Arkansas Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA)
Arkansas Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) is a time-limited welfare program to help 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, childcare 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:
- Be a resident of the state of Arkansas
- Be a US citizen, national, legal alien or permanent resident
- Meet the state’s definition of a low-income household
- 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” when their net countable income is less than $223 a month. This one income limit applies to all family sizes. The limit for countable resources is $3,000.
How much is cash assistance in Arkansas?
Arkansas’ cash assistance benefit level is the least generous in the country at just $204 per month for a family of three, with eligibility capped at 12 months.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $81 |
| 2 | $162 |
| 3 | $204 |
| 4 | $247 |
| 5 | $286 |
| 6 | $331 |
| 7 | $373 |
| 8 | $415 |
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.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $243 |
| 2 | $486 |
| 3 | $612 |
| 4 | $741 |
| 5 | $858 |
| 6 | $993 |
| 7 | $1,119 |
| 8 | $1,245 |
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, then it does count toward the time limit.
How do I apply for the TEA program?
Applications for Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) can be filed in person at the Department of Human Services (DHS) office in the county where you reside. 2
You may also apply online at Access Arkansas — the self-service online portal provided by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).
After your application is filed, an interview will be arranged to determine your family’s eligibility, either in-person or over-the-phone.
Arkansas Department of Human Services
County Office / Benefits Assistance
(800) 482-8988
Footnotes
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FOX13 Memphis . New Arkansas bill cuts time allowed for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in half. ↩
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Effective July 1, 2023, individuals seeking assistance with Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) will need to contact or visit their local DHS county office rather than an Arkansas Workforce Center. ↩