Arkansas Department of Human Services
Application for SNAP and TEA
(Food Assistance and Cash Assistance)
See if you qualify for SNAP and TEA online! Apply online at www.access.arkansas.gov!
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. SNAP benefits supplement an individual’s or a family’s income to help buy nutritious food. Most households must spend some of their own money along with their SNAP benefits to buy the food they need.
You may be able to receive SNAP benefits if you are working for low wages; working part-time; unemployed; receiving public assistance payments; living with a disability; are older; or homeless. All participants must meet financial and non-financial criteria.
The Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) Program helps economically needy families with children under the age of 18 become more responsible for their own support and less dependent on public assistance. TEA provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families to help meet the family's basic needs. TEA also provides supportive services such as child care assistance and employment related services while the parent or other adult relative works toward increasing his or her earning potential. State law limits the receipt of TEA benefits to 24 month lifetime limit.
You can have some income, including earnings, and still be eligible to receive TEA benefits, if your countable income is less than the income standard. You can have resources (cash, bank accounts, property not used as a home, etc.) if the total value of these resources does not exceed $3,000. TEA cash assistance is also available to help meet the needs of children who are being cared for by non-parent adult relatives. Assistance to such relatives may be provided for the children without regard to the time limit.
When should I apply?
It is important to turn in your application right away. If your household is eligible, your first month of SNAP benefits will be paid from the day that your application was received online or the date you submit a paper application in the DHS County Office. The TEA effective date of payment is the first day of the month your application is approved.
You have the right to submit a SNAP application with only the applicant's name, address, and the signature of a responsible household member or the household's authorized representative. However, providing a complete application may result in a quicker eligibility determination.
Do you need help completing your application?
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En Español |
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Llame a nuestro centro |
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Customer Assistance |
Contact your local DHS county office |
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de ayuda gratis al |
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1-800-482-8988 |
for more information |
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1-800-482-8988 |
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KEEP THE OUTER PORTION OF THIS APPLICATION FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Wrap-1 (Rev. 8/2015)
Interview requirements for both SNAP and TEA:
Households applying for SNAP and TEA are required to complete an interview for their eligibility determination. This interview can be in-person or over-the-phone. Households that apply online at www.access.arkansas.gov are automatically offered a telephone interview. Only one interview is necessary when applying for both SNAP and TEA. If you miss your appointment for an
interview, we will not schedule another appointment unless you ask us to do so.
Your household may choose someone who knows about your circumstances to complete the interview either in- person or over-the-phone. This person is called an “authorized representative”.
Helpful documents for SNAP and TEA:
A Social Security Number (SSN) or proof of application for an SSN for each household member applying for benefits.
Documentation of legal alien status for each non-citizen applying for benefits.
Proof of identity for the applicant.
Proof of residence.
Proof of all income.
Proof of the value of resources such as, but not limited to, bank accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, and vehicles.
Proof of medical expenses for household members over the age of 60 or living with a disability, only if you want these expenses to be claimed.
Proof of current utility bills, only if you want to use your actual utility costs to calculate your SNAP benefit amount. NOTE: SNAP allows certain households to use a “utility standard.” Ask your worker if actual costs or the utility standard will be best for your household.
If you are applying for TEA benefits for a child, proof of that child's age and proof of that child's relationship to you.
How long does it take to process an application?
Most SNAP applications must be processed within 30 days. However, we must process your SNAP application within seven days (expedited service) if:
Your household has $100 or less in cash, bank accounts, or other liquid resources and less than $150 in countable income; OR
Your current shelter costs are more than your income and liquid resources; OR
You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and your household has little or no income at the time you apply.
TEA applications should be processed within 30 days.
If you complete the screening questions in the SNAP Expedited Service section, we will determine if your household is entitled to expedited service in SNAP.
How will I know if my application has been approved or denied?
When we take action on your application for SNAP or TEA, we will send you a notice to tell you if your application has been approved or denied.
If I am eligible, how will I get my benefits?
If you participate in the SNAP and/or the TEA Program, you will receive an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card that looks similar to a debit card. Your EBT card will be used to access your SNAP and/or TEA benefits. SNAP benefits may only be accessed at authorized retailers, such as grocery stores and approved farmers’ markets.
