To protect taxpayer dollars from criminals and ensure Arizonans in need can access benefits in a timely manner, beginning this week, claimants filing initial claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will need to verify their identities using ID.me’s safe and secure online portal before they can receive PUA benefits. Learn more.
States across the nation continue to see an extraordinary number of claims filed as a result of identity theft. DES has become aware that some Arizona residents are receiving notices and benefit cards at their address with the names of individuals who do not reside at that location. This is the result of criminals attempting to obtain funds from the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program by using randomly selected in-state addresses during the application process. More information regarding unemployment fraud can be found here. To report fraud, file a report online or call the DES Fraud Hotline at 1 (800) 251-2436.
Change Report for Nutrition, Cash, and Medical Assistance Benefits
Reporting of certain changes is required if you are eligible for benefits from the following programs:
- Nutrition Assistance (NA)
- Cash Assistance (CA)
- Medical Assistance (MA)
You can report changes in the following ways:
- On-line at Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus) for Medical Assistance
- On-line at MyFamilyBenefits for Nutrition and Cash Assistance
- By calling 1-855-432-7587 or 1-855-HEAplus
- By completing the Change Report form and mailing, faxing, or submitting it to your local DES office.
When do changes need to be reported?
For Nutrition Assistance and Cash Assistance, you must report the change by the 10th calendar day of the month following the month the change occurred. For Medical Assistance, changes must be reported as soon as the future event becomes known. Unanticipated changes must be reported within 10 days of the date the change occurred.
What changes need to be reported?
Medical Assistance (MA) is subject to Standard Reporting. Nutrition Assistance (NA) and Cash Assistance (CA) can be subject to either Standard Reporting or Simplified Reporting. Check your approval letter to determine which one you are subject to.
The following charts will help you remember some of the changes for each program you must report.
What types of changes must be reported for Standard Reporting requirements for each program you receive?
| Type of Changes to Report | CA | NA | MA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address Change Moved or relocated to another address |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| Changes in Household Member(s) Any member of your household |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| Changes in Marital Status Any member of your household |
Yes | No | Yes | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| School Attendance | Yes | No | No | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| School Attendance (16 years and older) | No | No | Yes | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| Dependent Care Expense (Childcare) | Yes | Yes | No | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| Housing Expense When you have reported a change of address |
Yes | Yes | No | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| Income Earned Income: Self-employment/work wages, etc. Unearned Income: Child support, SSI, etc. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| Resources Examples of resource types, but not limited to: Savings, retirement account, 401k |
Yes | Yes | No | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| Medical Expenses *For Nutrition Assistance - only required for disabled or elderly members |
No | Yes* | No | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income - You must report the changes in your monthly income when the change is more than $100 per month (all income types) |
| Type of Change to Report | CA | NA | MA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Earned Income: Self-employment/work wages, etc. Unearned Income: Child Support, SSI, etc. Gambling/Lottery Winnings: Casinos, Lottery, Bingo, etc. |
Yes | Yes | *** |
| Cash Assistance (CA) | Nutrition Assistance (NA) Income Changes |
***Medical Assistance (MA) |
|---|---|---|
| You only need to report changes when your total gross income of all persons getting Cash Assistance in your household totals more than 36% of the 1992 Federal Poverty Level, which is anything over the CA payment that you are eligible for. | You only need to report changes when the total gross income of all persons getting Nutrition Assistance in your household totals more than 130% of the current Federal Poverty Level. | Simplified Reporting does not apply to MA however, if you are receiving MA, income changes must be reported. |
Please note that it helps you to report a change to your mailing address to ensure that you receive information about your renewal.
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