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On March 13, 2023, Act 266 of 2023 reduced the state time limit for the Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) program and the time limit for the Arkansas Work Pays program from twenty-four (24) to twelve (12) months.  The 12-month time limits will go into effect on April 1, 2024.

In order to comply with the new law, advance notice is being given regarding the actions listed below. 

*TEA:

• Cases with a state count of 9 months or less as of April 1, 2024:
  • The case will close upon reaching the 12-month time limit.
  • TEA child care and other TEA supportive services will end when the case closes. 
• Cases with a state count of 10 months or more as of April 1, 2024:
  • The case will close on June 30, 2024.
    • This action gives an advance notice of 3 months.
  • TEA childcare and other TEA supportive services will end when the case closes. 
• Cases that apply or reapply on or after April 1, 2024:
  • The new time limit applies. 
  • For reapplications, cases with a state count of 12 or more months will not be approved.

*Child only TEA cases and non-head-of-household minor parent TEA cases are not time limited. 

*Current policies on eligibility for TEA deferrals, exemptions, and extensions still apply.

Work Pays:

• Cases with a Work Pays count of 9 months or less as of April 1, 2024:
  • The case will close upon reaching the 12-month time limit.
• Cases with a Work Pays count of 10 months or more as of April 1, 2024:
  • Your case will close on June 30, 2024. 
• Cases that apply or reapply on or after April 1, 2024:
  • The new time limit applies.
  • For reapplications, cases with a Work Pays count of 12 or more months will not be approved.

Please contact your TEA or Work Pays case specialist to learn how much time you have remaining and to obtain specific information about other ways your case could be affected that may not be listed above.