SNAP and food help for older adults in Arkansas

SNAP for people 60 and over

SNAP puts money for food on an EBT card each month. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) runs it.

Easier rules when someone is 60 or older

If someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled:

• Only the net income test applies. Net income is what is left after allowed costs are taken off. You do not have to pass the gross income test.
• Savings limit: Your household can have up to $4,750 in countable savings.
• Medical costs: Medical costs over $35 a month for the older or disabled person can be taken off your income.
• Housing costs: All shelter costs above half of your income can be taken off, with no cap.

These rules can make a big difference. Many older adults think they earn too much and never apply.

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

ESAP is an Arkansas program that makes SNAP easier for older and disabled households.

Who qualifies for ESAP

Your household fits ESAP if:

• Everyone in it is 60 or older, or has a disability, and
• No one has job earnings, and
• No one gets a child support deduction, and
• There are no children 15 or younger.

What ESAP changes

• Approval for 36 months, with a yearly review in between.
• Your worker must gather the papers and proof needed, on your behalf.
• Interviews are by phone or video, unless you ask to meet in person.
• Renewal without an interview, in most cases. Households approved for more than 12 months usually do not need an interview at renewal, unless they ask for one or the case looks likely to be denied.

How to apply for ESAP

You do not need a separate ESAP form. You fill out the regular request for SNAP. DHS decides whether your household fits ESAP.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program helps older adults with low income buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. In Arkansas, it is offered only in the northwest region of the state. To find out whether your county is included and how to sign up, contact the DHS Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services:

• Phone: (501) 320-6586
• Mail: P.O. Box 1437, Slot S530, Little Rock, AR 72203-1437

How to apply for SNAP

1. Apply online at access.arkansas.gov, or at your DHS county office. Every county has one. You can find yours with the "Find A County Office" map at humanservices.arkansas.gov.
2. Interview: For ESAP households, the interview is by phone or video unless you ask for a face-to-face meeting.
3. Proof: Tell your worker about your income, rent or mortgage, utilities and medical costs. In ESAP, your worker must gather the papers on your behalf, but sharing what you have can speed things up.
4. Questions: Call Access Arkansas at 855-372-1084.

After you apply

• Renewals: Near the end of your approval period, DHS mails a renewal packet to your home. Fill it out and send it back. DHS cannot deny your renewal without contacting you first.
• Yearly reviews: ESAP households still have a yearly review during the 36 months. Answer it on time so benefits do not stop.
• Report changes the way your approval notice tells you to.
• Appeals: If you disagree with a decision, the notice you get from DHS explains how to ask for a fair hearing and the deadline. Ask your county office for help.

Things people often miss

• Medical costs. People 60 and over can deduct medical costs above $35 a month. Keep receipts and bills.
• Full housing costs. For older households, there is no cap on the shelter deduction.
• Not asking about ESAP. If your household fits, you can avoid frequent paperwork for three years.

Free help

• Area Agencies on Aging: Arkansas has eight regional agencies. They can tell you about senior meal sites and home-delivered meals. Find yours with the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.
• SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program): 1-800-224-6330. Help with Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help can leave more of your money for food.

See all benefits in Arkansas.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Arkansas agencies

Check what you may qualify for