Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as Food Stamps, is Arizona’s program for the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) that provides eligible households with monthly benefits they can use to purchase nutritious food. By helping families fight food insecurity and meet one of their fundamental needs, they can focus on overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency.
Children, families, and adults with limited income may qualify. This includes seniors, college students, and refugees. You can apply for benefits even if you are living in a group home or are unsheltered. SNAP eligibility is mainly determined by income and household size. SNAP recipients must be US Citizens or permanent legal residents.
No, you do not have to have children to receive SNAP benefits.
Yes, you can receive other benefits like WIC, food boxes, and AHCCCS (Medicaid). Social Security participants in the Food Distribution Program (FDPIR), and those on Tribal Lands who participate in FDPIR are NOT eligible to receive SNAP.
Special rules may apply to people who have received a designation of a disability from a government entity, like Social Security, Veterans Affairs (VA). Please contact a SNAP eligibility for your specific situation.
Yes, you may have to follow certain rules that involved the use, possession, or distribution of a controlled substance. Contact a SNAP eligibility worker for your specific situation.
If you are 22, or older, and if you buy and prepare more than half your meals, you can apply for your own benefits. If you are under 22, you must apply with your parents.
Yes, you can apply on your own if you do not live with your parents.
SNAP dollars are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card once a month. An EBT card looks just like a regular debit card.
Whether you are applying for the first time, or renewing your benefits, you may need one or more of the following pieces of information to determine whether you are eligible:
When possible, please include this information with your application.
NATIVE HEALTH has trained Outreach and Enrollment Specialists at all NATIVE HEALTH locations to assist with SNAP/TANF/AHCCCS enrollment. Please call (602) 279-5262 and ask to speak to an Outreach and Enrollment Specialist.
Benefit amounts may change for February 2026 following the annual Social Security Administration (SSA) Cost-of-Living (COLA). Due to changes in Social Security benefits starting January 2026, the February 2026 NA benefit amounts for households receiving SSA or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may change. Notices will be sent to affected households with new benefit amounts in January.
You may need to complete an eligibility interview by phone. We strongly recommend that you have income information, ID, Social Security numbers, and Citizenship verification at the interview. During your interview, we will review your information in determine if you qualify for the program. At the end of your interview, we will let you know if we need any additional information to decide your case. We will also send you a letter asking for this information. Some program requirements may be difficult or dangerous for victims or survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or stalking, and their families. Speak with your DES eligibility specialist, to determine whether you may be exempt from these requirements. Your DES eligibility specialist can also give you information on sexual and domestic violence related resources that are available in your community. We will keep all information you provide private, as required by law.
Add DES phone numbers to your cellphone contacts so you know when to answer. Don’t miss a call or phone interview by adding DES’ phone numbers to your contacts. They will only contact you when they need information for your case.
Also, be on the lookout for MyDES Connect text messages and emails with information about your application and benefits. MyDES Connect texts will be sent from the number 86684. Save this number to your contacts! They will NOT text you for your personal details, account login, or other sensitive information.
You can mail or fax copies of the requested information. Please do not turn in original documents. When you apply for Nutrition Assistance online, you can either upload requested information or fax it. Please include a cover sheet with your faxed documents.
A decision will be made by one of the following dates:
When a decision is made regarding your case, you will be mailed a letter with the results. You can also monitor the status of your application online at Health-e-Arizona Plus or MyFamilyBenefits.
You can request an appeal when:
You are required to report any changes that may affect your Nutrition Assistance eligibility. Your approval letter will identify whether you qualify for Standard or Simplified reporting.
Nutrition Assistance requires a renewal to determine if there have been any changes to your current status. Renewal dates can range from three months to two years from the initial application date. You will be mailed a letter informing you that it is time to renew your benefits. It is important to report a change in your mailing address to ensure you receive notification regarding your renewal.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Career Advance Network (SNAP CAN) is Arizona’s community-based employment and training program that provides employment readiness services to eligible Nutrition Assistance recipients. Services are provided through SNAP CAN Partners of DES who are dedicated to connecting program participants to the tools and resources they need to overcome barriers and obtain employment.
It depends. Most adults under the age of 60 have to be employed or look for a job. College students may be eligible if they work part-time or are in training. Contact a SNAP eligibility worker for your specific situation.
Information taken from https://des.az.gov/how-to-apply-snap
