Health and Social Services
Arizona offers a wide variety of public public programs and services to help families who need support or may be experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, no healthcare or challenges paying utilities. Below are some of the public programs Arizona offers and that you may be eligible to receive.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program. SNAP, formerly Food Stamps, supplies EBT cards that can be used just like debit cards to buy nutritious food. The EBT cards can be used at approved stores and supermarkets to purchase food and other meal related items. SNAP also provided a nutrition education program in each state to allow for families to make healthier choices. Each family must complete an application, show supporting documentation and complete an eligibility interview before being approved or denied for SNAP.
Eligibility requirements for the Nutrition Assistance Program are established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). During the eligibility process, the family’s resources, income, residence, citizenship status and cooperation with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment & Training program will be considered.
To learn more about the Nutrition Assistance Program in Arizona, click here.
To apply and/or see if you qualify for Nutrition Assistance, click below:
Screen for Nutrition Assistance benefits
Apply for Nutrition Assistance benefits
Eligibility requirements for the Nutrition Assistance Program are established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). During the eligibility process, the family’s resources, income, residence, citizenship status and cooperation with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment & Training program will be considered.
To learn more about the Nutrition Assistance Program in Arizona, click here.
To apply and/or see if you qualify for Nutrition Assistance, click below:
Screen for Nutrition Assistance benefits
Apply for Nutrition Assistance benefits
Community Food Banks
Locate a community food bank in your area by using the Association of Arizona Food Banks (AAFB) database of emergency food options (food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and others that distribute emergency food) in Arizona:
Use the AAFB database by clicking here.
- Find nearby emergency food for yourself or someone you know struggling with hunger.
- Locate food donation and volunteer opportunities close to you.
- Reference emergency food options if you are a case worker who makes referrals to clients needing assistance.
Use the AAFB database by clicking here.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. Under TEFAP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes commodity foods available to state distributing agencies.
TEFAP can be used by homeless people, low income seniors, families and individuals that would benefit from receiving prepared meals in soup kitchen programs as well as food banks/pantries that help to distribute food to individuals for household use.
TEFAP eligibility is based on self declaration and does not have a formal application process. After finding the closest TEFAP location, the individual seeking assistance will need to provide identification, which can be a bill with name and address and sign in to receive services.
To learn more about the TEFAP, click here.
TEFAP can be used by homeless people, low income seniors, families and individuals that would benefit from receiving prepared meals in soup kitchen programs as well as food banks/pantries that help to distribute food to individuals for household use.
TEFAP eligibility is based on self declaration and does not have a formal application process. After finding the closest TEFAP location, the individual seeking assistance will need to provide identification, which can be a bill with name and address and sign in to receive services.
To learn more about the TEFAP, click here.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
CACFP provides aid to child and adult care institutions and family or group child care homes for the provision of nutritious foods that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and chronically impaired disabled persons. CACFP is a federally funded program and is administered through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by the Arizona Department of Education for schools, child care centers and family child care homes.
Whether your child care provider is a family child care home, or a child care center, in an after school care program, or in an emergency shelter, you will find the many tools and useful resources your caregiver utilizes for serving nutritious meals and snacks to children.
To learn more about the USDA's CACFP, click here.
To learn more information about Arizona's CACFP, click here.
Whether your child care provider is a family child care home, or a child care center, in an after school care program, or in an emergency shelter, you will find the many tools and useful resources your caregiver utilizes for serving nutritious meals and snacks to children.
To learn more about the USDA's CACFP, click here.
To learn more information about Arizona's CACFP, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutrition education and breastfeeding support services, supplemental nutritious foods and referrals to health and social services. WIC serves pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women; infants; and children under the age of five who are determined to be at nutritional risk. The WIC Program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.
WIC participants receive monthly assistance to purchase foods that are high in nutrient value such as infant cereal, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, beans and peas and canned fish. The program participants are also eligible for healthcare referrals and nutritional education courses.
For a pregnant, recently given birth, or breastfeeding mother to be eligible for the WIC program, they must meet program income guidelines, their states’ residency requirement and be determined at nutritional risk by a medical professional.
To learn more about the WIC Program, click here.
To apply, contact your local WIC clinic to make an appointment or call 1 (800) 252-5942.
WIC participants receive monthly assistance to purchase foods that are high in nutrient value such as infant cereal, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, beans and peas and canned fish. The program participants are also eligible for healthcare referrals and nutritional education courses.
For a pregnant, recently given birth, or breastfeeding mother to be eligible for the WIC program, they must meet program income guidelines, their states’ residency requirement and be determined at nutritional risk by a medical professional.
To learn more about the WIC Program, click here.
To apply, contact your local WIC clinic to make an appointment or call 1 (800) 252-5942.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides cash benefits to needy dependent children, under the age of 18, and their caretaker parent or relative. If the dependent child is age 18, he or she must be a full time student in high school or in the equivalent level of vocational or technical training program and expected to complete before turning 19.
