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:

Reduce the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting work so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives
Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and
Promote family unity

Who is eligible to apply for TEA benefits?

An applicant must:

Be a resident of the state of Arkansas
Be a US citizen, national, legal alien or permanent resident
Qualify as a low-income family and
Be responsible for a child under the age of eighteen

Who makes up a TEA family or TEA Assistance Unit?

All non-SSI child(ren) under the age of 18 for whom application is made and
Married or unmarried parent(s), including minor parents, living in the home with the child UNLESS such parent receives SSI benefits
The non-SSI step-parent living in the home with the child
Any non-SSI sibling of the child for whom the application is made. The sibling must be under the age of 18 and reside in the same household. A parent or adult caretaker must have responsibility for the sibling even if a TEA application is not made for such sibling
A non-parent, non-SSI adult caretaker relative who chooses to be included as an eligible family member. Only one such relative may be included

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?

Proof of identity and age (driver's license, birth certificate, voter registration)
Social Security numbers for all members to be included in your TEA family/unit or proof that you have applied for them
Proof that your children are related to you and proof of their ages (birth certificates, school records, medical records)
If you are a single parent, proof that the other parent of your children is deceased or not living with you (divorce records, death certificate, sworn statement)
Proof of immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen
Proof of income (pay stubs, government checks)
Proof that you are not eligible for unemployment compensation
Proof of housing expenses (rent receipts, mortgage)
Proof of address (landlord's statement, utility records)
Proof of immunization for all pre-school age children
Other documents as needed. These will be identified to you by your worker

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.