Arkansas program
Respite for a family caregiver (the Lifespan Respite Voucher has closed)
Arkansas Lifespan Respite Voucher was help paying someone to give a family caregiver a break.
What it is
Arkansas Lifespan Respite Voucher was help paying someone to give a family caregiver a break.
DHS is no longer accepting applications or awarding funds through this voucher program. Its federal grant ended June 30, 2026. Your social worker can help look for other respite options.
Eligibility rules
- DHS's September 16, 2026 status says the program no longer accepts applications or awards funds.
- Historical income, worker and other-assistance restrictions do not establish eligibility for a new award. Other respite programs have their own rules.
What you get
- No new voucher awards are available through this closed program.
Coverage and limits
- The former limits were $300 per 90 days and $1,200 per 12 months. The federal grant ended June 30, 2026, so these are historical amounts only.
If you decide to apply
- With your social worker, discuss other respite resources and the care your child would need.
Arkansas DHS / Lifespan Respite Voucher closure notice · Official page ↗
After you apply
- There is no open application process for this voucher. Your social worker can help identify currently available alternatives.
Good to know
The former payment limits are historical. They are not money available to budget for now.
Other details
- The CSS family-support route is separate and has its own SSI or TEFRA conditions.
Official sources
“Since the Lifespan Respite Voucher is closed, what other respite could safely help our family? What would it cost, and could you help us compare the options?”
Why I’m asking: I need to know whether a short break from caregiving is practical and affordable.
More background and detailed requirements
Additional program information and published rules
Who does what
The three parts, side by side. The agency decides; nobody on this page does.
You
Apply early in the funding year and say who would provide the respite.
Your social worker
The hospital social worker will know whether it is open this year.
The care team
Records and letters when the application asks for them.
- Who decides
- The Department of Human Services, while the money lasts.
- Ask your social worker
- “Is the state respite voucher open this year, and can you help us apply?”
How to apply
First step: Ask the hospital social worker whether the lifespan respite voucher is open, or call 1-855-372-1084.
- Ask the hospital social worker whether the respite voucher is open this year.
Official application / program page ↗
Where it starts: No applications are being accepted. The hospital social worker can help identify other respite options.
What to gather
- Who would provide the respite
- Your child's diagnosis letter
How long: This voucher is closed to applications and awards after the federal grant ended June 30, 2026.
What a yes looks like
This voucher is closed to applications and awards after the federal grant ended June 30, 2026.
What a no looks like, and the next move
Usually the money has run out for the year; ask when it reopens.
Watch out
- First come, first served: apply early in the year.
- The figures come from a 2021 announcement; check that it is funded before counting on it.
Dates that change this
2021-11-01: DHS says this voucher program no longer accepts applications or awards funds. The federal grant ended June 30, 2026; historical limits are not current benefits. (not yet confirmed against the final rule)
The numbers and the rules
The arcane layer, kept on purpose. Checked September 11, 2026.
What it is worth
The Lifespan Respite Voucher program is closed to applications and awards.
- $300 — Historical maximum per 90 days; no current awards
- $1,200/year — Historical maximum per 12 months; no current awards
Covers: Paid respite care
What it costs the family: None to apply.
The eligibility facts, as published
- Caregiver
- A family caregiver
- Other
- Closed to new applications and awards. Historical income, worker and other-assistance rules do not establish a current award.
- Income
- No active application round; historical income rules do not establish a new award.
The trap: The former $300 per 90 days and $1,200 per 12 months limits are historical, not currently available awards.
Where I read this
- Apply for a respite voucher — Arkansas Department of Human Services, read September 10, 2026