$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Arkansas Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Arkansas
SSDI in Arkansas - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Arkansas - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Arkansas as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2024
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Arkansas?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. Because Arkansas expanded Medicaid, some lower-income SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicaid coverage while they wait.
How long does SSDI take in Arkansas?
Arkansas processes initial medical claims through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes several months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Arkansas - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Arkansas - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Arkansas, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Arkansas does not add a state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas automatically enrolls SSI recipients in Medicaid, so approval covers your health care without a separate application.
Does Arkansas add to my SSI payment?
No. Arkansas is one of a handful of states that pays no state SSI supplement, so recipients receive only the federal amount. This is set by the SSA, not by anything you can change on your application.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Arkansas
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Arkansas
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS, 2026
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Arkansas offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Arkansas exempts the homestead from property tax for veterans rated 100% service-connected permanently and totally disabled, and the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs can help you file. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Arkansas
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Arkansas
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Arkansas?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare help in Arkansas outside of Turnout?
Yes. Arkansas runs the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) through the Arkansas Insurance Department, offering free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Turnout works alongside resources like this to get you the most from your coverage.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Arkansas
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Arkansas
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed, 2026
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education, 2024
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Arkansas public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Arkansas?
Arkansas schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Arkansas
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Arkansas residents.
Medicaid in Arkansas
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Arkansas residents.
Arkansas Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Arkansas expanded Medicaid, so most adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify. The expansion group is covered through ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me), which enrolls those adults in private marketplace plans paid for by Medicaid.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
808K+
Arkansans enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP as of late 2025 (approximate)
KFF / Arkansas DHS, 2025 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Arkansas DHS, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify through the ARHOME expansion
Arkansas DHS / KFF, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, covered through ARHOME
- Children in households at or below the ARKids First income limits
- Pregnant women, with coverage continuing after birth
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability, including SSI recipients who are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online through Arkansas Access at access.arkansas.gov, or in person at your county DHS office. Have proof of income, identity, and Arkansas residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed. The same portal screens you for SNAP and other assistance.
Frequently asked questions
What is ARHOME in Arkansas?
ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me) is how Arkansas covers its Medicaid expansion adults. Instead of traditional Medicaid, the state buys a private marketplace plan for you, paid for by Medicaid, so your coverage works like private insurance at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Did Arkansas expand Medicaid?
Yes. Arkansas expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify, even without children. This is a key difference from states that did not expand.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Arkansas
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Arkansas
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps qualifying Arkansas households buy groceries, and is run by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets. Arkansas uses the standard federal income rules, so a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level is the main test.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~240,000
Arkansans received SNAP benefits on average each month in FY2025
USDA / USAFacts, FY2025
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
Arkansas DHS / USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Arkansas
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through Arkansas Access at access.arkansas.gov, or in person at your county DHS office. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. The same portal screens you for Medicaid and other assistance.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Arkansas?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
How long does SNAP approval take in Arkansas?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can be done by phone.
Does Arkansas count my savings for SNAP?
Yes. Unlike some states, Arkansas applies a resource limit, so savings and certain assets count. Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability have a higher limit.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Arkansas
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Arkansas
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help, and is run by the Arkansas Department of Health. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or TEA usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level meet WIC's income test
Arkansas Dept. of Health, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA, 2024
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TEA are automatically income-eligible
- Arkansas residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-800-235-0002 or your local county health unit to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Arkansas residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or TEA enrollment. If approved, you receive your Arkansas eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Arkansas's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Arkansas
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Arkansas
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Arkansas's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is federally funded and administered by the Arkansas Energy Office through local community-based organizations. Cooling assistance matters in Arkansas, where summer heat and humidity drive up bills.
INCOME LIMIT
60% SMI
Households at or below 60% of the state median income, or 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, can qualify
Arkansas Energy Office, 2026
CRISIS HELP
Up to $600
Maximum winter crisis benefit for households facing shutoff; summer crisis amounts vary by agency
Arkansas community-based agencies, 2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
Arkansas Energy Office, 2026
Who qualifies
- Arkansas households at or below 60% of state median income or 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households facing a shutoff or already disconnected may qualify for crisis help
How to apply
Apply through your local community-based organization, not the Arkansas Energy Office directly. Find your agency by calling 2-1-1 or checking the Arkansas Energy Office site. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Funds are first come, first served, so apply early. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
Arkansas uses a limit of 60% of state median income, or 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If your income is close, apply anyway, because your local agency makes the final determination.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, your local community-based organization can confirm how the benefit applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Arkansas
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Arkansans.
