More than 40 million Americans receive monthly benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly called food stamps. SNAP benefits act as a financial safety net for low-income households, loaded each month onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
What Are Food Stamps (SNAP)?
SNAP is a federal benefit program administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and delivered through individual states. It is designed to help low-income Americans supplement their grocery budgets and purchase nutritious food.
Families can use SNAP benefits to buy certain foods including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, and cereals. SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods, or non-food household items.
Benefits are provided monthly via an EBT card — similar to a debit card — accepted at authorized grocery stores, supermarkets, and select farmers markets nationwide.
Food Stamps (SNAP) vs. Food Pantry
SNAP benefits are a government-funded entitlement: if you meet the eligibility requirements, you receive benefits regardless of local funding levels. You choose your own food at authorized retailers.
Food Pantries are charitable organizations run by churches, nonprofits, or community groups. They distribute donated food free of charge, but you typically receive a pre-assembled box rather than choosing individual items. Both programs can be used together — many SNAP recipients also visit food pantries to supplement their monthly benefits.
How Much Could I Receive With Food Stamps?
According to USDA SNAP guidelines, benefit amounts are calculated by multiplying a household's net monthly income by 0.3 and subtracting that from the maximum monthly allotment for the household size.
For FY2025, the maximum monthly allotment for a family of four is $975. See the full benefit table below for all household sizes. Source: USDA FNS.
Program Mission
To provide for the protection, well-being, and self-sufficiency of children and adults in Cross County, Arkansas.
Who Is Eligible for Food Stamps in Cross County, Arkansas?
To be eligible for SNAP in in Cross County, Arkansas, you must be a resident and meet the following financial requirements per USDA eligibility guidelines:
- 1. You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or
- 2. You have a current bank balance under $3,001 and share your household with:
- A person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself), or
- A person age 60 or over
Most households must also meet gross and net income limits. Households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.
SNAP Income Limits for 2026
To be eligible for food stamps in Cross County, Arkansas, your household must meet net and gross income limits based on a household's size.
Income limits may vary by state, please check the US Government Benefits website about your state's eligibility requirements.
| Persons in Family/Household | Gross Monthly Income | Net Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,383 | $1,064 |
| 2 | $1,868 | $1,437 |
| 3 | $2,353 | $1,810 |
| 4 | $2,839 | $2,184 |
| 5 | $3,324 | $2,557 |
| 6 | $3,809 | $2,930 |
| 7 | $4,295 | $3,304 |
| 8 | $4,780 | $3,677 |
Documents Required for Food Stamp Application
To apply for SNAP in in Cross County, Arkansas, gather these documents before submitting your application:
- 1. Social Security numbers for all household members
- 2. Proof of citizenship and/or alien immigration status
- 3. Proof of current residence (utility bill, lease, or government mail)
- 4. Proof of income and regular expenses (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- 5. Names and birthdates of all individuals living in the household
- 6. Bank account statements (checking and savings)
Work Requirements for SNAP
Most able-bodied adults between 18 and 49 without dependents must work, volunteer, or participate in job training at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP. This is known as the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirement. Per USDA guidelines, the following are exempt from work requirements:
- People with a physical or mental disability
- Adults age 60 or older
- Parents or caregivers responsible for a child under 6
- Pregnant women
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Cross County, Arkansas
Each state administers its own SNAP application process. There are two ways to apply:
- 1. In person — Visit your local SNAP county office. You can also mail a paper application to your county office.
- 2. Online — Apply through your state's official SNAP portal. Most states offer online applications at their Department of Social Services or Health and Human Services website.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive a written notice of eligibility determination, typically within 30 days. If approved for emergency (expedited) SNAP, benefits can begin within 7 days. Learn more at Benefits.gov — SNAP.
Food Stamp Offices
We have located 1 Food Stamp Offices in Cross County, Arkansas. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Cross County Department Of Human Services Food Stamp Office
Address :
803 U.S. Highway 64,
Wynne, AR 72396.
