The bill amends the eligibility requirements for the Arkansas Work Pays Program by updating the criteria for applicants and participants. Notably, it removes the previous stipulation that applicants must apply for assistance within six months of leaving the Transitional Employment Assistance Program after receiving at least three months of assistance. Instead, the bill introduces new provisions that allow applicants to qualify if they are engaged in paid work activities for a minimum of twenty-four hours per week or are participating in a career and technical education Career Pathways Initiative Program, thereby aligning with federal work participation requirements.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the conditions under which continuing eligibility is assessed, specifying that participants must have engaged in paid work activities for a minimum of twenty-four hours per week or in the Career Pathways Initiative Program for at least one of the past three months and for at least three of the past six months. Other eligibility criteria, such as income limits and citizenship status, remain unchanged. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance access to the program while ensuring that participants are actively engaged in work or educational activities.

Statutes affected:
SB 89: 20-76-444(b)