Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Arkansas
Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in Arkansas (2025)
Last updated: August 2025
This guide puts urgent help first, then walks you through food, housing, utilities, healthcare, caregiving, transportation, and special resources for veterans, LGBTQ+ elders, Native elders, and rural areas. Every claim that needs proof links to an official or well‑established source.
Quick Help Box (keep this handy)
If you or a loved one is in danger or without basic needs, start here.
| Need | What to do now | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 911 | — |
| Mental health crisis | Call or text 988, chat online | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org) |
| Adult abuse/neglect/exploitation | Call Arkansas Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-482-8049 | Arkansas DHS – Adult Protective Services overview (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov) |
| Find local emergency help (food, shelter, utilities) | Dial 211 to speak to a specialist | Arkansas 211 (https://arkansas211.org) |
| Disaster assistance after storms/floods/tornadoes | Apply or check status | FEMA DisasterAssistance.gov (https://www.disasterassistance.gov) |
| Elder care help line and local senior services | Contact your Area Agency on Aging | Arkansas DHS – Aging & Adult Services (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov) |
| Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, ARChoices, and more | Apply and manage benefits online | Access Arkansas (https://access.arkansas.gov) |
| Housing counseling and prevention of eviction/foreclosure | Find a HUD-approved counselor | HUD housing counselors (https://www.hud.gov/findacounselor) |
Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, call 211. They can warm-transfer you to a local agency in Arkansas.
How to use this guide
- Start with the Emergency Steps section if you’re in crisis.
- Then go to the topic you need: food, housing, utilities, healthcare, caregiving, transportation.
- Use the “Resources by Region” section to find the closest help in your county.
- Keep notes of who you spoke with, when, and any case or confirmation numbers.
Emergency Steps (what to do in the next 24–72 hours)
1) No food or very low food
- Apply for Arkansas SNAP online at Access Arkansas (https://access.arkansas.gov). Many households with little or no income qualify. Arkansas SNAP is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
- Ask for “expedited” SNAP if you have very low income and little cash. Eligibility is determined by DHS; apply online or at a county office (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
- Get same‑day groceries from food pantries. Call 211 (https://arkansas211.org) or use HUD’s Find Shelter tool to locate nearby pantries and meal sites (https://www.hud.gov/findshelter).
- For seniors 60+, ask your Area Agency on Aging (AAA) about home-delivered or congregate meals funded by the Older Americans Act (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
References: USDA SNAP program overview (https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program); Arkansas DHS (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
Reality check: SNAP and meal programs help, but they may not start the same day. Use pantries and 211 for immediate food while your application is processed.
2) Facing eviction, homelessness, or unsafe housing
- Call 211 to locate emergency shelters or motel vouchers in your county (https://arkansas211.org).
- Talk to a HUD‑approved housing counselor about options to stop eviction or foreclosure (https://www.hud.gov/findacounselor).
- Apply for public housing or Housing Choice Voucher waitlists with your local housing authority (HUD PHA contacts in Arkansas: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/ar).
- After a federally declared disaster, apply for FEMA assistance (https://www.disasterassistance.gov).
References: HUD Find Shelter (https://www.hud.gov/findshelter); HUD PHA contacts (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/ar).
Reality check: Many housing programs have waitlists. A housing counselor can help you look for shorter‑term options, including ESG‑funded shelters and rapid rehousing.
3) Utilities shutoff or at risk of shutoff (electric, gas, water)
- Ask for an emergency appointment for LIHEAP (energy bill help). LIHEAP in Arkansas is administered through local agencies; find Arkansas’ LIHEAP contacts via HHS (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/map/liheap-state-and-territory-contacts).
- Request a short‑term payment plan or medical hardship protection from your utility. Utility hardship protections vary; call your company directly.
- If you’re an Entergy Arkansas customer, ask about The Power to Care for emergency bill help (https://www.entergy-arkansas.com). Many cooperative utilities also offer “Operation Round Up” funds; call your local co‑op.
References: HHS LIHEAP (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap); Entergy Arkansas (https://www.entergy-arkansas.com).
Reality check: LIHEAP funds can run out, especially in extreme heat or cold. Apply early in the season and keep documents ready.
4) Abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 now.