County: Cross, AR
Get Directions
Food Stamp Offices Hours :
- Mon: 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Tues: 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Wed: 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Thurs: 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Cross County Department of Human Services Food Stamp Office, located in Wynne, AR, administers the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Wynne residents. Often called "food stamps," SNAP benefits provide nutrition assistance for income-eligible households. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the SNAP program, and SNAP Offices distribute benefits to Wynne residents. The program reduces food insecurity and poverty by providing supplemental nutrition assistance for low-income households.
Grocery Stores that Accept EBT
The USDA has a program that approves stores to accept food stamps or SNAP benefits.
These stores are required to offer certain kinds of foods to be eligible to participate in the program. This includes grocery stores that meet their requirements.
Most supermarkets, pharmacies and corner stores in the United States accept EBT Cards. Here is a list of some of the major grocery chains in the United States that accept EBT, listed by the states they operate in.
It is a good practice to also checkout first to confirm, so you don’t waste your gas and time going to the store only to find out they do not.
Please checkout each store below to see what you can and can't buy with your SNAP benefits using EBT Card
Grocery Stores
Pharmacy
Dollar Stores
Emergency Food Stamps
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service offers an emergency food stamp program for families or individuals that are facing a crisis. The goal of this service is to expedite the Food Stamp application process for those households that have no other options available to them. If approved, they may be able to receive their EBT cards same day.
The SNAP application for food benefits can be approved in as few as 7 business days.
How to find Lost EBT Card Number?
You cant get your lost food stamp card number online. Log into your EBT account for your respective state to renew food stamp card, you usually don’t have access to your full EBT card number. However, you can view your case number.
Just having a card number will allow you to buy online from Amazon, Walmart and others. You still need a physical copy of your card in order to make in-store purchases.
If you want an online access to your EBT card number because your physical card was lost or stolen, there is a way to find that.
Call your state food stamp customer service number as soon as possible. You can request a new card because its lost or stolen. Your card will be disabled and you should be able to get a new card.
How Long It will take to Get a New EBT Card
You can receive a same-day replacement EBT card in many states if you go to Food Stamp Office in your county in person. If you make a replacement request over the food stamp phone number, then it should take between 7 and 10 business days to receive a card.
Check Food Stamp Balance
If you wish to check what is your remaining EBT Card Balance in Cross County, Arkansas for any given month, There many ways to do that.
- 1. You can check at the bottom of the receipt you get from the store, it will tell your food stamp balance.
- 2. Sign up for food stamps account if you dont have one already. You can look at your EBT balance online. Food stamp login will require your username and password.
- 3. Call your food stamp 1800 customer service number to check your EBT balance.
Food Stamp Benefit Chart 2026
SNAP expects families receiving benefits to spend 30 percent of their net income on food. Families with no net income receive the maximum benefit.
For households with net income, the monthly SNAP benefit equals the maximum benefit for that household size minus the household’s expected contribution of 30 percent of its net income.
The maximum SNAP benefit chart 2026 for households of different sizes and estimated average benefits
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit | Estimated Average Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $250 | $175 |
| 2 | $459 | $334 |
| 3 | $658 | $520 |
| 4 | $835 | $638 |
| 5 | $992 | $748 |
| 6 | $1,190 | $869 |
| 7 | $1,316 | $941 |
| 8 | $1,504 | $1,137 |
| Each Additional Person | $188 |
Food Stamps Eligibility Calculator in Cross County, Arkansas
Here is example of Food Stamp Eligibility Calculator in Cross County, Arkansas. Lets take an example family of
- Family size - 3.
- One full time job
- Minimum-wage worker
- Two children
- Dependent care costs of $78 a month
- Shelter costs of $993 per month
1 — Gross Income
The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Full-time work at this level makes about $1,257 a month.
2 — Net Income for Shelter Deduction
- Subtract the standard deduction for a 3-person family ($177)
- Earnings deduction (20% X $1,257 = $251)
- The child care deduction ($78)
- Result is $1,257 - $177 - $251 - $78 = $751
3 — Shelter Deduction
Begin with the shelter costs of $993
- Subtract half of $751 is $376 = $617
- Because there is a shelter deduction cap of $597, the shelter deduction for this household is $597.
4 — Net Income
Subtract the shelter deduction ($597) from Income A ($751) = $154.
