Arkansas Resources for People With Disabilities

This page provides information on resources for people living with disabilities in Arkansas, including how to contact the relevant organization or government department to get assistance.

Arkansas 211

You can call 211 to access direct health and human services if you, or someone you love, is in need of financial assistance. Here’s how to access 211 in Arkansas:

• Phone: Dial 211 on your phone

• Website: https://www.arkansas211.org/

When you dial 211, your call goes to a local office which directs you to agencies who can help. These agencies can provide access to resources for basic human needs, physical and mental health programs, work support, and help for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Arkansas Legal Aid

State legal aid organizations offer low-income people and seniors access to free legal resources. Some of these programs can connect you to lawyers who may work pro bono or for a reduced fee on your behalf.

The Arkansas legal aid program can be found on the web:

• https://www.arlawhelp.org/

Arkansas Medicaid

Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income and disabled people and their children.

• Website: https://access.arkansas.gov/

• Phone: 1-800-482-5431 (for questions about coverage, bills, denials, and other services), 1-800 482-8988 (for questions about eligibility or if you lost or didn't get your Medicaid card)

Every state manages its own Medicaid program and covers up to half of its funding, with the federal government contributing the rest. Coverage under Medicaid includes preventive care, inpatient and outpatient services, prescription drugs and medical equipment, mental health care, labs, nursing home care, dental and vision care, and other health services, although specific services and eligibility vary by state.

Arkansas Social Services

Every state maintains a department for administering social programs that support low-income families, children, people with disabilities, and older adults. In Arkansas, this department is called the Department of Human Services (DHS).

• Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/

Services can include rehabilitation, medical assistance, cash aid, housing programs, childcare, job training, access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other nutrition initiatives, and support for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

Arkansas Food Assistance

States administer their own food assistance services though the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Low-income households can use SNAP benefits to buy meat, vegetables, dairy products, grains and bread, and snacks.

Arkansas’s SNAP program is run by the DHS through its Access Arkansas portal.

• Website: https://access.arkansas.gov/

• Phone: 1-855-372-1084

While SNAP benefits once came in the form of food stamps, they're now delivered electronically. SNAP can’t be used for food that’s prepared hot at the point of sale, alcohol, tobacco, or supplements.

Arkansas Senior Helpline (60+)

Seniors may be able to get assistance from their state by calling a helpline. The helpline provides access to caregiver services, meals and nutrition programs, healthy living assistance, Medicare counseling, and support for family.

• Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/aging-adult-behavioral-health-services/

• Phone: 501-686-9164 (general questions), 1-800-482-8049 (adult protective services)

National resources to consider

Lifeline

A federal program to help subsidize the cost of phone and Internet service.

• Phone: 1-800-234-9473

• Website: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

Patient Advocate Foundation

A nonprofit organization that helps people living with a chronic or debilitating illness navigate insurance, disability benefits, and financial assistance.

• Phone: 1-800-532-5274

• Website: https://www.patientadvocate.org/

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

A federal program that assists low-income families who are struggling to pay energy bills and for necessary home renovations for weatherization.

• Phone: 1-866-674-6327

• Website: https://liheapch.acf.gov/

NeedyMeds

This nonprofit organization connects individuals with affordable healthcare clinics, diagnosis-specific assistance programs, and discounted medications. 

• Phone: 1-800-503-6897

• Website: needymeds.org

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Programs

This department of the federal government can help low-income people get help buying a home, paying their rent, finding shelter, avoiding or managing foreclosure, or receiving assistance for paying utility bills.

• Website: https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans

• Phone: 1-800-569-4287 to reach a counseling agency, or visit https://www.hud.gov/contactus/local to find the number for your local HUD office