Apply For Arkansas TANF

This page provides the Arkansas TANF eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet both state and federal guidelines for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Individuals who apply for TANF must meet the monetary and non-monetary state guidelines, complete work-related activities, provide paternity information about the children in the household and report as required by the state.

Arkansas residents who qualify for welfare are required to furnish information such as citizenship, income, resources, and age. Only household members who are eligible can receive Arkansas welfare benefits. Read on for more information about applying for TANF. If you have additional questions or issues about this program, then contact TANF Arkansas.

What is TEA?

TEA stands for Transitional Employment Assistance. The program provides Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) in order to:


Who is eligible to apply for TEA benefits?

An applicant must:


Who makes up a TEA family or TEA Assistance Unit?


How can I find out if I qualify for TEA?

Obtain an application from your local Department of Human Services (DHS) County office. They will provide assistance with completing the form if needed and will schedule and conduct a face-to-face interview to determine further eligibility.


What is meant by "low-income"?

The term means that a family is not able to afford some of the services that could support them and can therefore qualify for assistance.


What documentation do I need to apply for TEA assistance?


How long does it take to process an application?

Once all needed documents have been received, applications are processed no later than thirty calendar days from the date the application was filed in the county office.


How long can I receive TEA benefits?

A family who meets all eligibility requirements may receive TEA cash assistance benefits for a period of up to 24 total months. The months counted are based on receipt of benefits by the adult recipient or "head of household" minor parent.


How much money will I receive?

A family's monthly payment amount is based on family size. The maximum payment a family may receive is the payment level for the particular family size. All eligible TEA family members will be included in the family size for payment except a child who is not eligible for payment due to the family cap provision.


I am unemployed. Can I still quality for TEA assistance?

You do not have to be employed to be eligible for TEA assistance. Upon approval, all able-bodied adult family members are required to work or participate in work activities designed to lead to employment. All minor parents are required to participate in educational activities. Exceptions require an agency-approved exemption or deferral.


Are there any work requirements?

Yes. TEA participants are required to search for and obtain paid employment. Individuals who cannot find immediate paid employment can participate in approved activities that focus on development of skills and experience that lead directly to employment.


Arkansas Employment Search

Part of the requirement, while on the TANF program, is finding a job to help sustain your financial needs. Arkansas provides an online job site for you to search for employment. You can view the job site by clicking here.


Apply Online For Arkansas TANF

If you have questions about applying for TANF benefits, or you want to see if you can apply for TANF Georgia online, then visit the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families website here.