Cash assistance programs in Arkansas.
Find how to cash aid (formerly known as welfare) in Arkansas. Department of Workforce Services in Arkansas runs the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The is the state’s version of the cash assistance program and it is commonly called TANF. While that may be the official federal government name for this welfare benefit, there are in fact different names for cash assistance in Arkansas.
The resources can be referred to as TEA - Temporary Employment Assistance to Work Pays (post-employment). DWS operates it at the state level, but applications for cash aid are accepted by local Division of County Operations offices and the application information is below.
All of the state of Arkansas programs provide financial help to very low income families with children and/or single moms or dads. The money can be used to pay for housing costs, food, medical bills or needs, transportation, clothing, and a wide variety of employment expenses. In fact, almost every single bill that a household may have can be paid by TANF in Arkansas, as long as the expense is a necessity.
Terms and types of cash assistance in Arkansas
The state of Arkansas does provide financial help to very low income households with children, provided they agree to a PRA - Personal Responsibility Agreement. There are other requirements as well, such as around asset levels, low income, the child needs to be in school, and more. Government grants from welfare are only for US citizen, national, legal alien or permanent residents of the country/state too. A case manager at a local office can provide more information, help a family apply, and provide details on the average payment to expect each month.
In addition, the parent also needs to be working, in job training, or in some way on a path to long term stability. Budgeting workshops and/or parent classes may be required too. DWS (Department of Workforce Services) mandates that the cash beneficiary achieves self-sufficiency.
Since most recipients of Arkansas TANF are very low income, they often struggle to pay the bills so they often do not have the means to become self-sufficient. In these instances the state will provide other financial assistance, even including section 8 vouchers, food stamps, and more.
TANF, or the Transitional Employment Assistance Program, will give them transportation assistance (free bus passes or gasoline vouchers), help paying for child care (including free day care vouchers), professional work clothes, job preparedness classes, and more. Whatever it takes for the Temporary Employment Assistance recipient to stabilize their situation can be arranged.
Cash assistance is time limited. It will last for at most 24-60 months over the recipients lifetime. While the amount of the monthly payment will vary, it usually averages about $200 to $250 per month. However the dollar amount of financial assistance is based on household income, family size, household assets, and even the kids age.
Arkansas offers another welfare type TANF program too. It is known as Work Pays. It is available for people who “graduate” from TEA, and this cash assistance helps them after they are working. It can provide a few hundred dollars per month on average as well, and applications are also processed by the Division of County Operations centers. The money can help pay all sorts of bills, whether it is rent, utility, medical, food, or something else. It really helps with the transition to work.
Contact information for cash assistance in Arkansas
There is a general information number to call in Arkansas for more information on this cash benefit or other government aid. Dial 1-855-225-4440. Or of course stop by a local Division of County Operation office.
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