Arkansas provides a wide range of public assistance and government benefit programs to help eligible residents meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, cash assistance, child care, and energy costs. Most of these programs are administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) through the Access Arkansas online portal, where residents can apply for benefits, upload documents, renew assistance, and check the status of their applications.
Residents can learn more about programs and submit applications through Access Arkansas.
Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)
The Arkansas Department of Human Services is the primary state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs. Its mission is to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Arkansas residents by providing financial, medical, and supportive services to eligible individuals and families.
Through Access Arkansas, applicants can:
- Apply for multiple assistance programs using one online application.
- Upload required verification documents.
- Report changes in household income or family size.
- Renew benefits electronically.
- Track the status of pending applications.
- Receive notices and updates online.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income households purchase nutritious food each month through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
Program Description
SNAP is designed to reduce food insecurity by supplementing a household’s grocery budget. Benefits can be used at authorized grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and many participating online retailers.
Eligible households may purchase:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Eligibility is determined using factors such as:
- Household income
- Household size
- Resources (when applicable)
- Arkansas residency
- Citizenship or qualified immigration status
Some adults may also be required to meet work or employment and training requirements.
Arkansas Medicaid
Arkansas Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for eligible low-income residents, including children, pregnant women, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and certain low-income adults.
Program Description
Medicaid helps beneficiaries receive necessary healthcare services without paying the full cost of medical treatment.
Covered services may include:
- Primary care physician visits
- Specialist care
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital services
- Prescription medications
- Preventive care
- Laboratory testing
- Mental health services
- Maternity care
- Long-term care services
Eligibility requirements vary depending on age, income, disability status, pregnancy, and household circumstances.
ARKids First
ARKids First is Arkansas’s children’s health insurance program that provides affordable healthcare coverage for eligible children under 19 years of age.
Program Description
The program ensures children receive preventive and routine healthcare services that support healthy development.
Benefits generally include:
- Regular doctor visits
- Immunizations
- Hospital care
- Dental services
- Vision care
- Prescription medications
- Emergency medical care
Income limits and eligibility guidelines depend on family size and household income.
Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA)
The Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) program is Arkansas’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
Program Description
TEA provides temporary cash assistance while helping eligible families become financially independent through employment, education, and job training.
The program may provide:
- Monthly cash assistance
- Employment planning
- Job search assistance
- Workforce training
- Educational opportunities
- Transportation support
- Case management
Most eligible households may receive benefits for a limited period while working toward self-sufficiency. Participants may be required to cooperate with employment services and other program requirements.
Child Care Assistance
Arkansas provides child care assistance to help eligible working parents and parents participating in education or job training afford licensed child care.
Program Description
The program helps reduce child care expenses so parents can maintain employment or improve their skills through approved education or training programs.
Depending on eligibility, assistance may cover a significant portion of child care costs paid directly to participating providers.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps qualifying households pay home heating and cooling expenses.
Program Description
The program assists low-income households that struggle to afford utility costs and may help prevent service disconnections during periods of extreme weather.
Depending on available funding, assistance may include:
- Heating assistance
- Cooling assistance
- Emergency energy payments
- Utility shut-off prevention
Applications are generally processed through local Community Action Agencies.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
The Community Services Block Grant supports local Community Action Agencies throughout Arkansas.
Program Description
Community Action Agencies use CSBG funding to provide services that help low-income households become more self-sufficient.
Services may include:
- Emergency financial assistance
- Utility payment assistance
- Housing referrals
- Employment services
- Financial education
- Budget counselling
- Emergency food assistance
Available services vary by county and funding levels.
SNAP Works Employment and Training
SNAP Works is Arkansas’s Employment and Training Program for SNAP recipients.
Program Description
The program helps eligible SNAP participants gain the education, training, and job skills needed to obtain stable employment.
Available services may include:
- GED preparation
- Job search assistance
- Career counselling
- Occupational skills training
- Work experience
- English language instruction
- Vocational education
- On-the-job training
Participation requirements vary depending on an individual’s SNAP eligibility category.
How to Apply for Arkansas Benefits
Arkansas residents can apply for assistance by:
- Completing an online application through Access Arkansas.
- Visiting a local DHS office.
- Calling the DHS Customer Assistance Center.
- Submitting a paper application when available.
Applicants may need to provide:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income
- Proof of Arkansas residency
- Household expense information
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
The required documentation depends on the program for which you are applying.
Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility varies by program but commonly depends on:
- Household income
- Household size
- Arkansas residency
- Citizenship or qualified immigration status
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Disability status
- Employment status
Each assistance program has its own income limits and eligibility rules established by federal and state law.
Arkansas DHS Contact Information
Residents needing assistance with applications or benefits can contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
- Customer Assistance Center: 1-855-372-1084
- TTY (English): 1-800-285-1131
- TTY (Spanish): 1-866-656-1842
Official resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one benefit at the same time?
Yes. Access Arkansas allows residents to submit a single application for multiple programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, and Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA).
Can I manage my benefits online?
Yes. Through Access Arkansas, you can check your application status, upload documents, renew benefits, report changes, and receive notices electronically.
Does Arkansas provide cash assistance?
Yes. The Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) program provides temporary cash assistance and employment-related services for eligible families with children.
Is healthcare assistance available for children?
Yes. Eligible children may receive comprehensive healthcare coverage through ARKids First, including preventive care, hospital services, dental care, and prescription medications.
Where can I apply for Arkansas public assistance?
Applications for most Arkansas public assistance programs can be completed online through Access Arkansas or at a local DHS office.