5 — Family’s Expected Contribution Toward Food
30% of the household’s net income ($154) is about $46.
6 — SNAP Benefit
The maximum benefit in 2026 for a family of three is $658
- The maximum benefit minus the household contribution ($658 - $46 = $612)
- Because there is a shelter deduction cap of $597, the shelter deduction for this household is $597.
The family’s monthly benefit is $612
Restaurants that accept EBT
If you’ve ever wondered if you can use your EBT benefits at fast food restaurants, the answer is yes… but only in certain circumstances
Most take-and-bake pizzerias accept EBT. They don’t actually count as "restaurants" because you have to take the food home to cook it!
The Restaurant Meals Program is part of the federal food stamps law, but it up to the states to decide whether or not to participate.
Here are some restaurant that accept EBT
- Burger King
- Taco Bell
- Pizza Hut
- KFC
- Subway
- Domino’s Pizza
- Denny’s
- Jamba Juice
- Great Steaks
- McDonald’s
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What can you buy with food stamps?
You can use food stamps in Cross County, Arkansas to buy groceries, snacks, and seeds or plants that will produce food.
WIC food packages include eggs, milk, cereal, juice, tofu, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, dried and canned beans, and whole-wheat bread. WIC packages also include cheese and canned fish for breastfeeding moms, and baby food for babies.
2. When are SNAP benefits deposited each month?
SNAP benefits are deposited on a staggered schedule each month, determined by your state and typically by your case number or last name. Most states deposit benefits between the 1st and 28th of each month. Check your state's SNAP agency website or call the number on your EBT card for your exact deposit date.
3. How to increase your food stamp benefits?
For people aged 60 and older, or those with disabilities, there are special rules to apply for SNAP that look at NET income instead of gross income
SNAP food stamps in Cross County, Arkansas isn’t the only food benefit. There are a few other programs that help pay for food
4. Will my SNAP benefits go up this year?
SNAP maximum benefit allotments are adjusted each October for the new federal fiscal year based on USDA's Thrifty Food Plan. The most recent permanent increases took effect in FY2022 and represented the largest SNAP benefit increase in the program's history. Check the USDA SNAP eligibility page each fall for updated amounts.
5. Can college students get food stamps?
Under regular SNAP benefits rules, only students who actually participate in State or Federally funded work study are eligible to receive SNAP benefits.
6. How long does food stamp investigation take?
Its hard to predict how long a food stamp investigation take. It can take a day, week, months, or years, depending on the offense and what the state has to investigate.
To prove the individual as a guilty, investigators need to catch the offender during the offense.
The investigators nor the store have any solid proof that the person broke the law, or bought non-eligible products in exchange for food stamps.
7. How can I check the status of my food stamp case?
You can check food stamp application status of your case online. If you may also contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 to find out the status of your application.
8. What happens when your food stamp case is closed?
Your SNAP benefits do not expire at the end of each month. If your food stamp case in Cross County, Arkansas is closed for any reason, you still have the right to use any remaining benefits in your EBT account before the case closed.
Whether your case is closed due to disqualification or for some other reason, you can appeal the decision.
9. Can I get food stamps while on unemployment?
Yes, You may be eligible for SNAP if your monthly income is less than a set amount based on your household size. You may be required to participate in an employment and training program if you aren't working or work fewer than 30 hours a week.
10. Can illegal immigrants get food stamps?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for food stamps. Some illegal immigrants may qualify for food stamps if they are:
- American Indians who were born in Canada or another tribal country
- A victim of sex trafficking;
- Lawful temporary residents who previously applied for amnesty
11. Can you buy baby formula with food stamps?
Yes, you can use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Cross County, Arkansas to buy baby food. Baby food includes formula, cereals, juices, baby food and any other eligible food item
12. Can you buy ice with food stamps?
Yes, you can use your SNAP benefits to buy crushed or cube ice.
13. Can you buy dog food with food stamps?
Unfortunately, No, you cannot buy dog food with food stamps in Cross County, Arkansas. This is because pet food is considered to be a non-food item since it is not meant for human consumption
14. Can you buy alcohol with food stamps ?
You can't use food stamps to buy alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, live animals, prepared foods, or any non-food household items.