNAP puts monthly food money on an EBT card you swipe like a debit card. Apply online through Access Arkansas, by paper form (available in English, Spanish, and Marshallese), or in person with a local DHS eligibility worker.
Arkansas uses the standard federal tests, so know the two lines. The gross income limit is 130 percent of poverty ($1,696 a month for one person, $2,888 for three, $3,483 for four), and there is a net limit of 100 percent that applies to all households and is the only test for a household with an elderly or disabled member.
There is an asset test, because Arkansas does not use broad-based categorical eligibility. Most households cannot own more than $3,000 in countable resources, or $4,500 with a disabled member or one 60 or older. One vehicle is excluded, plus vehicles used for a disabled member or self-employment, and $4,650 of value per worker or student.
One helpful, temporary rule: households can use a raised resource limit of $5,500 for 12 months, once in any five-year period, before the limit returns to $3,000 or $4,500.
The benefit is real, and a household with no income gets the maximum: $298 a month for one person, $546 for two, $785 for three, $994 for four, up to $1,789 for eight. Only households with a TEA recipient, or where all members get SSI, skip the income and resource tests.
Two changes to know. Work-time-limit rules for able-bodied adults resumed July 1, 2023, and SNAP Employment and Training operates in all 75 counties to help you comply. And effective July 1, 2026, an Arkansas nutrition waiver excludes soda, other unhealthy drinks with less than 50 percent juice, and candy from SNAP purchases. Manage your card with the free ebtEDGE and AR SNAP Companion apps, and dial 2-1-1 if food is short today.
Phone 1-855-372-1084
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; your local DHS county office runs the exact numbers for your household size, and most households qualify with limited income
- Working families, older adults, and people with disabilities with limited income may qualify
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at Access Arkansas, by paper form, or in person with a DHS worker.
- 2
Have proof of income and resources ready; the asset limit is $3,000, or $4,500 with an older or disabled member.
- 3
Ask about the temporary $5,500 resource limit if your savings are just over the line.
- 4
Complete the interview and verification; set up your EBT card after approval.
What to have ready
- Photo ID for the person applying
- Proof of income and countable resources
- Proof of where you live and your expenses. Your county office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for Arkansas SNAP?
A gross limit of 130 percent of poverty ($1,696 a month for one person, $3,483 for four), plus a 100 percent net limit. Older or disabled households use only the net test.
Is there an asset test?
Yes. Arkansas does not use broad-based categorical eligibility, so most households cannot own more than $3,000 in resources, or $4,500 with a disabled or elderly member. A temporary $5,500 limit is available once per five years.
How much does it pay?
Up to $298 a month for one person, $546 for two, $785 for three, $994 for four, up to $1,789 for eight, for a household with no income.
What can I buy?
Food at authorized stores. Note that from July 1, 2026, an Arkansas waiver excludes soda, unhealthy drinks under 50 percent juice, and candy from SNAP purchases.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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