Arkansas Work Pays

Arkansas Work Pays is an incentive program that encourages former Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) recipients to remain employed.

It is designed to help working families make an easier transition to self-sufficiency by providing supplemental income payments. This work incentive program is, however, limited to 3,000 families only.

Families no longer receiving regular TEA checks will receive an additional 24 months of cash assistance payment in the amount of $204, ¹ until their income reaches 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

FAQ

Who is eligible for Arkansas Work Pays?

To qualify for Arkansas Work Pays, participants must have received at least 3 months of TEA cash assistance and be engaged in paid work activities for at least 24 hours a week.

The Work Pays payment will be reduced by 50% in any month the work hours requirement is not met without good cause.

How much is Work Pays Bonus?

As an incentive to retain their jobs, additional pre-set bonus will be rewarded for those who meet the work requirements. Bonuses will be paid in addition to the monthly cash assistance payment.

For example, those who meet the work participation requirements for three (3) consecutive months will receive a bonus in the amount of $400.

Additional $600 if they remain employed for an additional six (6) consecutive months and an additional $800 when they exit the program in 24 months.

How do I apply for Arkansas Work Pays?

Families leaving TEA will receive a Work Pays application. For those interested in applying for Work Pays, the application must be completed and mailed to the local DHS office.

For additional information about Arkansas Work Pays, call
Arkansas Department of Human Services
501-682-1001

Footnotes

1. The twenty-four (24) months will count toward the federal 60 month time limit but not the state’s TEA 12 month limit. ↩