The Division of County Operations (DCO) is here to make sure Arkansans who need food assistance, health care, and other services can access help. DCO processes applications for several public assistance programs, including Health Care (Medicaid), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) program. SNAP and TEA beneficiaries can access their benefits through the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. DCO also oversees the Community Services Block Grant program, which provides funding to support services to help low-income families become self-sufficient. Services are provided through the 15 Community Action Agencies in the state.

DCO also investigates potential Health Care (Medicaid), SNAP, and TEA beneficiary fraud.

DCO is divided into three focus areas:

• Office of Program and Grant Management – This unit oversees policy related to programs DCO administers as well as training. It also oversees the Community Services Block Grant program and ensures grantees comply with all state and federal regulations.
• Field Operations – This unit is responsible for the day-to-day management of all DHS county offices as well as the employees who process applications for assistance.
• Administrative Support – This unit oversees the unit that investigates beneficiary fraud, the client assistance unit, the quality assurance unit, and system support for the Division.

DHS has at least one office in every county in the State. DCO oversees all 80 of those offices as well as the Access Arkansas Processing Center in Batesville. You can find a list of county offices on our website.

You can apply for Health Care, SNAP, and TEA and manage your benefits by visiting Access.Arkansas.gov.