ARIZONA

Arizona Cash Assistance Program

Arizona’s Cash Assistance Program (TANF) provides temporary cash benefits and supportive services to Arizona’s most vulnerable children and their families.

The program is designed to help families meet their basic needs, promote work and self-sufficiency, and increase the employability of parents through work activities and supportive services.

Arizona has one of the nation’s weakest safety nets for families with children where eligibility for TANF is limited to no more than 12 months of cash benefits, making it the nation’s shortest such limit.

How much money do I get for cash assistance in Arizona?

TANF benefits in Arizona vary by household size and income. A family of three with no income may receive up to $347 per month in cash assistance.

If you are not currently receiving Cash Assistance, you may opt for one-time lump-sum payment of up to $1,041 for a family of three through the Grant Diversion Program.

How do I apply for TANF in Arizona?

In Arizona, you can apply for TANF through Health-e-Arizona Plus , the same application used to apply for Medicaid and Nutrition Assistance.

Arizona Department of Economic Security
Customer Support Center
(855) 432-7587

Arizona Nutrition Assistance Program

Arizona’s Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families with children and vulnerable adults. The program helps eligible households afford a nutritionally adequate supply of food.

SNAP benefit amounts vary based on several factors, including household size, income, and allowable deductions. For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 per month.

What is the income limit for food stamps in AZ?

Most families in Arizona with gross income up to 185% of the federal poverty standard qualify for SNAP. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three to qualify.

How do I get food stamps in Arizona?

Applications can be made online through Health-e-Arizona Plus  or in person at your local office or call (855) 432-7587 to request a paper application be mailed to you.

Arizona Department of Economic Security
Customer Support Center
(855) 432-7587

Arizona SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer-EBT (S-EBT), provides grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children who lose access to free or reduced-price school meals when schools are closed for the summer.

Each eligible child (ages 6—18) will get a one-time $120 benefit to buy groceries — that’s $40 per month for June, July, and August. The benefits will be added to an existing EBT card or a newly issued SUN Bucks card.

If you do not receive the SUN Bucks benefits and believe you should have been eligible, you may submit an application online when it reopens.

Arizona Department of Economic Security
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) Hotline
(833) 648-4406

Arizona Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

If you do not qualify for Nutrition Assistance benefits, or need help with food during the application process, you may visit any of the TEFAP Food Distribution sites (“Food Pantries”) near you.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides emergency food and nutrition assistance to people experiencing homelessness, low-income senior citizens, families with children, at no cost.

Arizona has several locations state-wide that provide TEFAP foods to eligible persons in need. Click the link here to find food assistance and other community services in your area.

The state agency in charge of administering TEFAP in Arizona is the Coordinated Hunger Relief Program. It supervises the overall distribution of commodities.

Arizona Department of Economic Security
Coordinated Hunger Relief Program
(602) 771-2788

Arizona Special Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Arizona’s Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to those who are considered to be “at nutritional risk” because of dietary problems.

WIC serves Arizona’s pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and infants and children up to age 5 who meet WIC eligibility guidelines .

What is the income limit for WIC in Arizona?

To be fully eligible for the program, applicants must be determined by a health professional to be “at nutritional risk” and have income not exceeding 185% of the federal poverty level.

How long do I get WIC in Arizona?

In Arizona, WIC benefits last for different lengths of time depending on who is receiving them:

• Pregnant women: through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth
• Breastfeeding women: up to 12 months after childbirth
• Non-breastfeeding postpartum women: up to 6 months after childbirth
• Infants: from birth until their first birthday
• Children: from age 1 until their 5th birthday

WIC is not automatic. Participants must recertify periodically to continue receiving benefits.

How do I apply for WIC in Arizona?

To apply for WIC in Arizona, you must contact your local WIC clinic  to check eligibility and schedule an appointment. WIC applications are completed in person, as part of an enrollment visit.

Arizona Department of Health Services
WIC Nutrition Program
(800) 252-5942

Arizona Medicaid

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s version of Medicaid that provides medical coverage for Arizona residents who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

This mostly includes children from low-income families, pregnant women as well as elderly and disabled individuals who meet both income and asset limits.

