Help for Single Mothers in ARIZONA

Arizona Cash Assistance Program #

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

Arizona’s TANF program provides one of the nation’s weakest safety nets for families with children. ¹ Eligibility is limited to no more than 12 months of cash benefits.

How do I apply for TANF in Arizona?

Whether you are applying for the first time, or renewing your benefits, submit your completed application through Health-e-Arizona Plus, the same application used to apply for Medicaid and Nutrition Assistance.

Arizona Nutrition Assistance Program (NA) #

The Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides healthy food to low-income families with children and vulnerable adults. Its main purpose is to help Arizonians add more nutritious foods to their diets.

The amount of benefits depends on household size and income. For example, a single mother with two who works full-time could receive as much as $407 in Nutrition Assistance benefits per month.

How do I get food stamps in Arizona?

Application 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.

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.

Arizona Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) #

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.

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

Coordinated Hunger Relief Program
(602)-771-2788.

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

The 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”.

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

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.

Arizona Medicaid Program #

Medicaid provides medical coverage for Arizona residents who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. This mostly includes children from low-income families as well as pregnant women.

As Arizona is expanding Medicaid coverage, uninsured adults age 19-64 with income up to 133% of the federal poverty level and children up to 147% FPL may now gain coverage.

How do I apply for Medicaid in AZ?

You can apply online for Medicaid using Health-e-Arizona Plus — Arizona’s one-stop-shop for easy Medicaid enrollment — the same application used to apply for nutrition and cash assistance.

Arizona KidsCare #

KidsCare is Arizona’s health insurance for children under 19. Children ages 18 and younger that qualify can get medical, dental and vision services; all three services combined in one simple plan.

KidsCare covers children in families with income from 133% to 200% of the federal poverty level. Those with income below 133% qualify for Medicaid with no monthly premium.

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.

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.

Arizona Head Start and Early Head Start #

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.

Head Start and Early Head Start Programs across Arizona are currently accepting applications. Call 1-866-763-6481 to locate the program serving your community.

Arizona Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) #

Child care assistance is available to eligible Arizona families with children 12 years of age or younger. Among other requirements, applicants must meet income criteria 4 and are required to pay a portion of the child care costs.

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 on-line.

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

Arizona Unemployment Insurance #

Unemployment insurance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own that meet Arizona’s eligibility requirements.

Those who file for a new claim may be entitled to up to 26 weeks of benefits and are required by the state law to register for work at Arizona Job Connection.

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 via the Internet or by phone at 1-877-600-2722.

Arizona Back to Work Program #

Arizona is ending the additional $300 a week people on jobless benefits get because of the pandemic. Instead, those collecting jobless benefits could get a one-time bonus for getting back to work, along with child care support, educational opportunities, and rental assistance. ²

Arizona offers a one-time bonus of $2,000 to eligible individuals who return to the workforce and get a full-time job, while those who return part-time will receive $1,000.

The bonuses are only offered to workers earning $25 per hour or less and completed at least 10 weeks of work with an employer, and be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Arizona Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP) #

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

To qualify for the LIHEAP program, you must have an income that falls within the program guidelines. Priority is granted to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.

How do I apply for LIHEAP in Arizona?

To apply for LIHEAP, contact the local Community Action Program (CAP) in your area. The availability of LIHEAP assistance is not guaranteed and is limited to once in a 12 month period.

Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP) #

The AzLEAP grant provides need-based awards up to $2,500 per academic year to Arizona resident students who meet the eligibility criteria. The average amount awarded is closer to $1,000.

Applicants must have substantial financial need — be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

CBPP, Arizona Cuts TANF Time Limit to Shortest Nationwide.
AZ Governor, Governor Ducey Announces “Arizona Back To Work”