To apply for benefits contact this office during office hours as posted.
This is the local Saline
County DHS Office in Benton, AR for SNAP Food Assistance applications and assistance.
This program is designed to raise the nutritional level of low income households. It enables low-income families to buy nutritious food through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
The eligibility rules and benefit amounts, based on income and household size, are determined by regulations issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Applications for the Food Assistance Program are available in all county DHR offices.
You can also download an application online at: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/apply-for-services/.
Eligbility For SNAP
Your household must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. If your State agency determines that you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, you will receive benefits back to the date you submitted your application. Visit the Pre screening tool to see if you qualify: https://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/
What Happens After You Apply
In most cases it takes 30 day to processs your application. But.. during the 30 days you must complete an eligibility interview and give proof (verification) of the information you provided. The interview is typically completed over the telephone or in-person. If you are found eligible, you will receive benefits based on the date you submitted your application.
How Long Can I Receive SNAP For?
If you are found eligible, you will receive a notice that tells you how long you will receive SNAP benefits for; this is called your certification period. Before your certification period ends, you will receive another notice that says you must recertify to continue receiving benefits. Your local SNAP office will provide you with information about how to recertify.
SNAP Work Requirements
People must meet work requirements to be eligible for SNAP. These work requirements include:
Registering for work;
Not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing hours;
Taking a job if offered; and
Participating in employment and training programs, if assigned by the State.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in disqualification from the Program.
In addition, able bodied adults without dependents are required to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week in order to receive SNAP benefits for more than 3 months in a 36-month period.
Some special groups may not be subject to these requirements including:
Children;
Seniors;
Pregnant women; and
People who are exempt for physical or mental health reasons.