Last updated: September 30, 2026
If money is tight or your health has changed, Arkansas has benefits programs that can help with income, health coverage, food, energy bills, taxes, and your children's care and education. Most state programs run through the Department of Human Services (DHS), and many applications start at Access Arkansas. Here is where to begin.
Arkansas benefits programs at a glance
Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
SSDI | Monthly income when a disability stops you from working | Turnout or Social Security |
SSI | Monthly income for people with disabilities or older adults with little money | Turnout or Social Security |
VA Disability | Monthly payments for service-connected conditions | Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs |
Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage, including ARHOME and ARKids First | Access Arkansas |
ACA Subsidies | Lower monthly costs for a Marketplace health plan | HealthCare.gov |
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health coverage at 65 or with a disability | Turnout or Medicare.gov |
SNAP | Monthly money for groceries | Access Arkansas |
WIC | Healthy food for pregnant women, babies, and young children | Local health unit |
LIHEAP | Help paying heating and cooling bills | Local LIHEAP organization |
TANF (TEA) | Temporary cash help and job support for families with children | Access Arkansas |
EITC | A tax credit for people who work and earn a modest income | IRS, when you file your taxes |
Child Tax Credit | A tax credit for families with children | IRS, when you file your taxes |
Child Care Assistance (CCAP) | Help paying for child care | DHS county office |
IEP / Education Advocacy | Special education services for your child | Turnout or your school district |
Disability and income
SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays a monthly benefit to people who paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work because of a serious health condition. The program is federal, but after you apply, a state agency called Disability Determination Services reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets the rules. Many first applications are denied, so careful paperwork matters. You can apply for SSDI with Turnout for one-on-one help with medical evidence and forms.
Official resources: Social Security disability benefits, 2026 Social Security changes fact sheet, how the disability determination process works
SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays a monthly benefit to people with disabilities, people who are blind, and adults 65 and older who have very little income and few resources. Unlike SSDI, you do not need a work history. In Arkansas, being approved for SSI usually opens the door to Medicaid through DHS. Where you live and who pays your bills can change your SSI amount. You can apply for SSI with Turnout for step-by-step guidance from an advocate.
Official resources: Supplemental Security Income overview, how living arrangements affect SSI, Arkansas DHS health care programs
VA Disability
VA Disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans whose illness or injury was caused or made worse by military service. The claim goes to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) has Veteran Service Officers across the state who explain the process and answer questions at no cost. Arkansas also offers a free license plate for disabled veterans. To get started, visit ADVA veteran services and find the officer nearest you.
Official resources: VA disability compensation rates, free disabled veteran license plate, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income, funded by the state and federal government together. In Arkansas, DHS runs Medicaid under a few names. ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me) is the expansion program for adults and uses private health plans. ARKids First covers children. ARHOME is adding community engagement rules, often called work rules, that take full effect January 1, 2027. The fastest way to apply is online through Access Arkansas, the state's portal for Medicaid, SNAP, and TEA.
Official resources: Arkansas DHS ARHOME program, Medicaid.gov Arkansas state profile
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that lower the monthly premium for a health plan bought through the Health Insurance Marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. Arkansas does not run its own marketplace, so residents use the federal site, HealthCare.gov. One application there checks whether you qualify for a subsidy or for Medicaid and points you to the right program. Open enrollment starts each November, and a life change like losing a job can open other windows. Apply or compare plans at HealthCare.gov.
Official resources: how to apply for Marketplace coverage, saving money on Marketplace health insurance
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and for many younger people who receive disability benefits. You sign up through Social Security, and choosing among plans can feel confusing. Arkansas offers free Medicare counseling through the Arkansas Insurance Department's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). If you already have Medicare and need help using it, such as coordinating doctors or managing prescriptions, you can get healthcare advocacy with Turnout, where an advocate works with you one-on-one.
Official resources: Medicare.gov, Social Security Medicare enrollment, Arkansas SHIIP Medicare counseling
Food and nutrition
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once called food stamps, puts money on a card each month for groceries. In Arkansas, DHS runs SNAP, and benefits arrive on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores. Your household size, income, and certain expenses decide whether you qualify. The quickest way to apply is online at Access Arkansas, or visit your DHS county office.
