Arizona Nutrition Assistance Program

The Nutrition Assistance (NA) program, once known as Food Stamps, is Arizona’s version of SNAP. It helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families with low income pay for groceries.

If you're approved, you’ll get an Arizona Quest EBT card. You use it like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other stores that accept EBT cards. You can also make Nutrition Assistance purchases on Amazon.

As we get older, eating healthy helps us stay active and independent for longer. It’s worth checking Arizona NA eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.

See if you’re eligible now: Use the state's screener tool (click here).

Arizona Nutrition Assistance / SNAP: Quick Facts

What is Arizona Nutrition Assistance?

A program that helps low-income families, older adults, and people with disabilities in Arizona pay for food.

Who can get help?

Arizona residents who meet the program’s income and other rules. Special rules apply if someone in your household is age 60+ or has a disability.

How much can I get?

Your monthly amount depends on your household size, income, and certain expenses.

How do I use my benefits?

If approved, your Nutrition Assistance benefits are added to an EBT card each month. You use it like a debit card to buy food at stores that accept EBT.

How do I apply?

Apply through the Health-e-Arizona Plus website. You can also apply by phone, in person, or by mail.

How does Arizona Nutrition Assistance work?

The Arizona Nutrition Assistance program helps people with little or no income afford food. If you qualify, you get monthly benefits deposited onto an EBT card. You can use that card to buy healthy groceries—like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, nuts, and even seeds to grow your own food.

By lowering your grocery costs, Nutrition Assistance can free up money for other things like utility bills, prescriptions, and medical care.

Nutrition Assistance is run by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). DES offices across the state help people apply for FoodShare, manage their benefits, and get their questions answered.

What is the Nutrition Assistance application process like in Arizona?

Applying for Nutrition Assistance is not as complicated as you might think. You don’t have to apply all by yourself—a friend, family member, or DES worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Arizona Nutrition Assistance:

• Check your eligibility: Use this online screening tool to see if you may qualify for benefits.

• Fill out an application: You can apply for Arizona Nutrition Assistance online, in person, by fax, by mail, or over the phone. This will take 20 to 30 minutes. You don’t need documents to start an application; all you need to provide is your name, address, and signature. If you’re approved, your benefit start date is the date your application was received by DES.

• Have an interview: You may need to have a phone interview with a case worker once DES receives your application.

• Wait for a decision: Most Nutrition Assistance applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you need food quickly, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster.

• Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for Nutrition Assistance, you’ll get your new EBT card in the mail.

How do I know if I am eligible for Nutrition Assistance?

To get Nutrition Assistance, your household must meet the following basic rules:

• All applicants must be a resident of Arizona.

• All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.

• The household must meet certain income limits. An asset limit may also apply for some households.

• Most adults must meet certain work requirements.

• All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

Your Nutrition Assistance “household” includes everyone in your home who shops for and prepares meals with you.

If you get TANF Cash Assistance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may automatically be eligible to get Nutrition Assistance.

What are the Nutrition Assistance work requirements in Arizona?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP (Nutrition Assistance) work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. The age limit for this rule used to be 55.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get SNAP benefits. Ask your local DES office what these new work rules mean for you.

How much Nutrition Assistance can I get in Arizona?

The amount of money you will get in Arizona Nutrition Assistance benefits depends on:

• How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security

• How many people live with you

As of 2026, the average older adult gets $188 each month in SNAP benefits to help with groceries. If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more SNAP benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills.

What are income limits? How do they affect my NA eligibility?

Income limits are the most money your household can receive each month and still get Nutrition Assistance. The limits depend on how many people are in your household. Most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

If someone in your household is age 60 or older or has a disability, FNS uses special rules to decide if you qualify and how much of your income counts. Many older adults are surprised they qualify for FNS. The best way to know is to apply.

What are the Arizona Nutrition Assistance income limits?

The income limits below apply from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. If you’re not sure if you qualify, your local office can help. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum gross monthly income (185% FPL)

1 $ 2,660

2 $ 3,608

3 $ 4,554

4 $ 5,500

5 $ 6,448

For each additional person, add: +$ 948

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2026)

Most Nutrition Assistance households do not have an asset limit, so you can have savings, own a home or car, and still qualify. Asset limits may apply in some cases, so ask your local FNS office which rules apply to you.

Can medical expenses help me qualify for SNAP?

Yes. If you’re 60 or older or meet Nutrition Assistance disability rules, medical costs you pay yourself may help you qualify or get more benefits. These may include doctor visits, prescription medicines, health insurance premiums, and travel to medical appointments. Tell your local office about these expenses and keep bills, receipts, or other proof.

