ALERT: DHS to issue full November SNAP benefits
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is advising Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries that they should now expect to receive full benefit amounts for November, and that these funds will be disbursed to cards late the evening of Nov. 13 into Nov. 14. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still get my SNAP food benefits in November?
Yes. The federal government shutdown delayed the issuance of benefits, but DHS will issue full benefits in accordance with the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
When will I get my benefits?
Full benefits are expected to be loaded onto EBT cards beginning late the evening of November 13 into November 14.
Where can I find the balance for my account?
Beneficiaries can check their balances by calling the EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-997-9999, downloading the ConnectEBT app by Conduent, or by logging in or creating an online account at the Arkansas Electronic Benefit Transfer.
If I was recently approved for SNAP benefits, will I get benefits in November?
Yes, SNAP beneficiaries will get benefits in November, even if they were recently approved.
Can I still use my SNAP card in November if I have benefits left from previous months?
Yes, beneficiaries may use any saved benefits from previous months that remain on their SNAP card.
What if I need additional help with food?
Please visit HelpArkansas.com to locate a food pantry or community organization in your area that can assist.
Will December amounts return to normal?
DHS expects that December SNAP amounts will be provided at the normal benefit level now that the federal government shutdown is over.
Can I still apply for benefits?
Yes, you may apply for SNAP by visiting a county office or online at Access.Arkansas.gov.
Do I still need to report changes and renew my benefits?
SNAP recipients should continue to report household changes, complete any paperwork they receive related to their case, and submit any verification documents if requested.
Will county offices remain open normal hours?
Now that the government shutdown has ended, DHS is no longer anticipating a closure of county offices to public access later this month.
FRAUD ALERT
The Arkansas Department of Human Services is encouraging Arkansans who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to take steps to secure their accounts. Click here for more information.
DHS has submitted two separate waivers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make changes to Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps.
One waiver asks the USDA to allow Arkansas to ban soft drinks and candy from SNAP. Click here to read the waiver.
The second waiver asks the USDA to allow Arkansas to add cooked rotisserie chicken to the list of eligible items for SNAP. Click here to read the waiver.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamp Program) provides food assistance to eligible households to cover a portion of a household’s food budget. Benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. SNAP benefits can be used to buy eligible food items for eating at home including seeds and plants which produce food SNAP households to eat. Farmers markets are available for SNAP benefits as well as eligible retailers. In addition to food assistance, the program provides SNAP recipients with nutrition education, employment and training, and work experience in some cases.
Starting July 1, 2023, the SNAP Time Limit Rules resumed. Please click here for full details.
SNAP Employment & Training – The SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program promotes self-sufficiency through employment. It assists any eligible SNAP participant with opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment through participation in work programs and education/training activities such as GED and basic skills education, English as a second language, apprenticeship and internship training programs. The SNAP E&T program is available in all 75 counties. If you get SNAP and want to gain new skills or participate in one of the educational or training programs mentioned above, just tell your DHS eligibility worker or reach out to one of our E&T providers listed here.
How to File a Complaint
You have the right to make a complaint if the Department of Human Services has discriminated against you. You can make a complaint orally or in writing by contacting the Office of Program and Grant Management-Civil Rights Unit, P.O Box 1437-Slot S335, Little Rock, AR 72203-1437, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 501-534-4119. The complaint form is also available here.
SNAP Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact their local county office or Access Arkansas at 855-372-1084. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact Arkansas Relay at 800-285-1131 or USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Mail: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Room 334 Alexandria, VA 22314; or
Email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
SNAP Program Penalties
You may lose your benefits or be subject to criminal prosecution for knowingly providing false information.
- Do not give false information or hide information to get benefits that your household should not get.
- Do not use SNAP or EBT cards that are not yours and do not let someone else use yours.
- Do not use SNAP benefits to buy nonfood items such as alcohol or cigarettes or to pay on credit cards.
- Do not trade or sell SNAP or EBT cards for illegal items; such as firearms, ammunition or controlled substance (illegal drugs).
Any household member who breaks any of the SNAP rules on purpose can be barred from the SNAP Program for one year to permanently, fined up to $250,000, imprisoned up to 20 years or both. She/he may also be subject to prosecution under other applicable Federal and State laws. She/he may also be barred from the SNAP Program for an additional 18 months if court ordered.
Any household member who intentionally breaks the rules may not get SNAP for one year for the first offense, two years for the second offense, and permanently for the third offense.
If a court of law finds you or any household member guilty of using or receiving SNAP benefits in a transaction involving the sale of a controlled substance, you or that household member will not be eligible for benefits for two years for the first offense, and permanently for the second offense.
If a court of law finds you or any household member guilty of having used or received benefits in a transaction involving the sale of firearms, ammunition or explosives, you or that household member will be permanently ineligible to participate in the SNAP Program upon the first offense of this violation.
If a court of law finds you or any household member guilty of having trafficked benefits for an aggregate amount of $500 or more, you or that household member will be permanently ineligible to participate in the SNAP Program upon the first offense of this violation.
If you or any household member is found to have given a fraudulent statement or representation with respect to identity (who they are) or place of residence (where they live) to receive multiple SNAP benefits, you or that household member will be ineligible to participate in the SNAP Program for a period of 10 years.