Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP Arkansas Department Of Human Services Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP Division of County Operation’s Mission Statement Provide quality human services that strengthen the health and well-being of Arkansas’ children, families, and adults

Goals and Objectives Understand how to apply for SNAP benefits Be knowledgeable of the application process Be able to assist in the application process Be familiar with basic eligibility requirements

What is SNAP? Federal nutrition program operated by the United States Department of Agriculture Purpose: Help end hunger Improve nutrition and health See Pub 169 SNAP

What Can Someone Buy with SNAP benefits? Only eligible foods can be purchased Examples of what can be purchased: • Dairy products • Breads and cereals • Fruits and vegetables* • Non-alcoholic beverages • Meat, poultry, and fish Eligible foods include plants and seeds that can be used to grow food *Many farmer’s markets will match dollar for dollar

What Can Someone Buy with SNAP benefits? Examples of what cannot be purchased: • Paper goods • Cleaning products • Personal care items • Alcoholic beverages • Tobacco products • Hot food prepared in the store to be "carried out"

Who Can Receive SNAP Benefits? Applicants must be a resident of Arkansas and not receiving benefits in another state • U. S. Citizens • Certain Non-U. S. Citizens • Meet Income and Resource Requirements • Work Requirements may apply

Applying for SNAP Benefits • Local DHS Office • Online at: access.arkansas.gov • Mail, Fax, or Email *Application considered complete: Name, Address, and Signature

The Application Process The process begins the day the application is received in the county office. If an application is received after hours, over the weekend, or on a holiday, the process begins on the first work day. Applicants will normally be scheduled for an interview within 20 days of application. The interview can be face to face or by telephone.

The Application Process Applicants May Be Asked to Provide: • An I.D. showing their name • Proof of address • SSNs for everyone in the household • Proof of resources and expenses • Proof of all household's income • Proof of alien status for non-U.S. citizens • Medical bills for those age 60 or older or who receive a disability check

When Information is Requested If an applicant does not bring the information with them, their application will be held for information • A DCO 191 Request for Information form detailing the information needed to complete the application process will be provided • They will have at least 10 days to provide the requested information • If an applicant does not send in the requested information, their application can be denied • They can reapply at any time, if denied

Requirements: Household Separate Households Spouses must be included Children under age 22 are included Distant or unrelated members can be separate Types of Households Aged/Individuals with disabilities Categorically eligible Regular

Requirements: Household Students enrolled at an institution of higher education must meet an exemption to receive SNAP benefits: Working on average 20 hours per week participating in college work study Primary caregiver for a child under age six Primary caregiver for a child under age 12 when adequate child care is not available Recipient of a TEA benefit Participating in a Workforce Investment Act program

Work Requirements Able Bodied Adults (ABA) without dependents must meet a work registration exemption or be limited to 3 months of benefits in the 36 month period. Exemptions from Requirement to Work (RTW) see PUB 429 RTW SNAP Employment and Training is offered in most areas of the state to prepare ABAs for employment see PUB 427 SNAP E&T

Requirements: Income All income received by the household must be considered when determining eligibility (See Income Guide) Examples of countable income: Salary and wages Social Security and SSI Child support Retirement

Requirements: Income All income received by the household must be considered when determining eligibility (See Income Guide) Examples of excluded income: Educational income In-Kind benefits Earned income of a minor child that attends school and lives a parent

Requirements: Resources Resources accessible by the household will be considered when determining eligibility (See Resource Guide): Examples of countable resources: Bank accounts, e.g. checking, savings Stocks and Bonds Cash Resource Limit: Regular $2,250 Aged/Disable $3,500

Requirements: Resources Resources accessible by the household will be considered when determining eligibility (See Resource Guide) Examples of excluded resources: Home and lot Pension and retirement funds Income producing property

Requirements: Deductions Certain expenses and deductions are applied against the households income: Standard deduction Earned income deduction Dependent care deduction Child support deduction Excess medical deduction for aged members or individual with disabilities Excess shelter costs Farm loss deduction

Determination of Eligibility A determination of eligibility will be made within 30 days of application. If denied: The applicant will receive a letter stating why they were denied and their right to appeal the decision.

Determination of Eligibility If approved: The recipient will receive a letter stating their approval and benefit amount An EBT card will be mailed within 7 days Benefits will be on the card upon receipt The client will call the 800 number on the card to activate benefits and create a pin number (see PUB-426 EBT Card) 

Certification Periods SNAP benefits are approved for a specific time period or Certification Period. Recipients must reapply to continue receiving benefits prior to the end of their certification period. Recipients will receive a recertification application prior to the end of their certification period.

Supplemental Nutrition SNAP is a nutrition program to supplement the food buying power for low income individuals and families. Supplemental means the household is responsible for using their adjusted net income to purchase food. Recipients are expected to spend 30% of their Adjusted Net Income to purchase food.

Supplemental Nutrition For example: A household of 3 eligible members After all expenses and deductions have been applied to a household’s income the household has $200 remaining in income per month The remaining income is the household’s Adjusted Net Income

Supplemental Nutrition 30% of the adjusted net income should typically be spent on food purchases: 30% of $200 = $60 The household should spend $60 on food purchases. Looking at the Basis of Issuance chart: Household of 3 full allotment: $505 $505 less $60 personal responsibility = $445 $445 is the supplemental (SNAP) benefit

Questions?