Arizona offers various financial assistance programs—both government-run and state-sponsored—to help individuals and families meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, utility bills, housing, and childcare. Numerous resources are available to help cover household expenses, including assistance with car payments, gas vouchers, and emergency social services. Low-income families in Arizona can receive support from a wide range of agencies. Free childcare is also available for working parents, as well as transportation—including the possibility of obtaining a free car—to get to work.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
In Arizona, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is officially known as Nutrition Assistance (NA) and is administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).
The program provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a standard debit card at authorized grocery stores, online retailers (such as Amazon and Walmart), and participating farmers’ markets.
You can apply through the state’s official portal, Health-e-Arizona Plus, or download and print a paper application from the DES portal, complete it, and submit it to your local Family Assistance Administration (FAA) office.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
Arizona’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides free healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and nutritional guidance to eligible families.
The program is administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children under the age of 5. Parents, grandparents, and foster parents may also apply for the program on behalf of eligible children in their care.
Online application: Complete the pre-screening process and the application through the Arizona WIC Participant Portal.
Application by phone: Call the Arizona WIC state hotline at 1-800-252-5942 to contact a clinic near you.
In-person appointment: Visit a local county or tribal health clinic. You must present identification for all applicants, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill), and proof of income (such as pay stubs from the last 30 days).
Phoenix One-Time Crisis Assistance Program
The One-Time Crisis Assistance program provides short-term financial support to Phoenix households that have experienced a total loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as of October 1, 2025.
This assistance helps households maintain stability by covering essential utility costs, allowing families to use their remaining income to purchase culturally appropriate foods and buy groceries close to home.
Utility and Energy Bill Relief
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Arizona’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income homeowners and renters manage immediate heating and cooling bills. The program is administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). When you apply, the state automatically assesses whether you qualify for standard LIHEAP or the Power AZ program, which expands income eligibility criteria using state funds.
Online application: Complete the combined utility assistance application via the DES Energy Relief Portal.
Phone application: Call the Arizona LIHEAP customer service line at 1-866-494-1981 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Local CAP offices: Schedule an appointment at your local Community Action Program (CAP) office to receive personalized, detailed assistance with your application.
Power AZ Program
Power AZ is a state-funded utility bill assistance program launched in March 2026, designed specifically to help moderate-income working families who earn too much to qualify for traditional low-income energy assistance. Administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), the program operates as an expansion of the federal LIHEAP program, utilizing a $15 million state investment to provide immediate relief. Apply for utility assistance online via the “A-to-Z Arizona” customer portal or the DES Energy Relief Portal.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Arizona’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers free, permanent energy-efficiency upgrades for homes owned or rented by low-income families. Administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), the program focuses on improving indoor health and safety while permanently reducing monthly heating and cooling bills.
Cash Assistance and Employment
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families / Cash Assistance)
In Arizona, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is officially known as Cash Assistance (CA). Administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), it provides monthly cash payments to help vulnerable children and their families cover essential needs such as rent, utility bills, clothing, and food. To apply, submit an application through the official Health-e-Arizona Plus portal. You can simultaneously check the boxes to apply for SNAP and AHCCCS Medicaid as well.
ARIZONA@WORK
ARIZONA@WORK is the state’s largest unified workforce development network. It connects job seekers with free training resources, career guidance, and job placement services. Thanks to federal and state funding, all services for job seekers are provided completely free of charge. The network operates as a public-private partnership spanning 12 regional areas and 59 local office locations across the state. You can find the nearest service center using the ARIZONA@WORK locator tool.
Healthcare Coverage
AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System)
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS, pronounced “access”) is Arizona’s state Medicaid agency. It offers comprehensive health insurance coverage to low-income adults, families, children, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities. As Arizona has adopted Medicaid expansion, eligibility for adults in the standard category is determined solely by household size and income. There are no asset or resource limits for standard income-based categories. Call the toll-free customer service line at 1-855-432-7587 (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
KidsCare (CHIP)
KidsCare is Arizona’s version of the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Administered by AHCCCS, KidsCare offers comprehensive and affordable medical and dental insurance for children up to age 19. The program serves as a bridge for working families who earn too much to qualify for standard free Medicaid but still cannot afford private health insurance.
Complete an online application via the Health-e-Arizona Plus portal. The system will automatically direct your child to the KidsCare program if your income exceeds the established standard limit.
Child Care and Housing Assistance
Child Care Financial Assistance
In Arizona, the Child Care Assistance Program helps eligible families pay for quality child care services for children under the age of 13. Administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Child Care, this program provides subsidies directly to authorized child care providers; however, parents may be required to pay a small copayment, depending on their income. You can apply online through the official “A-to-Z Arizona” client portal.
Community Action Programs (CAP)
In Arizona, Community Action Programs (CAP) operate as a local network of county agencies and non-profit organizations dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance. Administered at the state level by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), local CAP offices serve as the primary point of access for immediate crisis assistance. A key requirement of CAP programs is that you must submit your application to the specific agency or office serving your city, county, or tribal nation.
Central Resource Directory
To instantly check your eligibility across multiple platforms, use the “Arizona Self Help” screening tool. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 Arizona website to speak directly with a community resource specialist who can provide information on local food banks, housing helplines, or transportation assistance programs.