Wrap-2 (Rev. 8/2015)
What are my appeal rights?
If you are not satisfied with our actions or if we fail to act on your application for SNAP or TEA, you or your representative may ask for a hearing. There are three ways that you or your representative can request a hearing.
1.You may request a hearing by following the instructions listed on the back of the Notice of Action form you received regarding your application.
2.You may also ask for a hearing by calling the DHS County Office, writing a letter to the DHS County Office, or going to the DHS County Office.
3.You may also request a hearing by writing or calling the Appeals and Hearings Section:
Arkansas Department of Human Services |
Telephone - (501) 682-8622 |
ATTN: Appeals and Hearings Section |
TDD for Hearing Impaired – 501-682-6974 |
P.O. Box 1437, Slot N401 |
FAX - (501) 682-6605 |
Little Rock, AR 72203-1437 |
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Who is ineligible to participate in SNAP and/or TEA?
•Any individual currently classified as a fugitive felon, parole violator, or probation violator.
•Any individual who was found guilty or who pled nolo contendere to a felony conviction involving
manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance.
Note: If a household has a mix of eligible and ineligible individuals, the eligible individuals may receive SNAP benefits as long as they meet all other program criteria.
Intentional Program Violations
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
People who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program must follow these rules:
Do not give false information or withhold information in order to get or to continue to get SNAP benefits.
Do not alter any authorization document to get SNAP benefits you are not eligible to receive.
Do not use SNAP benefits to buy non-food items like alcoholic drinks, tobacco, or personal grooming items.
Do not trade or sell SNAP benefits or allow unauthorized use of electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards.
Do not use someone else’s SNAP EBT card for your household’s benefit.
Do not buy or sell or attempt to buy or sell SNAP benefits or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for cash or for consideration other than eligible foods in public and online. Buying and selling or attempting to buy or sell your EBT card is called trafficking and may cause you to lose your benefits or be taken off the program permanently (forever).
An intentional program violation (IPV) occurs when you or any member of your household: 1) Makes a false or misleading statement or misrepresents, conceals or withholds facts; or 2) Commits any act that constitutes a violation of the Food and Nutrition Act, SNAP Regulations, or State Statute for the purpose of using, presenting, transferring, acquiring, receiving, possessing, or trafficking of SNAP authorization cards, or reusable documents used as part of an automated benefit delivery system. Anyone found to have committed an IPV will be disqualified from SNAP participation for: one year for the first violation, two years for the second violation, and permanently for the third violation. He or she may also be fined or imprisoned or both, and may be subject to federal prosecution and penalties.
Special disqualification periods apply when an individual is found guilty of any of the following violations:
Making a fraudulent statement or representation about identity or residence in order to get SNAP benefits in two locations during the same month – a ten-year disqualification.
Buying or selling controlled substances in exchange for SNAP benefits – a 24 month disqualification for the first violation and a permanent disqualification for the second violation.
Wrap-3 (Rev. 8/2015)
Buying or selling firearms, ammunition, or explosives in exchange for SNAP benefits – a permanent disqualification.
Trafficking SNAP benefits in excess of $500 – a permanent disqualification.
Intentional Program Violations
TEA Program
People who participate in TEA must follow these rules:
If you give any information that is false or misleading or if you withhold or conceal facts for the purpose of establishing or maintaining your family's eligibility for TEA, you may be found guilty of committing an intentional program violation (IPV) by an Administrative Hearing or through a court of law.
If you plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) or are found guilty of an IPV, your family will be ineligible for TEA for one year for the first offense, two years for the second offense and permanently for any subsequent offense. In addition, your family will remain ineligible to receive TEA benefits until the resulting overpayment is repaid to the State.
If you are found guilty of giving false information about your residence in order to receive TANF assistance in two or more states at the same time, your family will be ineligible for TEA assistance for a minimum of ten years beginning with the date of conviction. (The TEA Program is Arkansas' TANF Program.)
Did you know that if you are eligible for SNAP or TEA, you may be eligible for the following programs?
Housing assistance through HUD. Visit www.hud.gov for more information.
Assistance for utility costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Visit www.acaaa.org to learn which agency serves your county.
