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Apply for Cash Assistance (CA)

Announcements

Important - 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 CA 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.

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.

Applying for Cash Assistance

When you are ready, you can submit your application and required documentation.

Apply Virtually

DES has implemented virtual office services statewide to continue to better serve our customers and communities in this time of need while protecting the health and safety of our customers and staff. The easiest way to apply for benefits is online through Health-e-Arizona Plus.

Apply for Cash Assistance Online

Guide for Applying Virtually - English

Guide for Applying Virtually - Spanish

Mail or Fax an Application

To apply by mail or fax, you can do one of the following:

You can then complete the application and submit it by mail or fax. Instructions on how to do so are included in the application.

Apply in Person

If you are unable to access services virtually, the DES Family Assistance Administration has offices statewide to assist you with the application process. Find your local office.

Find a Community Assistor

If you need additional support, you can work with a Community Assistor to complete the application process. Go to Find an Assistor, enter your ZIP Code to locate community assistors near you for help with the application process. Contact the community assistor's office by telephone. In-person services may be unavailable or limited in manners that support social distancing.

Information Needed to Apply

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 must complete an eligibility interview. You may complete your interview as follows:

  • By telephone, Monday - Friday, 7 am to 4 pm, excluding holidays, at 1-855-432-7587.
  • In person at any DES Office, Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm, excluding holidays.

To find the closest DES office, go to: DES Office Locator

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.

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.

Add Us to Your Contacts So You Know When to Answer

Don’t miss a call or phone interview by adding our phone numbers to your contacts! We will only contact you when we need information for your case.

The Statewide Interview Line: 855-777-8590

Interviews by phone are available Monday - Friday, excluding holidays, from 7 am to 4 pm.

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! We will not text you for your personal details, account login, or other sensitive information. Find information on how to sign up for MyDES Connect.

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.

MyDES Connect helps you stay up to date on your case. Learn more about receiving notifications and saving you time by watching the video below.

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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