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Food

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors in Arkansas

Arkansas's SNAP gives a monthly amount on an EBT card to help buy groceries.

Checked

From the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations
An older man unpacks fresh vegetables, apples and eggs in his kitchen

A household with someone 60 or older or disabled may have up to $4,750 in countable savings, and some households get a higher $5,500 limit for their first 12 months. Since July 1, 2026, SNAP in Arkansas can't be used for candy, soda and other unhealthy drinks.

How to apply in Arkansas

In person
Apply at your local DHS county office. There are offices in every county.
By mail
You can also apply by mail using the SNAP application form on the DHS website.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in Arkansas

Who may qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Savings limit, household with someone 60+ or disabled (Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027)$4,750

Source: Arkansas Department of Human Services (source 5)

Higher savings limit for the first 12 months, gross income at or under 165% of poverty (once every five years)$5,500

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (source 8)

Gross income limit for the higher savings limit (broad-based categorical eligibility), household with someone 60+ or disabled165% of the poverty level

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (source 8)

How Arkansas is different

Where Arkansas's rules differ from the federal rules for SNAP for seniors.

  • Simpler application for households where all adults are 60 or older or have a disability and no one has earned income (Elderly Simplified Application Project), as of October 2024

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (source 9)

Good to know

  • From July 1, 2026, SNAP benefits in Arkansas can't be used to buy candy, soda and certain other unhealthy drinks.
  • Arkansas's time limit rule covers adults 18 through 64 who are able to work and have no child under 14 at home. People 60 to 64 may need to work or train to keep SNAP longer than three months, unless they qualify for an exception.

Source: Arkansas Department of Human Services (source 6)

Free help

Free help with this in Arkansas

More help in Arkansas

SNAP food benefits in another state

Sources

  1. Arkansas Department of Human Services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. Arkansas Department of Human Services, SNAP Overview and How to Apply (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. Arkansas Department of Human Services, Apply For Services (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  4. Arkansas Department of Human Services, Contact DCO (Division of County Operations) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  5. Arkansas Department of Human Services, SNAP Quick Reference Guide (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  6. Arkansas Department of Human Services, SNAP Nutrition Waiver (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  7. Arkansas Department of Human Services, SNAP General Work Requirements and Requirement to Work (Time Limit Rules) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  8. USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility chart (June 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  9. USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, SNAP State Options Report, 17th Edition (data as of October 2024) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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