Arkansas Food Stamps Eligibility Guide and How to Apply

“Arkansas Food Stamps Eligibility Guide”. The food stamp program, presently known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides eligible households with food assistance to cover a portion of the household food budget. The food stamp benefits are distributed through an EBT Card (Electronic Benefits Transfer). The stamp benefits are used to buy eligible food and food items for the consumption of the household including plants and seeds which produce food for consumption for the homes that receive the stamp benefits. Some farmers market, grocery stores, and other retail shops accept the EBT card.

The stamp program also provides recipients with employment training, nutrition education, and work experience in some cases.  The Employment and Training (E&T) program is created to promote self-sufficiency through employment. It renders assistance to any eligible stamp benefits participant with opportunities to acquire more knowledge and skills necessary to help obtain and also keep a job.

Arkansas Food Stamps Eligibility Guide

Arkansas Food Stamps Eligibility Guide

If you wish to partake in the food stamps benefit, you must learn about the requirements established by the federal government and Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). You must firstly be a citizen and resident in Arkansas and your household must also meet the work requirements. This been said, if you are between the age range of 18 and 59 years, you must have a job, unless you are disabled or a parent taking care of your young ones at home.

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How to Know If you are Qualified for the Stamp Program

For you to know if you are qualified for the benefit of the stamp of Arkansas, you need to first know about what is listed below;

  • The size of your household; firstly, you need an estimate of how many people live and eat together in your house. The larger the numbers, the higher the stamp benefits.
  • Income earned; the amount of money your household makes is also a factor to be considered. This is because both earned and unearned income, assistance, social security, unemployment insurance, and child support, etc. are all included.
  • Assets; the amount you have in your bank account is also a factor, but your most recent tax returns and retirement savings are not included. Although, some states may also include real estate investments, trusts, and vehicle assets.

How to Apply for Food Stamps in Arkansas

Before deciding to apply for the food stamps in Arkansas, you must choose the submission method that is most suitable for you. The methods of applying are listed below;

  • You can apply online which is the easiest.
  • Also, you can apply in person.
  • You can also apply by fax or mail.
  • Also, you can also apply through a phone.

For more information on how to apply, simply click on this link; https://access.arkansas.gov/Voter.aspx.

Things You Can Buy with your Stamp Benefits in Arkansas

The list below shows a list of items you can purchase with your food stamps benefits in Arkansas;

  • Snacks foods and deserts
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Bread, grains, and cereals
  • Meat substitutes, such as tofu or bean burgers
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Plants and seeds that you can plant for food and grow on your property. Other food and food items can also be gotten.

Please note that you can also get some condiments such as vinegar and jam, ketchup, mayonnaise with your EBT card, even though they don’t fall into the staple foods category.

Things You Cannot Buy With your Arkansas Stamp Benefits

It is important to know the limits of what you can buy as there are some things you are not allowed to buy with your EBT card. The things are listed below;

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Live animals
  • Tobacco
  • Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
  • Hot and prepared foods
  • Cleaning supplies, toiletries, and cosmetics

To sum it all up, there are certain exceptions for live animals and prepared foods. You can buy live shellfish from a seafood counter, as it is meant to be prepared and eaten. You could also buy a dessert and cake and bakery items.

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