You can do more than survive on Arkansas minimum wage. Living a better life is possible if you take advantage of these tips and tricks.
Saving money on recurring monthly bills like cellphone bills and medical costs can free up cash for spending on things that will allow you to enjoy a better quality of life.
The minimum wage in Arkansas is now $11 per hour, which is more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Living in Arkansas entitles you to a higher amount except for certain exceptions. For example, tipped employees only need to be paid $2.63 an hour.
Before saving money elsewhere, ensure you get paid the correct overtime and holiday rate. For example, anything over 40 hours a week must be paid at $16.50 an hour. You can find all the details on labor laws affecting your pay on the Arkansas government website.
If you want to find other ways to free up your hard-earned cash, we have 11 great ways to do more than survive on minimum wage in Arkansas.
Get Free Medical Services In Arkansas
Arkansas has been at the forefront of expanding Medicaid to low-income adults. You can check this calculator to see if you qualify for Medicaid in Arkansas. If you do, it can save you incredible amounts of money because medical expenses can be crippling.
If you think you might qualify, apply for Arkansas Medicaid and get free medical care without medical insurance coverage. Then, all you need to do is fill in your correct details and wait for processing.
If you make too much money for Medicaid, there are still ways you can save money on medical costs in Arkansas. For example, you can access free Arkansas clinics. Locate a clinic through their names or enter your Zip code.
You can also get free health insurance for children through Arkids First Health Insurance. Check eligibility below depending on your household’s size.
Save Money on Energy Bills
Arkansas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program administers regular assistance and Crisis Intervention Programs to help you pay your utility bills.
For instance, the Crisis Intervention Program funds energy-related emergencies. To apply, you must be an Arkansas resident who needs assistance with energy bills. Also, if you benefit from other programs such as SNAP or TANF, you’re automatically eligible for the service.
Save money by reducing your energy use.
Most residents in Arkansas struggle with power usage. That’s because frigid winters and hot summers build up high electricity costs. Thankfully, you can use these tips to lower your electricity cost.
Use low-energy fans to cool up when it’s hot. Remember, fans cool your body and not the room. So, leave all fans switched off when outside.
Buy a programmable thermostat to switch off automatically when not in use.
Keep doors, curtains, and shades closed to regulate internal temperatures naturally.
Get Education Grants and Scholarships in Arkansas
The Arkansas Division of Higher Education has an online portal for scholarships that can help you apply for any grant or scholarship you might be entitled to.
The goal of the financial aid department is to ensure that all Arkansas students who need assistance in their academics don’t drop out. The department also works hand in hand with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to ensure that they deliver their services as timely as possible.
Grants for Childhood Education in Arkansas
The Division of Child Care and Early Education ensures that all children in Arkansas get access to high-quality education and early care by paying for their academics. You can apply for the service to get your children the best early care and education.
Grants for Single parents in Arkansas for Education
If you’re a single parent, the state offers single-parent education aid to help educate children, and these payments can be used for any expenses you may encounter.
You can check your eligibility and apply for these scholarships if you’re a single parent.
Apply for Arkansas TANF
Sometimes you get behind in your bills or are short on money for food. Arkansas’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program offers cash support to low-income families. You can check your eligibility and apply for the TANF to get temporary assistance and better your family life.
You can also visit the Arkansas Department of Human Services to apply.
Rental Assistance and Help in Buying a Home
The minimum wage can lead to struggles in paying your rent or mortgage. Fortunately, the Arkansas Fresh Start Program can provide rental assistance to care for your family if you struggle with rent.
Also, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority has programs that help you construct and preserve homes for rental purposes.
Another program that can help you buy a home or give you rental credits is HUD. To see if you can get help with housing, check with the Arkansas branch of HUD.
Save Money on Your Car
Car shopping can be expensive and time-consuming, but there are ways to save money. For example, before buying a new car from the dealership, take an honest look at your finances by getting preapproved for one through banks rather than going directly with dealerships who often charge more in interest rates or monthly payments (which could cost as much 50% more).
Make sure you know all your costs, such as fuel efficiency; this will help keep expenses under control so you can pay off existing debts.
Assistance With Food Costs in Arkansas
Living with minimum wage can also mean a shortage of food. To help qualified households with a portion of their food budget, the Supplemental Nutrition Aid Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, offers food assistance.
Benefits are sent out via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and can only be used on food items or vegetable seedlings.
The SNAP Employment and Training Program can also improve your training and job-seeking abilities.
Reduce Entertainment costs
Living at minimum costs doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! You can try some economical ways to vacation. Here are some free places you can take breaks in Arkansas.
- Ozark Mountains
- Pinnacle Mountain State park
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Get Free Data, Free Talk, and Text
Recently, the federal government approved billions of dollars to sponsor the Affordable Connectivity Program. This program enables Americans with modest incomes to continue using the internet.
Fortunately, citizens in Arkansas can benefit from the program. It also cooperates with EASY Wireless to ensure that these citizens access America’s fastest network free of charge.
If you make minimum wage in Arkansas and work 40 hours a week or less, you can qualify for the ACP by income, even if you are single with no dependents.
Check your income against this chart and see if you qualify.
If you are in any of the below programs, you qualify for free phone service and other services through EASY Wireless and the ACP.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Pell Grant Awards
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Under the ACP, you receive:
EASY Wireless Free Unlimited Plan
- FREE UNLIMITED Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- Keep Your Phone & Number
- FREE SIM Card & Activation
Contact our customer service agents today to help you get these services with EASY Wireless.
Avoiding phone bills can be a step forward in assisting you to save cash under minimum wage. So get your FREE cell phone service and DATA now!!
Start Saving Today!
