1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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"

6. 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

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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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) 

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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

24. 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

25. Questions?