Until recently, a new mother on Medicaid only received postpartum coverage for 60 days. Now, that coverage extends to a full year.

What is the maximum income to qualify for AHCCCS in Arizona?

As Arizona is expanding Medicaid coverage, uninsured adults age 19—64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level may now gain coverage. Children and pregnant women are eligible at higher income levels.

How do I apply for Medicaid in AZ?

The quickest way to apply for Medicaid (AHCCCS) is through Health-e-Arizona Plus  — Arizona’s one-stop-shop for easy Medicaid enrollment — the same application used to apply for KidsCare (CHIP).

If you are 65+, blind, or disabled, you have the option to print an Application for Benefits form, complete it, and mail it to:

AHCCCS Medical Assistance Specialty Programs
801 E Jefferson St, Phoenix AZ 85034

How do I contact Arizona Medicaid?

Arizona KidsCare

Arizona KidsCare is the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low-cost health insurance for eligible children under age 19 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid (AHCCCS).

Children age 18 and younger can receive comprehensive health coverage through Arizona KidsCare, which includes medical, dental, and vision services combined into one coordinated plan.

Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, preventive services, dental checkups, and eye exams to support a child’s overall health.

What is the income limit for KidsCare in Arizona?

Arizona has one of the lowest income eligibility thresholds for CHIP in the nation at just 230% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, this equates to a monthly income of up to $5,108.

How much is KidsCare in Arizona?

Arizona suspended monthly premiums for its KidsCare (CHIP) program in 2020 during the pandemic and has yet to reinstate them.

Depending on your household income, KidsCare costs as low as $10 a month but no more than $50 a month for one child or no more than $70 a month no matter how many children are in the household. Those with income below 138% qualify for Medicaid with no monthly premium.

Under federal law, Native Americans enrolled with a federally recognized tribe and certain Alaskan Natives do not have to pay a premium. Proof of tribal enrollment is required.

How do I apply for KidsCare in Arizona?

Families can apply for KidsCare through the state’s online portal, Health-e-Arizona Plus , or get free application assistance by contacting Cover Arizona  at (800) 377-3536.

Arizona Head Start and Early Head Start

Arizona Head Start and Early Head Start (EHS) programs promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services.

Early Head Start is open to children under 3 years old in low-income families, while children 3 to 5 years old participate in Head Start. Pregnant women may also be eligible for Early Head Start.

What is the income limit for Head Start in Arizona?

A family is eligible for the Head Start program if its household income is at or below the federal poverty level. That’s about $2,221 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for Head Start in Arizona?

Head Start and Early Head Start Programs across Arizona are currently accepting applications. Call (866) 763-6481 to locate the program serving your community.

Arizona Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Due to increased demand and limited funding, DES now has a waiting list  for most families applying to the program.

Arizona Child Care Assistance Program is available to eligible families with children under the age of 12 that might not otherwise be able to afford the costs of child care.

Child care assistance is also available for children experiencing homelessness and children referred by the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) or a Tribal child welfare program.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in AZ?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is at or below 165% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Arizona?

To apply for assistance, you may contact your local DES Child Care office  to schedule an appointment and fill out an application. Referrals are also available online.

Due to limited funding, a statewide waiting list may be implemented to prioritize eligible families waiting to receive child care assistance.

Arizona Department of Economic Security
Child Care Assistance Program
(602) 542-4248

Arizona Unemployment Insurance

Arizona Unemployment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet the eligibility criteria.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. at least 390 times the Arizona minimum wage during the highest paid quarter of the base period, with the combined total of the other three quarters being at least half of that amount.

   For example, if you earned $6,000 in your highest quarter, you need at least $3,000 combined in the other three quarters.

2. or, a total of at least $8,000 in two or more quarters of the base period, with at least one quarter having $7,987.50 or more.

Those who file for a new claim may be entitled to up to 24 weeks of benefits and are required by the state law to register for work at Arizona Job Connection .

How much is unemployment insurance in AZ?

Beginning July 1, 2025, all claimants will be eligible to receive a weekly benefit amount of between $229 and $320 based on the wages they earned when they were working.

How do I file unemployment claim in Arizona?