How do I apply for Nutrition Assistance in Arizona?

To apply for NA in Arizona, follow these general steps:

1. Get important documents ready

When applying for Arizona Nutrition Assistance, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make things easier:

• Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources

• Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members

• Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs

• Child care or dependent care costs

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID

• Birth certificate

• Bank statements

• Pension statements

• Social Security statements

• Pay stubs

• Tax returns

• Social Security card

• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)

• Marriage license or divorce decree

If you want someone else (like a friend or family member) to help you gather documents, complete your application, and join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative.

2. Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for Nutrition Assistance in Arizona is online through the

Health-e-Arizona Plus portal. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply on the Health-e-Arizona Plus portal

To apply online:

• Visit the Health-e-Arizona Plus portal and click 'Apply Online.'

• On the next screen:

• If you have an account, click 'I have an account' and log in.

• If you do not have an account, click 'I want to create an account.' Then, follow the prompts to set up your username and password.

• Once you are logged in to the system, click 'Begin a New Application.'

• On the next screen, choose 'Nutrition Assistance' as the program you want to apply to.

• Follow the prompts to complete the Nutrition Assistance application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes.

Tips for success:

• Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait. You can save your application progress in the system and come back later to finish it, if necessary.

• You can switch the language to Spanish in the Health-e-Arizona Plus portal by clicking on ‘Español’ at the top right of your screen.

• Refer to this PDF guide for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for Nutrition Assistance online.

APPLY IN PERSON

To apply for Arizona Nutrition Assistance in person, you need a paper application. You can request one in person or download and print an application here:

• Nutrition Assistance application (English)

• Nutrition Assistance application (Spanish)

If you download and print the above application, take the completed application to a DES office near you.

APPLY BY PHONE, MAIL, OR FAX

Apply by Phone

To apply for Arizona Nutrition Assistance over the phone, call 1-855-432-7587 and an agent can complete the application with you.

Apply by Mail

To apply by mail, mail your completed application to:

AZ Department of Economic Security

Family Assistance Administration

P.O. Box 19009

Phoenix, AZ 85005-9009

Apply by Fax

To apply by fax, fax your completed application to [1-602-257-7031](tel:1-602-257-7031).

Is everyone in your household age 60 or older?

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) is a special option for older adults. The application is shorter, benefits can last 3 years, and you do not have a mid-period check-in with DES. When it is time to renew, you may not need an interview, and you have fewer changes to report.

You may qualify if everyone in your household is age 60 or older and no one has wages or self-employment income. To apply, call 1-855-234-4960 to get help or request a paper application. You can also download the form in English or Spanish and mail it to DES using the directions on the form.

Can I get emergency food assistance?

You may be able to get Nutrition Assistance benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if you need food quickly. You must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Your monthly gross income, cash, and bank accounts are less than your monthly housing and utility expenses.

• Your monthly gross income is less than $150 and your cash and bank accounts are $100 or less.

• At least one person in your household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker and your cash and bank accounts are $100 or less.

Need food today? Visit the Arizona Food Bank Network to find resources in your area while you wait for your Nutrition Assistance application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Arizona Nutrition Assistance application. You can:

• Call DES at 1-855-432-7587.

• Find and contact your local DES office.

• Enter your ZIP code on this site to find an HEAplus Community Assistor.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.

How long does it take to get approved for Nutrition Assistance in Arizona?

It can take up to 30 days for DES to review your Nutrition Assistance application. If you qualify for emergency benefits, you should get a decision within 7 days.

After your application is received, you may be contacted to have an interview. These are usually done over the phone. Watch your mail and answer your phone so you don’t miss important letters or calls from DES, even if the number looks unknown.

What can I expect during my Nutrition Assistance interview?

The purpose of the interview is to double-check the information you already provided. The DES staff member can tell you more about the program, answer questions, and help you get information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your Nutrition Assistance interview, you may be asked questions like:

• What is your full name and birthday?

• What is your Social Security number?

• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)

• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)

• What is your monthly income?

• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?

• What other regular bills do you have?

Practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member. That will help you feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

After your interview and once you send in the needed information, you will get a letter in the mail. The letter will say if you were approved or denied for Nutrition Assistance. If approved, it will tell you how much you will get and when your benefits start. The date you submitted your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

If you’re denied, it will explain why.

What happens after I am approved for Nutrition Assistance?

If you are approved for Arizona Nutrition Assistance, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for. That period ranges from 6 months to 3 years for ESAP households.…