Arizona, AZ

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.

TANF benefit level in Arizona is among the lowest in the country at $278 per month for a family of three with no other income.

Arizona is also the first and only state to limit lifetime eligibility requirements for recipients 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 application through Health-e-Arizona Plus — the same application used to apply for Medicaid and Nutrition Assistance.

Arizona Nutrition Assistance Program (NA) #

Arizona's Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food benefits to eligible low-income families with children and vulnerable adults. Its main purpose is to help Arizonians add more nutritious foods to their diets.

SNAP benefits are calculated based on household size, income, and certain other expenses. For example, a single mother of two children with no income may receive as much as $740 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.

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.

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”.

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.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,248
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

How do I apply for WIC in Arizona?

For more information regarding eligibility and application process, you may contact your local WIC clinic or call (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.

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How do I apply for Medicaid in AZ?

The quickest way to apply for Medicaid is online at Health-e-Arizona Plus — Arizona’s one-stop-shop for easy Medicaid enrollment — the same application used to apply for nutrition and cash assistance.

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

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 138% to 205% of the federal poverty level. Those with income below 138% qualify for Medicaid with no monthly premium.

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

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 #

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?

Your family qualifies for the Head Start program if your household income is at or below the poverty level. Check the chart below to see if your family qualifies.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $1,215
• 2 $1,643
• 3 $2,072
• 4 $2,500
• 5 $2,928
• 6 $3,357
• 7 $3,785
• 8 $4,213

How do I apply for Head Start in Arizona?

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) #

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

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.

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

• Family Size Income Limit
• 2 $2,712
• 3 $3,418
• 4 $4,125
• 5 $4,832
• 6 $5,538
• 7 $6,245
• 8 $6,952

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 Unemployment Insurance #

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

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, 2022, new claims will be eligible to receive a weekly benefit amount of between $60 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 via the Internet or by phone at 1-877-600-2722.

Arizona Emergency Rental Assistance Program #

Effective April 1, 2023, ERAP is available only as rental assistance. Utility assistance will continue to be available through LIHWAP and LIHEAP.

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 using the ERAP online portal or by phone through the ERAP hotline at 1-833-912-0878.

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, total household income, fuel type, and type of residence.

Through LIHEAP, eligible households may receive up to $1,200 a year and an additional $1,000 in supplemental benefits for applicable crisis situations in a 12-month period.

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

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 do I apply for LIHEAP in Arizona?

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

Arizona Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

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 1-833-453-2142.

Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP) #

AzLEAP provides need-based awards up to $2,500 per academic year to Arizona resident students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Through these need-based grants, undergraduate, low-income, Arizona resident students with substantial financial need are able to access dollars for college.

How to apply for AZ LEAP grant?

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

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