Certain Medicaid categories. Visit www.access.arkansas.gov or visit your local DHS county office to apply for Medicaid.
Help with your telephone service through Lifeline and Link Up or visit www.lifelinesupport.org to apply. Ask your current telephone provider for more information.
Free or reduced tax preparation service through certain companies. Contact your tax preparer to see if they offer these services.
Free or reduced legal services. Contact local legal offices for a referral in your area.
Free school meals for children attending public schools. Children will be automatically enrolled through an administrative matching program.
Your Right to Privacy
The PRIVACY ACT of 1974 requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to tell you: (1) whether disclosure is voluntary or mandatory; (2) how DHS will use your SSN; and, (3) the law or regulation that allows DHS to ask you for the SSN. We are authorized to collect from your household certain information including the social security number (SSN) of each eligible household member. For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program this authority is granted under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 as amended, 7 U.S.C. 2001-2036. For both the Medicaid Program and the TEA Program, this authority is granted under Federal laws codified at 42 U.S.C. §§ 1320b-7(a)(1) and 1320b-7(b)(2). This information may be verified through computer matching programs. We will use this information to determine program eligibility, to monitor compliance with program rules, and for program management. This information may be disclosed to other Federal and State agencies and to law enforcement officials. If claim arises against your household, the information on this application, including all SSNs, may be provided to Federal or State officials or to private agencies for collection purposes.
Wrap-4 (Rev. 8/2015)
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Application for SNAP and TEA
IF YOU NEED THIS APPLICATION IN LARGE PRINT, CONTACT YOUR DHS OFFICE.
Si necesita este formulario en Español, llame al 1-800-482-8988 y pida la versión en Español.
Head of Household Name |
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Date of Birth |
Work Phone |
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Mailing Address (P.O. Box, Street, Apt./Lot #) |
City |
State |
Zip |
Home or Cell Phone |
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Residence Address (Street, Apt./Lot #) |
City |
State |
Zip |
E-mail Address |
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What Services Are You Requesting? Please use blue or black ink.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Are you currently receiving SNAP benefits? YES NO
If you believe your household needs SNAP benefits right away, complete the questions on page 2 of this form. If you do, we can determine if you are entitled to receive SNAP benefits within 7 days.
Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) for Households with Children Under 18
Are you currently receiving TEA? |
YES NO |
Do you have a child under 18 living in your home? YES NO
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Have you or anyone in your household received assistance in another state? |
YES NO |
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If yes, check all that apply. |
SNAP TEA |
2. |
Do you have or have you ever had an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card in Arkansas? |
YES NO |
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If yes, do you currently have the card? |
YES NO |
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Have you or any household member been found guilty of or pled guilty or nolo contendere (no |
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contest) to a felony conviction involving the manufacture or distribution of a controlled |
YES NO |
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substance? |
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4. |
Would you like to register to vote? |
YES NO |
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Would you prefer an in-person interview or an interview by telephone? |
In-person |
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Telephone |
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If you selected a telephone interview, you must provide a working phone number. Be sure to |
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have phone service or minutes available. |
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Household Members: List all the people who live in your home, including yourself. If needed, attach a sheet of paper listing additional members.
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Does this |
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Full name |
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Relationship |
person buy and |
Is this person a |
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Security |
Birthdate |
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(First, middle, and last) |
to you |
prepare meals |
U.S. Citizen? |
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separately? |
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YES NO |
YES NO |
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YES NO |
YES NO |
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YES NO |
YES NO |
Federal law requires that each state provide the opportunity to register to vote with every application for public assistance. Please answer the following question regarding voter registration:
•Would you like to register to vote or change your voter registration address? Yes No
If you marked Yes, please complete and sign the Voter Registration Application that is attached. If you marked No, submit your application to your local DHS County Office.
By my signature, I authorize the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to get information from other state agencies, financial institutions, employers, federal agencies, and other sources to prove my statements are correct. I understand that if differences are found between what I report and information provided by the sources listed above, DHS may contact other sources for verification. I understand that this information may affect my household’s eligibility for benefits. I certify, under penalty of perjury, that the information I have reported, as shown on this form is correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signature of Witness if applicant signs with an “X”:
DCO-215 (Rev. 4/2016)
