Benzino & Althea Eaton -- Getting Marriage Counseling ... And it Pays TOP Dollar

Althea Eaton and Benzino's non-stop drama cost them their "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" gigs -- but it also helped them score $200k to appear on "Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars."

Sources close to the show tell TMZ that the powder keg lovebirds will work through their issues and see if they are truly ready for marriage in Season 4 -- and they'll rake in a sweet payday while they do it.

No doubt they make for good TV ... Benzino and Althea got tossed off 'LHHA' last year after allegedly instigating the now infamous all out brawl with Stevie J and Joseline Hernandez.

Word of advice: the boot camp counselors should probably keep boxing gloves handy.