Official resources: Arkansas DHS SNAP program, USDA SNAP overview
WIC
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides healthy foods, nutrition advice, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum women, babies, and children under five. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) runs WIC through local health units in every county. You do not apply online. Instead, call your local health unit for an appointment and bring proof of identity, Arkansas residency, and income. Start on the Arkansas WIC program page to see what to bring.
Official resources: find your local health unit, USDA WIC overview
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with limited income pay heating and cooling bills, and it can step in during a crisis like a shutoff notice. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Energy Office oversees LIHEAP, and community-based organizations that each serve a group of counties take the applications. Help is available year-round. To apply, start on the Arkansas Energy Office assistance programs page, then look up the organization that serves your county and contact it directly.
Official resources: Arkansas Energy Office, find the LIHEAP organization for your county, LIHEAP Clearinghouse Arkansas profile
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that gives states money to provide short-term cash help and job support to families with children. In Arkansas, TANF is called Transitional Employment Assistance, or TEA, and DHS runs it. TEA pays a monthly cash benefit for a limited time and can help with job training, transportation, and child care. A related program, Work Pays, supports families who leave TEA for work. Apply online at Access Arkansas or visit your DHS county office.
Official resources: Arkansas DHS TEA and Work Pays, federal TANF program overview
Tax credits
EITC
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for workers with low to moderate income that can lower your tax or add to your refund. There is no separate Arkansas application. You claim the EITC on your federal tax return, and the amount depends on your income, filing status, and qualifying children. Even if you earned too little to owe taxes, you must file a return to get the credit. Check whether you qualify on the IRS Earned Income Tax Credit page.
Official resources: IRS 2026 tax inflation adjustments, IRS Free File
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for families with a qualifying child under 17, and part of it may be refundable, meaning you can get money back even if you owe no tax. Like the EITC, it is claimed on your federal return, so Arkansas families follow the same rules as everyone else. Your child needs a valid Social Security number, and there are rules about age, relationship, and where the child lived. Review the requirements on the IRS Child Tax Credit page before you file.
Official resources: IRS Free File
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps families with limited income pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or attend job training. In Arkansas, the Office of Early Childhood, part of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), runs the program. Parents generally need to work, study, or train a set number of hours each week. To apply, download the form from the DESE help paying for child care page and turn it in at your DHS county office.
Official resources: Better Beginnings child care assistance, find your DHS county office, federal Office of Child Care
IEP / Education Advocacy
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan for the special education services a public school must give a child with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In Arkansas, DESE's Office of Special Education oversees these services, but the process starts at your child's school. You can ask the district in writing to evaluate your child, and if your child qualifies, the school must write an IEP with you. You can get education advocacy with Turnout for one-on-one support at IEP meetings.
Official resources: U.S. Department of Education IDEA site, Arkansas DESE Office of Special Education
What this means for you
- Start with your biggest need. If a health condition keeps you from working, look at SSDI or SSI. For health coverage, food, or cash help, start at Access Arkansas.
- Gather your documents once. Most programs ask for photo ID, proof of Arkansas residency, proof of income, and Social Security numbers.
- Apply even if you are unsure. Many people qualify for more than they expect, and a no on one program does not hurt your chances on another.
- Ask for help. Free counseling exists for Medicare (SHIIP) and veterans (ADVA), and Turnout can guide you through disability, healthcare, and education applications.
FAQ
Can I apply for more than one Arkansas benefit at the same time?
Yes. Access Arkansas covers Medicaid, SNAP, and TEA on one application, while WIC, LIHEAP, and child care assistance have their own. Getting one benefit often makes it easier to qualify for another.
What is the difference between ARHOME and ARKids First?
Both are Arkansas Medicaid programs run by DHS. ARHOME covers adults with limited income through private health plans, while ARKids First covers children. New ARHOME community engagement rules take full effect January 1, 2027, so watch for notices from DHS.
Do I have to go to a DHS office in person?
For Medicaid, SNAP, and TEA, no. You can apply and renew online through Access Arkansas. WIC and child care assistance do involve a visit to a health unit or DHS county office.
How is Turnout different from a government agency?
Turnout is a private company that helps people understand and apply for benefits. It does not decide who is approved; agencies like DHS, Social Security, and the IRS do. Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice.
It's your turn
You have already taken the first step by learning what is out there. To see which of these 14 programs may fit you, run Turnout's free Arkansas benefits scan. It takes a few minutes, and Turnout can guide you from there.