The families that can be considered consist of Kinship Care Families, Kinship Foster Care families, two parent families, unwed minor parents and legal permanent guardians. Adults who receive cash assistance are required to sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement that specifies their willingness to engage in work activities that will lead to employment and comply with child support payments if applicable.
The Cash Assistance application may also be used to apply for the AHCCCS Health Insurance (Medical Assistance) and Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, formerly Food Stamp) programs. There is no fee to apply for cash assistance.
To learn more about TANF, click here.
To see if you qualify and/or to apply:
The families that can be considered consist of Kinship Care Families, Kinship Foster Care families, two parent families, unwed minor parents and legal permanent guardians. Adults who receive cash assistance are required to sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement that specifies their willingness to engage in work activities that will lead to employment and comply with child support payments if applicable.
The Cash Assistance application may also be used to apply for the AHCCCS Health Insurance (Medical Assistance) and Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, formerly Food Stamp) programs. There is no fee to apply for cash assistance.
To learn more about TANF, click here.
To see if you qualify and/or to apply:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a Federally-funded program that helps low-income households pay their heating/cooling bills, minimize crises, and make energy costs more affordable. LIHEAP benefits can be used to pay for the current month's electric or gas bill, a past due bill, or a utility deposit, as well as late fees and reconnect fees.
Eligible energy customers may receive help in three ways:
Community Action Programs and other designated local providers offer several programs to assist with energy assistance. The Division contracts with local CAPs for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
To learn if you qualify, click here.
Find your local office by clicking here.
Eligible energy customers may receive help in three ways:
- Help to pay current and past due energy bills
- Help with utility deposits
- Help with energy efficiency measures to reduce future energy costs
Community Action Programs and other designated local providers offer several programs to assist with energy assistance. The Division contracts with local CAPs for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
To learn if you qualify, click here.
Find your local office by clicking here.
Medicaid (AHCCCS) and State Children's Health Insurance Program (KidsCare)
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
AHCCCS is Arizona's Medicaid agency that offers health care programs to serve Arizona residents. Individuals must meet certain income and other requirements to obtain services. You can apply online for AHCCCS Medical Assistance using Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus). You can apply for yourself, your family, or someone close to you by using Health-e-Arizona Plus.
You can use one application to apply for AHCCCS Medical Assistance for everyone in your household. Applications for AHCCCS Health Insurance are available on the Department of Economic Security (DES) or by clicking below:
To learn more about AHCCCS, click here.
KidsCare - Arizona's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
AHCCCS offers health insurance through KidsCare for eligible children (under age 19) who are not eligible for other AHCCCS health insurance. For those who qualify, there are monthly premiums.
The applicant may qualify for this program if the applicant:
To learn more about KidsCare click here. or call 1800.377.3536 for assistance applying for KidsCare.
Healthcare Marketplace
Need Health Insurance? The Healthcare Marketplace is services that helps people shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance. The federal government operates the Marketplace, available at www.HealthCare.gov for most states. Arizona participates in the federal healthcare marketplace.
When you apply for individual and family coverage through the Marketplace, you’ll provide income and household information. You’ll find out if you qualify for:
If you don’t have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying coverage, the Marketplace can help you get covered.
Visit www.Healthcare.gov to apply.
AHCCCS is Arizona's Medicaid agency that offers health care programs to serve Arizona residents. Individuals must meet certain income and other requirements to obtain services. You can apply online for AHCCCS Medical Assistance using Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus). You can apply for yourself, your family, or someone close to you by using Health-e-Arizona Plus.
You can use one application to apply for AHCCCS Medical Assistance for everyone in your household. Applications for AHCCCS Health Insurance are available on the Department of Economic Security (DES) or by clicking below:
To learn more about AHCCCS, click here.
KidsCare - Arizona's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
AHCCCS offers health insurance through KidsCare for eligible children (under age 19) who are not eligible for other AHCCCS health insurance. For those who qualify, there are monthly premiums.
The applicant may qualify for this program if the applicant:
- Is an Arizona resident
- Is 18 years old or younger
- Is a United States citizen or a qualified immigrant
- Has a Social Security number or applies for one
- To apply for a Social Security number visit the U.S. Social Security Administration
- Make a copy of the form submitted as confirmation of applying for a Social Security Number
- Is under the income limit
- Is not currently covered by other health insurance
- Does not qualify for coverage through a state agency employee
- Is not eligible to receive AHCCCS (Medicaid) coverage
- Is a member of a household that is willing to pay a premium
To learn more about KidsCare click here. or call 1800.377.3536 for assistance applying for KidsCare.
Healthcare Marketplace
Need Health Insurance? The Healthcare Marketplace is services that helps people shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance. The federal government operates the Marketplace, available at www.HealthCare.gov for most states. Arizona participates in the federal healthcare marketplace.
When you apply for individual and family coverage through the Marketplace, you’ll provide income and household information. You’ll find out if you qualify for:
- Premium tax credits and other savings that make insurance more affordable
- Coverage through the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in your state
If you don’t have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying coverage, the Marketplace can help you get covered.
Visit www.Healthcare.gov to apply.
