In a Nutshell

Arkansas is home to the breathtaking Ozark Mountains and the legacy of its rice fields. However, the state faces challenges that go beyond its natural beauty and agricultural roots.

In 2022, 16% of Arkansas households earned below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), highlighting the financial struggles many residents endure daily. Soaring living expenses and limited employment opportunities have created a challenging economic environment for countless families in the Natural State.

Fortunately, Arkansas offers a range of financial assistance programs to aid residents overcome these hurdles. From cash assistance and food support to housing funding and healthcare resources, these programs aim to provide a lifeline for those in need.

Discover how Arkansas’ financial assistance programs can help residents navigate economic challenges and create a brighter future.

Government Assistance Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas offers various government assistance programs that help residents to overcome financial hardships. These initiatives provide vital resources like food aid, housing support, and healthcare services, improving stability and overall well-being for individuals and families across the state.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance in Arkansas provides financial relief to eligible residents, supporting their journey toward self-sufficiency. Cash benefits are issued via the Arkansas EBT card, the state’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. The EBT card allows recipients to easily withdraw funds at authorized ATMs or purchase food items at participating stores.

  • Federal program that provides cash assistance to help needy families care for children in their homes or with relatives
  • Aims to reduce dependency on government assistance by promoting job preparation, work, and family stability
  • Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program
  • Financial assistance to eligible households, helping cover a portion of their food budget
  • Includes additional support like nutrition education, employment training, and work experience opportunities

Arkansas Stimulus Checks

  • There are no new Arkansas stimulus checks for 2024
  • Residents can benefit from the state’s tax credits to reduce their income tax
  • While Arkansas lacks a state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), eligible individuals can still claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Medical Assistance

In Arkansas, several medical assistance programs are available to support low-income residents, ensuring they can access essential healthcare services they may urgently require.

  • Healthcare coverage for low-income Arkansans and families
  • Coverage includes doctors, hospitals, and healthcare services from providers enrolled in the Medicaid program
  • Comprehensive health insurance for children, covering well-child checkups, dental, vision care, and more
  • Includes two programs: ARKids A for children eligible for Medicaid and ARKids B for those whose parents earn too much for Medicaid but lack private health insurance
  • Free breast and cervical cancer screenings, including mammograms and pelvic exams
  • Eligible women can access follow-up testing, ensuring they have the necessary resources to detect and address potential health issues early

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Arkansas offers various support programs to help pregnant women and single mothers access the care and resources they need for a healthy pregnancy and a strong start for their children.

  • Supplemental nutrition program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children under five
  • Additional support includes nutrition education, breastfeeding guidance, and referrals to other health services
  • Intensive home-visiting support for women with high-risk pregnancies, available during pregnancy and up to two years after birth
  • Eligibility requires enrollment in ARHOME or Arkansas Medicaid and a diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy

Child Care Services

Access to quality child care services is essential for Arkansas families and their children. It supports both the developmental needs of young kids and the ability of parents to work or pursue education.

  • Child care vouchers help low-income families afford quality child care and early childhood education for children ages birth to 12
  • Eligibility requirements include working or attending school full-time or participating in job training for at least 20 hours per week
  • Ensures children in Arkansas have access to quality child care, focusing on research-based curriculum and play-based learning to prepare them for kindergarten
  • Available resources include information on child care assistance, Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), Head Start, and the Child Care Tax Credit to help families afford quality care

Food Assistance

Food assistance programs in Arkansas provide access to essential nutrition, helping those affected bridge gaps in food security year-round.

  • Cash benefits for low-income households with school-aged children, helping them buy groceries during the summer break
  • Eligible families receive a preloaded card worth $120 per child to ensure continuous access to nutritious food while schools are closed
  • Federally-funded U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that supplies food to low-income households and vulnerable populations in need
  • Helps supplement diets with items like canned fruits, meat, pasta, soups, and cereals

Assistance for Veterans

Arkansas veterans and their families can access a range of programs and resources that seek to honor their service and improve their well-being. The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs connects veterans to tailored services, ensuring they receive the support they deserve. Key benefits include:

  • Emergency Services: Offers planning and resources for disaster preparedness, helping veterans and families navigate emergency situations
  • Education Benefits: Provides tuition assistance programs, such as the Military Dependents Scholarship and National Guard Tuition Incentive Program
  • Military Tax Benefits:  Features state tax exemptions for military pay, vehicle purchases, and property tax credits
  • Veteran Affairs Offices: Assist with healthcare, employment, and educational guidance to ease the transition to civilian life
  • Vehicle Tag Renewals: Simplifies renewing vehicle registrations and updating personal information
  • Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Grants veterans access to reduced-cost or free licenses

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Arkansas seniors and individuals with disabilities can access specialized programs and resources that enhance their quality of life and help them remain in their homes and communities.

