Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA)
The Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) Program helps economically needy families with children under the age of 18 become more responsible for their own support and less dependent on public assistance. TEA provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families to help meet the family’s basic needs. TEA also provides supportive services such as child care assistance and employment related services while the parent or other adult relative works toward increasing his or her earning potential. State law limits the receipt of TEA benefits to 24 month lifetime limit.
You can have some income, including earnings, and still be eligible to receive TEA benefits, if your countable income is less than the income standard. You can have resources (cash, bank accounts, property not used as a home, etc.) if the total value of these resources does not exceed $3,000. TEA cash assistance is also available to help meet the needs of children who are being cared for by non-parent adult relatives. Assistance to such relatives may be provided for the children without regard to the time limit.
Assistance is available to TANF applicants and potential TANF applicants who are victims of sexual harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- How to apply for TEA Benefits
- Application for SNAP and TEA Program
- Resources for Victims of Sexual Harassment and Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as Food Stamp Program) provides food assistance to eligible households to cover a portion of a household’s food budget. Benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services determines eligibility for SNAP and TEA.
- If you are determined eligible for SNAP and have a child under 18 in the home, you are likely to be eligible for TEA benefits.
- If you are determined eligible for TEA, the Division of Workforce Services will work with you to create an employment plan, help you search for a job, and connect you to approved work, training, or education activities.
