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Work Pays

Work Pays

The Arkansas Work Pays program helps former beneficiaries of the Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) program find better jobs, reach educational goals, and get assistance with childcare and transportation.

While participating in the Work Pays program, you will:

  • Receive $204 per month in cash assistance (for up to 12 months)
  • Earn bonuses for maintaining your job and increasing your income
  • Get one-on-one support from a case manager to help you keep your job, earn promotions, find better employment, reach educational goals such as earning your GED, and increase your income

Eligibility

You may be eligible for the Work Pays program if you are a former TEA beneficiary whose case closed after getting a job. You must also meet the following requirements:

  • Have been employed for at least 30 days prior to the date of your Work Pays application
  • Have custody of a related minor child
  • Be a resident of Arkansas
  • Meet the citizenship or alienage requirements
  • Apply within 6 months of your TEA case closure
  • Have received TEA cash assistance for at least 3 months
  • Have not received more than 12 months of Work Pays benefits
  • Meet the work hours requirement
  • Have income below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Agee to follow the Work Pays Personal Responsibility Agreement
  • Agree to follow the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) requirements
  • Agree to follow the drug screening and/or testing requirements

How Can Work Pays Help?

In addition to one-on-one support from your case manager to help you reach your career and educational goals, you will also receive financial support while participating in the program.

If you meet all the Work Pays requirements and qualify for all available bonuses, you could receive up to $5,448 in total benefits.

Cash Assistance$204 per month for 12 months$2,448
Bonus 1Remain employed for three consecutive months$400
Bonus 2Remain employed for an additional six consecutive months$600
Bonus 3Exit bonus for meeting work requirements for 12 out of 12 months$800
Bonus 4Earnings exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Level$1,200

Additional Support May Include Help With:

  • Educational expenses
  • Work-related expenses
  • Childcare
  • Transportation
  • Transitional Medicaid or ARKids 1st
  • Financial credit counseling
  • Individual Development Account mentoring
  • Earned Income Tax Credit

If your Work Pays application is approved, you will:

  • Interview with your case manager

During the interview, your case manager will review the information on your application and ask questions about your family’s circumstances to determine what services you need. They will explain program requirements so you fully understand your responsibilities. You will also learn what documentation is required to verify your weekly work activities and how to submit that information each pay period.

  • Develop a Career Advancement Plan

You and your case manager will work together to create a Career Advancement Plan, outlining steps to help you maintain employment and increase your income. By signing the plan, you agree to follow the outlined steps. When your case manager signs, they commit available state resources to support your success.