- Report adult maltreatment to the Arkansas Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-482-8049 (Arkansas DHS – Adult Protective Services program overview: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
- For residents in nursing homes or assisted living, contact the Long‑Term Care Ombudsman to advocate for you (national Ombudsman locator: https://ltcombudsman.org/ombudsman).
References: DHS APS (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov); LTC Ombudsman (https://ltcombudsman.org/ombudsman).
5) Mental health or substance use crisis
- Call or text 988 or chat online for immediate support and local referral (https://988lifeline.org).
- For disaster‑related stress, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 (or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746) (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline).
References: 988 Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org); SAMHSA (https://www.samhsa.gov).
6) Disaster recovery (tornadoes, floods, ice storms)
- Follow alerts and shelter info from the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) (https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/emergency-management/arkansas-division-of-emergency-management/).
- Apply for FEMA assistance after a federal disaster declaration (https://www.disasterassistance.gov).
References: ADEM (https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/emergency-management/arkansas-division-of-emergency-management/); FEMA (https://www.disasterassistance.gov).
Food and Cash Help for Arkansas Seniors
These are the core programs and how to use them.
Food programs you can use right away
| Program | What it covers | Who it’s for | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) | Monthly benefits to buy groceries on an EBT card | Low‑income households; seniors can qualify even if not working | Apply at Access Arkansas (https://access.arkansas.gov). SNAP overview (https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap) |
| TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) | Free emergency groceries through local pantries | Low‑income individuals and families | Find TEFAP contacts in Arkansas via USDA (https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/contacts), or call 211 (https://arkansas211.org) |
| CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) | A monthly food box for adults 60+ | Seniors meeting income limits | USDA CSFP state contacts (https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/contacts), or ask your Area Agency on Aging (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov) |
| Meals at Senior Centers & Home‑Delivered Meals | Hot meals at centers; home delivery for homebound seniors | Adults 60+; priority for greatest need | Contact your Area Agency on Aging (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov). Meals on Wheels locator (https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals) |
Notes:
- SNAP has “expedited” processing for households with very low income/resources. Ask DHS when you apply (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
- CSFP and TEFAP are delivered through local food banks and pantries—211 can tell you where to go today (https://arkansas211.org).
References: USDA SNAP (https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap); USDA TEFAP (https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap); USDA CSFP (https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp).
Cash-like help or income supports
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly federal cash benefit for people 65+ or with disabilities who have limited income/assets. Apply through Social Security (https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/).
- Social Security retirement/survivors benefits: If you’re eligible but not yet receiving benefits, contact SSA (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/).
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) emergency assistance: Local Community Action Agencies may help with urgent needs like rent, utilities, or prescriptions when funds are available. Find your local agency through the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association (https://www.acaaa.org).
References: SSA SSI (https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/); ACAAA (https://www.acaaa.org).
Reality check: Local emergency funds are limited and often first‑come, first‑served. Bring ID, proof of address, proof of income, and your bill or eviction notice.
Utilities, Energy, and Home Safety
Arkansas summers and winters can be dangerous for seniors. These programs reduce bills or improve your home’s safety.
| Program | What it does | Who it’s for | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) | One‑time or crisis payments to help with heating/cooling bills | Low‑income households; crisis benefits for shutoff notices | Find Arkansas LIHEAP contacts via HHS (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/map/liheap-state-and-territory-contacts). Call 211 for locations (https://arkansas211.org) |
| Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | No‑cost home energy improvements (insulation, sealing, minor repairs) | Low‑income households; priority for elderly | See DOE WAP and Arkansas state contacts (https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/wap-contacts) |
| Utility company hardship programs | Payment plans, deposit waivers, special funds | Customers with financial hardship; may require documentation | Contact your utility (e.g., Entergy Arkansas programs: https://www.entergy-arkansas.com) |
References: HHS LIHEAP (https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap); DOE WAP (https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap); Entergy Arkansas (https://www.entergy-arkansas.com).
Reality check:
- LIHEAP and WAP have application windows and limited funds. Apply early and check back if initially denied.
- If your doctor can document a medical need (e.g., oxygen), ask your utility if they have medical hardship protections—this can delay a shutoff while you seek aid.
Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, and In‑Home Support
Medicare basics and help paying for it
- Medicare covers hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D). Get official info at Medicare.gov (https://www.medicare.gov).
