Food & Nutrition

Arizona Nutrition Assistance Program

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Nutrition Assistance program, formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Arizona pay for food.

If you're approved for Nutrition Assistance benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). The Arizona Quest EBT card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets to buy Nutrition Assistance-approved food items. You can also make Nutrition Assistance purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Arizona Nutrition Assistance work?

The Nutrition Assistance program, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and formerly as Food Stamps, is run by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). DES offices across the state provide local support for people who receive Nutrition Assistance and other types of public assistance.

Nutrition Assistance can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are Nutrition Assistance-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the Nutrition Assistance application process like in Arizona?

While the idea of applying for Nutrition Assistance may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, 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 beneifts.
Fill out an application: You can apply for Arizona Nutrition Assistance online, in person, by fax, by mail, or over the phone. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process; 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 complete a phone interview with a caseworker once DES receives your application.
Wait for a decision: Most Arizona Nutrition Assistance applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for Nutrition Assistance benefits, you’ll receive your new EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

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

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for Nutrition Assistance, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

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.
All able-bodied adults, with certain exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

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

What are the Arizona Nutrition Assistance income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get Nutrition Assistance benefits. In Arizona:

Most households must meet a gross income limit of 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Households with a member who has a disability or is age 60+ must meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the Nutrition Assistance income limit. A DES Family Assistance Administration staff member can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

Earned income deduction (20%)
Standard deduction (based on household size)
Farming self-employment loss deduction, if applicable
Medical expense deduction (households with a member who is age 60 or older or who has a disability)
Dependent care or care for incapacitated adult deduction
Child support deduction
Utility allowance

What are the Arizona Nutrition Assistance asset (resource) limits?

Assets refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). Most households have no asset limit. If your household has a member who is 60 or older or has a disability, and your household did not meet the gross income test, there is an asset limit of $4,250. If you own a home, the home and the land it sits on are not counted toward the asset limit. Most retirement and pension plans are not counted (although withdrawals from these plans may be counted as income).

How do I prepare to apply?

When applying for Arizona Nutrition Assistance, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process 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 would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your Nutrition Assistance application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for Nutrition Assistance in Arizona

There are several ways to apply for Arizona Nutrition Assistance. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

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 to verify the information. 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 will first need a paper application. You can request a Nutrition Assistance application 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.

Simplified SNAP Application for Households With Older Adults

The Arizona Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) makes it easier for older people to apply for and receive SNAP. ESAP benefits include:

A shorter and simpler application
A longer benefits period of 36 months
No required contact with DES halfway through the approval period
An interview may not be needed to renew benefits
Fewer changes that must be reported

You may be eligible for ESAP if your household members all meet the following requirements:

Are age 60 or older
Do not have earned or self-employment income

To complete an ESAP application, call 1-855-234-4960 to speak with a DES Family Assistance Administration staff member or request a mailed application. You can also download the application in English or Spanish and return it to DES using the instructions on the form.

If you are eligible for Nutrition Assistance, you will receive benefits starting the date your application is filed. You will be notified in writing of the decision on your case.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Nutrition Assistance benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You are eligible to receive expedited (faster) Nutrition Assistance assistance if you 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.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for Nutrition Assistance in Arizona?

After your application is received, you may be contacted to have an interview with a DES Family Assistance Administration staff member. These are usually done over the phone. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my Nutrition Assistance interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, the DES staff member can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

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

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?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, it can take up to 30 days for DES to process your Nutrition Assistance application (within 7 days for expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

You will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for Nutrition Assistance benefits. If you are approved, the letter will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the letter will tell you the reason 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 (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Arizona, that period is 6 months, but it can range from 3 months to 3 years.

Shortly after you are approved for Nutrition Assistance, you will receive your Arizona Quest EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits. Going forward, benefits will be loaded onto your EBT card on a specific day of the month, according to the first letter of your last name.

Other important tips to know

What if my Arizona Nutrition Assistance application is denied?

You have the right to request an appeal if your application is denied, your benefits are stopped, or your application is not processed promptly. Your denial notice should include instructions on how to file an appeal.

How can I view my SNutrition Assistance benefits information?

You can check the status of your application and details of your nutrition assistance benefits online at Health-e-Arizona Plus or MyFamilyBenefits.

How do I activate my Arizona EBT card?

To set up your EBT card, call Quest Card Customer Service at 1-888-997-9333 (TTY:1-800-367-8939) or the number on the back of your card to set up your PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen EBT card. You can also manage your card online through ebtEDGE (you must create an account first).

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

If your household receives Nutrition Assistance benefits, you need to report when:

The total gross income of all household members getting Nutrition Assistance totals more than 130% of the current Federal Poverty Level.
A household member wins $4,250 or more in a single game (e.g., casinos, Lottery, bingo, etc.).
An Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) has their work hours fall below 20 hours per week or less than 80 hours per month.

Changes must be reported by the 10th calendar day of the month following the month the change occurred. Reporting can be done online, via phone, or by completing and mailing a Change Report form. You should also immediately report a change to your mailing address to ensure you receive information about your benefits renewal.

When should you renew your Nutrition Assistance benefits in Arizona?

You must renew your benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

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