Arkansas Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA)

Arkansas Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) is a welfare-to-work program that helps needy families in Arkansas become more responsible for their own support. Through training, education and work activities, TEA aims to reduce dependence of needy parents on public assistance.

Benefits may include cash payments, child care assistance, help with transportation, employment-related services, including job-readiness activities, and other supportive services.

Eligibility is capped at 12 months, unless otherwise transitioned into Arkansas Work Pays. ¹ To continue receiving benefits beyond initial periods, families must meet strict work participation rates, involving core activities like employment or job training for a certain number of hours per week

FAQ

Who qualifies for TEA in Arkansas?

To qualify for welfare in Arkansas, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be a resident of the state of Arkansas
2. Be a US citizen, national, legal alien or permanent resident
3. Meet the state’s definition of a low-income household
4. Be responsible for a child under age 18 or be expecting a child.

What is the income limit for TANF in Arkansas?

A family in Arkansas is considered “needy” if its net countable income is less than $223  per month.² This flat limit applies to all family sizes. The limit for countable resources is $3,000.

How much is cash assistance in Arkansas?

Arkansas offers the lowest cash assistance benefit in the country, providing only $204 per month for a family of three, with eligibility capped at 12 months.

How much is the diversion payment in Arkansas?

A diversion payment may be provided to an otherwise eligible TEA family in certain specified circumstances by providing a lump-sum cash payment up to a maximum equal to three (3) months of what the monthly TEA cash assistance would have been for the family size.

Under Arkansas State Law, a diversion payment is considered a loan. If the diversion loan is repaid, then it does not count toward the time limit. If it is not repaid, it counts toward the 12-month lifetime limit.

How do I apply for the TEA program?

Applications for Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) can be submiited in person at the local Department of Human Services (DHS) office ³ or through Access Arkansas .

Once your application is received, an interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility, either in-person or over-the-phone.

Arkansas Department of Human Services
County Office / Benefits Assistance
(800) 482-8988

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Arkansas?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Arkansas, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
• Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
• Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
• Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
• Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
• Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact Access Arkansas (DHS) at (855) 372-1084 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.