In Arizona, there are no physical offices where you can walk in and apply for unemployment benefits. Filing for initial or weekly claims can only be made online through the new CACTUS portal  or by phone at (877) 600-2722.

Arizona Department of Economic Security
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
(877) 600-2722

Arizona Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Arizona Rental Assistance Program has ended and applications are no longer being accepted. Applications submitted on or before August 31, 2024 will continue to be processed.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program  (ERAP) now offers rent and utility assistance to eligible Arizona renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible households in one of the 12 counties listed below may receive up to $3,500 per month for both rent and utility assistance for a maximum of 18 months.

Currently, ERAP are only available for renters in the following counties —

• Apache
• Cochise
• Coconino
• Gila
• Graham
• Greenlee
• La Paz
• Maricopa
• Mohave
• Navajo
• Pima
• Pinal
• Santa Cruz
• Yavapai
• Yuma

How do I apply rental assistance in Arizona?

Applicants may apply for rental and utility assistance through the ERAP online portal  or by phone through the ERAP hotline at (833) 912-0878.

Arizona Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Arizona LIHEAP helps low-income households meet their home energy needs. The amount of assistance is based on household size, household income, fuel type, and type of residence.

LIHEAP provides both regular and crisis benefits. Crisis benefits are a separate form of assistance available to households experiencing an immediate energy-related emergency.

Households are income-eligible for LIHEAP when their gross income is at or below 60% of the state median income (SMI), with priority given to the elderly (60 and over), disabled and families with young children.

Due to limited funding, the availability of LIHEAP assistance in Arizona is not guaranteed and is limited to once in a 12-month period.

How much does LIHEAP pay in Arizona?

Through LIHEAP, eligible households may receive up to $640 a year and an additional $500 in supplemental benefits for applicable crisis situations in a 12-month period.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Arizona?

To apply for LIHEAP, contact the local Community Action Program  (CAP) in your area or apply online through A-to-Z Arizona Portal . A copy of your current utility bill, disconnection notice (if any), and proof of income are needed for eligibility determination.

Arizona Department of Economic Security
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(866) 494-1981

Arizona Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Arizona LIHWAP, on the other hand, provides financial relief to families for water and wastewater bills to avoid shutoffs or disconnections.

Eligible households can receive up to $3,000 in water assistance, depending on their need. Assistance includes water service restoration, past-due debt, and future bills.

To be eligible for LIHWAP, you must have an income not exceeding 60% of the state median income. Households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6 are given higher prority.

How do I get help paying my water bill in Arizona?

For your convenience, you can now apply for LIHWAP online using the LIHEAP online portal  or by phone through the hotline at (833) 453-2142.

Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP)

Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP) provides need-based awards of up to $2,500 per academic year to help low-income undergraduate students pay for college.

Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six or more credits per semester) and demonstrate substantial financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

There is no separate application for AzLEAP. The program is administered and awarded through each participating institution  that will select eligible recipients for the award.

Arizona Board of Regents
(602) 229-2500

Arizona Promise Program

Arizona Promise Program  is a guaranteed scholarship program for eligible Arizona residents that ensures all tuition and fees are covered at Arizona’s public universities.

The program guarantees to cover all remaining tuition and mandatory fees at public universities in Arizona, after all other aid, scholarships, and grants are applied.

Eligibility for the Arizona Promise Program is based on the following criteria:

1. Live in Arizona
   Students must be Arizona residents and high school graduates with a 2.5 GPA or higher.

2. Complete the FAFSA
   Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA by April 1 to receive priority consideration.

3. Qualify for Pell
   Students must be eligible for and receive a federal Pell Grant.

4. Enroll at an Arizona Public University
   Students must enroll at Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU), or the University of Arizona (U of A).

How do I apply for Arizona Promise Program?

There is no separate application. Pell-eligible students are automatically considered once they complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

College Ready AZ FAFSA Scholarship

The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) has launched the College Ready AZ FAFSA Scholarship to encourage high school seniors and their families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

It provides a one-time scholarship award of $2,000 to 25 Arizona high school seniors who plan to attend one of the state’s public universities or community colleges.

To be considered for the scholarship, students must complete the FAFSA and submit a scholarship application  through College Ready AZ.

Arizona FAFSA Hotline
(833) 293-2372