Special SNAP Services in Arkansas

Arkansas provides special SNAP services for urgent situations like natural disasters or extreme financial hardship. These programs offer expedited benefits, disaster relief, replacement funds for lost food, and temporary rule waivers.

Expedited SNAP (Emergency Food Stamps)

This service offers faster processing for households with minimal food or money, bypassing the standard 30-day approval. Approved households can receive benefits within five calendar days to address immediate food needs, a policy detailed on the Arkansas DHS website.

You may qualify if your gross monthly income is below $150 with resources at or under $100. Migrant or seasonal farm workers with very limited resources may also be eligible, as can households whose shelter costs are greater than their income and available resources.

To apply, submit a SNAP application online at Access.Arkansas.gov or at a DHS county office. You must state that you need expedited service. While proof of identity is required upfront, other verification documents can be provided later.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP gives one month of food aid to households after a presidentially declared disaster. It helps those not on SNAP and supplements benefits for current recipients to the maximum amount. This program activates for events like the March 2023 tornadoes.

To be eligible, you must live or work in a county DHS designates for D-SNAP assistance. You also need to have experienced disaster-related losses, such as property damage or loss of income, and meet specific disaster income limits.

When DHS announces D-SNAP, you must apply in person at a designated site with a photo ID and proof of address. Current SNAP households can file a simple affidavit for their supplemental benefits. Check for current D-SNAP notices online.

Replacement SNAP Benefits For Food Lost In A Disaster

If you are a SNAP recipient and lose food purchased with your EBT card due to a disaster like a flood or power outage, you can request replacement benefits. This allows you to restock essential food items for your household.

DHS often waives the standard 10-day reporting requirement when widespread events occur. Any SNAP household in an affected area that lost food is eligible to request a replacement of their benefits.

You must complete a replacement form (DHS-466) or submit a signed statement detailing the loss. This can be sent to your local county office or submitted online within 10 days of the event, unless a waiver extends the deadline. More information is available online.

Hot Foods Waiver After A Disaster

Typically, SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot, prepared foods. However, after severe storms, Arkansas may get a USDA waiver allowing recipients to buy hot meals from authorized retailers if their homes are without power or cooking facilities.

All SNAP households in the counties and dates specified in the waiver are eligible. No separate application is required to use this temporary benefit. The waiver usually lasts for a few weeks.

You can simply use your existing EBT card to purchase eligible hot foods. DHS announces the start and end dates through its website and local media. You can find details on current and past waivers online.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Arkansas

Once approved for SNAP, you need to know how to use your benefits effectively, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive your monthly SNAP funds. It works just like a debit or credit card. The card is automatically loaded with your benefits each month, allowing you to purchase groceries at authorized stores.

To use it, you simply swipe the card at the checkout counter and enter your personal identification number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance, making transactions simple and private.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card can be used to purchase a variety of food items for your household. This includes staples that form the foundation of a healthy diet, ensuring you can prepare nutritious meals at home.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Other foods such as snacks and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

However, there are restrictions on what you can buy. SNAP benefits are intended for food items only, so several categories of products are not eligible for purchase with your EBT card.

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Live animals (with some exceptions)

• Hot foods ready to eat

• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

You can use your EBT card at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, and corner stores. Many farmers' markets also accept SNAP benefits, allowing you to purchase fresh, local produce. Look for signs indicating EBT acceptance at store entrances or checkout lanes.

Additionally, some online retailers participate in the SNAP program. Major companies like Walmart and Amazon allow you to use your EBT card for online grocery orders in Arkansas. This provides a convenient option for having eligible food items delivered directly to your home.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can make your grocery budget go further. You'll earn cash back on purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. The app also provides rewards for services like Uber and Lyft, helping you save on everyday expenses.

Download Benny for free and connect your EBT card to start earning cash back on your purchases.