The Arkansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase nutritious groceries. These benefits are issued through the Arkansas EBT card and aim to reduce hunger, promote health, and support economic stability. You can use the SNAP Estimator to estimate your monthly EBT allowance if your household qualifies.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Arkansas SNAP eligibility for 2025, including income limits, household rules, deductions, benefit amounts, and how to apply.
Who Is Eligible for Arkansas SNAP Benefits?
To qualify for SNAP in Arkansas, your household must meet the following requirements:
- Income Level: Your household’s gross and net income must fall within limits based on household size.
- Residency: You must be a resident of Arkansas.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen (e.g., legal permanent resident).
- Social Security Number: Each household member must have or apply for a Social Security Number.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must work or participate in a job training program, unless exempt.
- Asset Limits: Limits apply, with exceptions for households with elderly (60+) or disabled members.
Special considerations may apply for households with elderly or disabled members, such as higher income thresholds or relaxed asset rules.
Income Guidelines for Arkansas SNAP (2025)
Arkansas follows federal SNAP income guidelines, which are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The state does not have the same elevated cost-of-living adjustments as Alaska, so income limits are generally aligned with federal standards for the 48 contiguous states. Below are the estimated income limits for 2025, based on the most recent federal adjustments and assuming a modest inflation increase from 2024.
Gross Monthly Income Limits (130% of Federal Poverty Level)
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,633 |
| 2 | $2,216 |
| 3 | $2,798 |
| 4 | $3,380 |
| 5 | $3,963 |
| 6 | $4,545 |
| 7 | $5,128 |
| 8 | $5,710 |
| Each Add’l | +$582 |
Net Monthly Income Limits (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,255 |
| 2 | $1,704 |
| 3 | $2,152 |
| 4 | $2,600 |
| 5 | $3,048 |
| 6 | $3,496 |
| 7 | $3,944 |
| 8 | $4,392 |
| Each Add’l | +$448 |
Asset Limits
- $2,750 for most households.
- $4,250 for households with someone age 60+ or disabled.
- Assets include bank accounts, cash, and property (excluding your primary home and most vehicles).
What Counts as Income?
All cash income is counted, including:
- Wages and self-employment income (before taxes)
- Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Unemployment benefits
- Alimony and child support
- Pensions and retirement funds
- Worker’s compensation
Who Counts as a Household?
A SNAP household consists of individuals who live together and share meals, including:
- Spouses
- Parents and children under 22 living together
- Individuals who buy and prepare food together
- Elderly or disabled individuals may be considered separate households if they cannot prepare food independently and meet specific income exclusions.
Work Requirements for ABAWDs
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–52, must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in a qualified job training program, such as Arkansas’s SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program.
If ABAWDs do not meet these requirements, they are limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period. Exemptions apply for those who are pregnant, disabled, caring for dependents, or living in areas with waived work requirements due to high unemployment.
Allowable Deductions
Deductions reduce your countable income, increasing potential benefits. Arkansas allows:
- Standard Deduction: Varies by household size (e.g., $204 for households of 1–3, higher for larger households).
- 20% Earned Income Deduction: Applied to wages or self-employment income.
- Medical Expenses: Over $35/month for elderly or disabled members.
- Dependent Care Costs: For children or dependents.
- Child Support Payments: Legally obligated payments.
- Shelter and Utility Expenses: Capped for non-elderly/disabled households; Arkansas uses a Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) for heating/cooling costs.
Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
SNAP benefit amounts are based on household size and the Thrifty Food Plan, adjusted annually for inflation. Below are the estimated maximum monthly SNAP benefits for Arkansas in 2025, based on federal guidelines for the 48 contiguous states:
| Household Size | Max Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each Add’l | +$220 |
Benefits may vary slightly based on income, deductions, and household circumstances. Rural or high-cost areas in Arkansas may not receive additional adjustments like Alaska’s remote area supplements.
How to Apply for Arkansas SNAP
You can apply for SNAP in Arkansas through several methods:
- Online: Apply via the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Access Arkansas portal at access.arkansas.gov.
- By Mail or Fax: Download and print the SNAP application from the DHS website, then submit it to your local DHS office.
- In Person: Visit your local DHS County Office. Find locations at humanservices.arkansas.gov.
- By Phone: Contact the DHS SNAP hotline at 1-800-482-8988 for assistance.
Required Documents
You will need to provide:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, ID card)
- Proof of Arkansas residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
- Income documents (e.g., pay stubs, benefit statements)
- Social Security Numbers for all household members (or proof of application)
- Expense records (e.g., rent, utilities, medical bills for elderly/disabled)
After applying, you’ll be scheduled for an interview, which can be conducted by phone or in person.
After You’re Approved
Once approved, you’ll receive an Arkansas EBT card, which works like a debit card at authorized retailers. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase:
- Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and non-prepared foods
- Seeds and plants that produce food
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Prepared hot foods
- Vitamins, supplements, or medicines
- Pet food or non-food items
Extra Perks for EBT Cardholders
- Amazon Prime: 50% discount for EBT cardholders.
- Museums for All: Free or reduced admission to participating museums and cultural institutions.
- Online Shopping: Available at retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and select local grocers in Arkansas.
External Links
For additional information and resources on Arkansas SNAP, visit the following:
- Arkansas Department of Human Services SNAP Page – Official SNAP program details and updates.
- Access Arkansas Application Portal – Online platform to apply for SNAP and other DHS benefits.
- USDA SNAP Eligibility Information – Federal guidelines and eligibility criteria for SNAP.
- Arkansas DHS County Office Locator – Find your local DHS office for in-person applications.
- SNAP Eligibility Calculator – Estimate your potential SNAP benefits.
Final Notes
SNAP benefits are a vital resource for low-income families in Arkansas, helping to ensure access to nutritious food. Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator on the DHS website to estimate your benefits. If you’re unsure about eligibility, apply anyway—assistance is available to guide you through the process.
For the most accurate and current information, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services or a certified application assistant near you.