New SNAP and TEA provision to expand eligibility goes into effect October 1

Little Rock, Arkansas – Now, inhabitants of the Natural State who are Compact of Free Association (COFA) citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau are eligible to receive SNAP and TEA benefits, if qualified.

According to a September 26 release from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (ADHS), the new clause takes effect on October 1.

“Making sure everyone in Arkansas has access to healthy foods is one of our top priorities, and this change makes SNAP benefits available immediately to eligible Marshallese and other COFA residents in our state,” said Kristi Putnam, secretary of the DHS.

“We are grateful to be able to offer these benefits to our COFA citizens and encourage those who are eligible to apply starting on Oct. 1.”

The COFA Act of 1985 gave people from Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands the ability to reside and work in the United States.

The 1996 passage of federal welfare reform rules prevented the people from receiving government benefits including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA).

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 added COFA citizens to the list of those who are eligible to receive federal public services.

After the federal rules for requesting and ultimately receiving approval for emergency rule release were issued in August, DHS implemented the new eligibility.

According to a release, COFA residents’ eligibility for Medicaid coverage ended in 2021.

Applications can be submitted over the phone, online, or in person at a nearby DHS county office.

Residents of COFA are required to apply and fulfill eligibility standards. A household’s income, its resources, and other non-financial eligibility requirements are among the criteria that determine eligibility.

If rejected, there will be a window of up to ninety days during which to file an appeal.

Click here to view the county office map if you’re not sure which Department of Human Services county office is closest to you so you can apply in person.