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Announcements

Eligibility Expanded to Compact of Free Association (COFA) Citizens

Due to a change in federal law, citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau are potentially eligible for Nutrition and/or Cash Assistance. These citizens must confirm their citizenship and meet all other eligibility factors.

IMPORTANT - Benefit amounts may change for February 2025 following the annual Social Security Administration (SSA) Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

Due to changes in Social Security benefits starting January 2025, the February 2025 CA benefit amounts for households receiving SSA or SSI benefits may change. Notices will be sent to affected households with new benefit amounts in January.

Cash Assistance helps families meet their basic needs for well-being and safety and serves as their path to self-sufficiency. The Cash Assistance program provides temporary cash benefits and supportive services to the neediest of Arizona's children and their families.

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Returning Users

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Eligibility

Cash Assistance may be provided to needy families with dependent children. Eligibility for the Cash Assistance program is based on citizenship; qualified noncitizen resident status; Arizona residency; limits on resources and monthly income eligibility guidelines.

Adults receiving Cash Assistance benefits are required to complete and sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement. This agreement specifies compliance with the Jobs Program and the DES Child Support Services, as well as immunizing children and making sure they attend school, if applicable.

You can use the screen for eligibility website to see if you qualify for Cash Assistance, however, the best way to know if you are eligible is to submit a completed application for benefits and go through the application process.

Submitting your application

Submitting your completed application and required documentation starts the application process. Once your application is received, it will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for benefits. The following are ways that you can apply:

  1. Complete and submit an online application through Health-e-Arizona Plus.
  2. Download the Application for Benefits - English (FAA-0001A) or Application for Benefits - Spanish (FAA-0001A-S) and turn it in by mail or fax. 
  3. Call (855) 432-7587 to request a paper application be mailed to you. After receiving and completing the application, turn it in by mail or fax.

Information needed for eligibility

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:

  • Proof of citizenship and identity for everyone who is applying for benefits.
  • Alien Registration Cards, if there are non-U.S. citizens applying for benefits in your household.
  • Social Security numbers for everyone, or proof that a Social Security number has been applied for.
  • Proof of relationship, birth certificates may be used.
  • Name, address & daytime phone number of landlord or neighbor.
  • A statement verifying your address and the names of everyone living with you. The statement must be made by a non-relative who doesn’t live with you.  It must be signed, dated and include that person's address and telephone number.
  • Proof of ALL money your household received from any source last month and this month.
  • Proof that your employment ended and last date paid.
  • Bank or credit union (savings or checking) complete statement for the most recent month.
  • Proof of savings bonds, securities, retirement plans and life insurance.  
  • Proof of rent/mortgage and utility bills (electric, water, gas, etc.) for the most recent month.
  • Proof of child care expenses for the most recent month.

When possible, please include this information with your application. 

After the Application

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 when we need any additional information to decide your case. We will also send you a letter asking for this information.

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.

Participation in work activities through the Jobs Program is generally part of the federal requirement for receiving Cash Assistance. Learn more about the Jobs Program.

You may be eligible for one large lump-sum payment through the Grant Diversion Program. Ask your eligibility interviewer about this program during your interview.

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. 

How do I provide additional information, when requested?

To serve you better and to make sure you get all the benefits you qualify for, please:

  • Give us all requested information as soon as possible
  • Let us know if you need help getting information. We can assist you.

You can mail or fax copies of the requested information. Please do not turn in original documents.

When you apply online, you can upload requested information or fax it with a cover sheet. (For additional instructions, see the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) in Health-e-Arizona Plus titled 'How do I fax documents to HEAplus').

When will I know if I am approved?

A decision will be made, at the latest, 45 days from the application date.

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.

What can I do if I disagree with the decision?

You can request an appeal when:

  • An application is denied,
  • Benefits are stopped, or
  • An application is not processed in a timely manner.

After I Am Approved

Reporting Changes

You are required to report any changes that may affect your Cash Assistance eligibility. Your approval letter will identify whether you qualify for Standard or Simplified reporting.

Renewals

Cash Assistance requires a renewal to determine if anything changed. A letter will be sent to you when it is time for a renewal. It is important to report a change in your mailing address to ensure you receive notification regarding your renewal.

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