ACA Subsidies in Arkansas
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Arkansans.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, which Arkansas uses as its marketplace platform. Arkansas oversees its own state-based marketplace but consumers still enroll through HealthCare.gov. Because Arkansas expanded Medicaid, adults with the lowest incomes are usually covered by Medicaid, while the marketplace serves those earning above the Medicaid limit.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
160K+
Arkansans who selected an ACA marketplace plan for 2026 (approximate)
CMS / ACHI Marketplace data, 2026
HOW YOU ENROLL
HealthCare.gov
Arkansas uses the federal HealthCare.gov platform for marketplace enrollment
CMS, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Arkansans without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning above the Medicaid limit but within subsidy ranges
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Arkansas
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Does Arkansas run its own marketplace or use HealthCare.gov?
Arkansas oversees a state-based marketplace, but it uses the federal HealthCare.gov platform for enrollment. So you apply and pick a plan at HealthCare.gov, even though the state has its own marketplace role.
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. Because Arkansas expanded Medicaid, adults earning up to 138% of the poverty level are usually covered by Medicaid or ARHOME instead, and HealthCare.gov will screen you for that coverage.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Arkansas (TEA)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Arkansas (TEA)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Transitional Employment Assistance, or TEA, is Arkansas's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income, paired with a work program that helps parents find and keep jobs. The program is run by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). Arkansas has one of the shortest time limits in the country, so the cash is meant to be a brief bridge while you get back on your feet.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$204/mo
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income. Among the lowest in the country. (This is the benefit paid, not the income limit)
Arkansas DHS TEA Quick Reference Guide, 2026
STATE TIME LIMIT
12 months
Arkansas cut its state lifetime limit for TEA from 24 to 12 months in 2024, shorter than the federal 60-month cap
Arkansas DHS (Act 266 of 2023), 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
$223/mo
To qualify at application, a family of three's countable income must fall at or below this limit, separate from the benefit amount
Arkansas DHS TEA Quick Reference Guide, 2026
Who qualifies
- Arkansas residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 18 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income (Arkansas has one of the strictest TANF income limits in the country)
- Work-eligible adults must take part in the TEA work program unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through Arkansas Access at access.arkansas.gov, or in person at your county DHS office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through Arkansas Access also screens you for SNAP. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive TEA in Arkansas?
Arkansas now limits work-eligible adults to a 12-month state lifetime limit for TEA, reduced from 24 months in 2024. This is much shorter than the federal 60-month cap that applies in most states.
What's the difference between TEA and TANF?
They are the same thing. TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance) is simply Arkansas's name for the federal TANF program, run by Arkansas DHS.
Can I receive TEA and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TEA recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying at Arkansas Access screens you for SNAP at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Arkansas (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Arkansas (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. Arkansas does not have its own state EITC, so the federal credit is what applies.
WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
The EITC is refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS, 2026
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS, 2024
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. Claim it for the year you qualified, and you can still file for past years you missed. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers. Arkansas does not add a state EITC, so there is nothing extra to file at the state level.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Does Arkansas have its own state EITC?
No. Arkansas does not offer a state earned income tax credit. Only the federal EITC is available to Arkansas workers.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Arkansas
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Arkansas
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Arkansas families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Arkansas does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS, 2026
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Arkansas have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Arkansas does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit. The federal credit is fully available to Arkansas residents, but there is no additional state supplement on top of it.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Arkansas
Subsidized child care for working Arkansas families.
Child Care Assistance in Arkansas
Subsidized child care for working Arkansas families.
Arkansas's Child Care Assistance Program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Arkansas Department of Education's Office of Early Childhood. The program pays providers on a sliding scale based on income, with a new School Readiness Assistance approach that ties eligibility to state median income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a co-pay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Arkansas Dept. of Education, 2026
INCOME BASIS
State median income
Eligibility is set on a sliding fee scale tied to the 2026 estimated family state median income, well below the federal cap
Arkansas Dept. of Education, 2026
WAITLIST ACTIVE
Since 2025
A waitlist began in 2025 as demand outpaced funding; priority groups still enroll. Apply early
Arkansas Dept. of Education, 2026
Who qualifies
- Arkansas residents with a child who needs care, generally under age 13
- Parents who are working at least 30 hours a week, attending school, or in job training
- Households within the state sliding-fee income limits tied to state median income
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through the School Readiness Assistance portal at sra.ade.arkansas.gov, or contact the Arkansas Department of Education Office of Early Childhood. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, immunization records, and documentation of your work or training schedule. A waitlist has been in place since 2025, so apply as soon as you know you need care.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider approved to accept the subsidy, including licensed centers and licensed family child care homes.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale co-pay applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay more toward the daily rate.
What happens if I'm on the waitlist?
Your application stays active and slots are filled as funding allows. Priority categories such as protective services, foster care, and families transitioning off TEA can still enroll directly.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