  • Assists with long-term care options, including programs like ARChoices in Homecare, Living Choices, and Senior Community Service Employment Program
  • Offers information, counseling, and support for Arkansans who need services to stay in their homes and communities
  • The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers guidance on long-term care services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers
  • Program specialists help navigate available programs, providing information to make informed decisions about care and support
  • Medicaid program that helps families with children under 19 with disabilities afford home-based care rather than institutional care
  • Costs vary based on income, with some families paying no premium and others a premium on a sliding scale

Utility Bill Assistance

Managing utility costs can be challenging, especially for low-income households. Arkansas utility bill assistance programs can help residents cover energy costs and improve home efficiency year-round.

  • Helps eligible households with heating/cooling bills through fixed and crisis-based benefits
  • Applications are accepted seasonally through the Community-Based Organization (CBO) (benefits are determined based on income, household size, and energy source)
  • Reduces energy costs for low-income households by providing free home energy-efficiency upgrades, like insulation and air sealing
  • Services include a complete energy audit and repairs performed by local contractors, helping create safer, more cost-effective homes

Assistance for Unemployment

Arkansas offers unemployment assistance programs to help individuals and families experiencing job loss. These plans provide financial support and services to ease transitions into the workforce and reduce dependence on public assistance.

  • The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program is now a separate division known as Reemployment
  • Offers financial benefits to individuals who lose their jobs due to layoffs, plant closures, or lack of available work
  • To qualify, recipients must be actively seeking employment, physically and mentally able to work, and legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Time-limited cash assistance and employment-related services to help families with children achieve financial independence
  • Resources include job-readiness training, childcare and transportation assistance, and other supportive services to help parents engage in work or education programs

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

  • Arkansas 211 is a free, 24-hour service that connects individuals and families with local resources, such as food, shelter, childcare, and rental assistance
  • The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program supports emergency shelters, prevents homelessness, and helps individuals transition into permanent housing as quickly as possible

Transportation Assistance

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • The Office of the Arkansas Attorney General provides legal resources, referrals, and guidance for issues like family law, housing, and employment (doesn’t offer direct legal representation)
  • Legal Aid of Arkansas offers free civil legal services to low-income residents, focusing on issues like domestic abuse, landlord/tenant disputes, public benefits, and debt relief

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Arkansas

By addressing community needs, Arkansas nonprofit organizations bridge gaps to vital resources that government programs may not fully cover. These nonprofit assistance programs carry out activities like food pantries, housing assistance, and job training, empowering residents across The Natural State to work toward a more stable future.

  • Works to fight hunger by connecting people in need with food and resources across central and southern Arkansas
  • Several programs distribute food through local partners and school-based initiatives, helping both families and children access nutritious meals
  • Career services help individuals find new career paths by offering free training, placement services, and a custom job portal, benefiting both jobseekers and employers
  • Reentry services assist individuals reentering the workforce and community after incarceration, supporting their successful reintegration into society
  • Comprehensive list of grants for financial support, housing, disaster relief, and other essential needs
  • Funding is available for sectors such as education, healthcare, arts, community development, promoting growth and opportunity across the state

How Do You Get Financial Help in Arkansas?

While Arkansas provides several financial assistance programs, these might not be enough to handle significant debt, such as credit card balances or medical bills. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, turning to a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt could be the solution you need.

TurboDebt offers customized Arkansas debt relief programs to help residents tackle debt effectively. In 2023 alone, we helped hundreds of Arkansans save an average of 53% on their total debt before fees, providing a path to financial freedom.

Here’s why TurboDebt is the right partner for debt relief:

  • No upfront fees to get started
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) through our debt settlement program
  • Tailored plans to help you be debt-free in as little as 12–48 months
  • No new loans or credit lines as part of your debt relief program
  • Top-rated customer service, with over 17,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Don’t let the endless cycle of debt control your future! Take the first step toward lasting financial stability by scheduling a free consultation with TurboDebt today and see how we can help you regain control.