- Extra Help for Part D: If you have limited income, you may qualify for the federal “Extra Help” program to lower drug costs (apply via Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/extrahelp).
- Medicare Savings Programs: May pay your Part B premium and sometimes other costs if your income and assets are limited. These are run by Arkansas Medicaid; apply at Access Arkansas (https://access.arkansas.gov).
- Free, unbiased Medicare counseling: Contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Use the national SHIP locator to reach Arkansas SHIP (https://www.shiphelp.org).
References: Medicare.gov (https://www.medicare.gov); SSA Extra Help (https://www.ssa.gov/extrahelp); SHIP (https://www.shiphelp.org).
Arkansas Medicaid and long‑term services and supports (LTSS)
- Arkansas Medicaid: For seniors with limited income/resources or high medical needs. Apply at Access Arkansas (https://access.arkansas.gov) or visit a DHS county office (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
- ARChoices in Homecare: A Medicaid program that helps adults who need nursing‑home‑level care to stay at home with services like personal care, home‑delivered meals, and respite. Learn about Medicaid LTSS programs through Arkansas DHS (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
- Long-Term Care (Nursing Homes and Assisted Living): If you’re in a facility and have concerns about care, call the Long‑Term Care Ombudsman (https://ltcombudsman.org/ombudsman). For Medicaid payment of long‑term care, apply through DHS (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
References: Arkansas DHS (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov); LTC Ombudsman (https://ltcombudsman.org/ombudsman).
Reality check:
- Medicaid programs have medical and financial eligibility rules and waiting lists for some services. Start applications early and submit all requested documents quickly.
Protecting your rights as a patient and resident
- Adult Protective Services (APS): Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation at 1-800-482-8049 (DHS overview: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
- Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: Advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living (https://ltcombudsman.org/ombudsman).
- Medicare complaints and appeals: File plan complaints or appeals at Medicare.gov (https://www.medicare.gov/claims-appeals).
Housing Help and Homelessness Prevention
| Resource | What it offers | How to connect |
|---|---|---|
| HUD‑approved housing counselors | Free help with eviction prevention, mortgage issues, budgeting | Find a counselor (https://www.hud.gov/findacounselor) |
| Public Housing & Housing Choice Vouchers | Rent that fits your income; vouchers for private rentals (waitlists common) | Contact your local PHA (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts/ar) |
| Emergency shelters & warming/cooling centers | Short‑term shelter during crises | Use HUD Find Shelter (https://www.hud.gov/findshelter) or call 211 (https://arkansas211.org) |
| Disaster recovery housing | Temporary housing after federal disasters | FEMA DisasterAssistance.gov (https://www.disasterassistance.gov) |
Property tax relief for homeowners 65+
- Arkansas provides property tax relief to homeowners, including a homestead credit and a freeze on assessed value for eligible seniors. For details and how to apply, contact your county assessor. See Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Assessment Coordination Division for guidance (https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/assessment-coordination/).
References: HUD (https://www.hud.gov/states/arkansas); DFA Assessment Coordination Division (https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/assessment-coordination/).
Reality check: Rental assistance and housing vouchers often have long waitlists. Apply to multiple PHAs if possible and keep your contact info updated so you don’t miss a spot.
Transportation: Getting to Care and Essential Errands
- Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): If you have Medicaid, you may be eligible for rides to covered medical appointments. Ask Arkansas Medicaid through DHS or your health plan for how to schedule (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov).
- Public and community transit: Arkansas has urban and rural transit systems that offer senior discounts and paratransit for riders with disabilities. See Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Public Transportation programs and find providers in your area (https://www.ardot.gov/divisions/public-transportation/).
- ADA paratransit: If you cannot use fixed‑route buses due to a disability, you may qualify for paratransit. Contact your local transit agency for eligibility and scheduling.
Reference: ArDOT Public Transportation (https://www.ardot.gov/divisions/public-transportation/).
Phone and Internet Discounts
- Lifeline: A federal program that lowers the cost of phone or internet service for low‑income households (https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline).
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): As of 2024, ACP funding lapsed; check the FCC’s ACP page for the current status and any replacement programs (https://www.fcc.gov/acp).
- Tip: Ask local internet providers about senior discount plans or low‑income offers.
References: FCC Lifeline (https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline); FCC ACP (https://www.fcc