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Applying for Nutrition Assistance (Formerly the Food Stamp Program)

a computer key reads "Apply Now"; apples in cupped hands; SNAP Benefits

Nutrition Assistance (formerly the Food Stamp Program) is Arizona’s program for the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Nutrition Assistance supports families to prevent under-nutrition in Arizona.

Announcements

Exemptions for College Students

The recently enacted federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 allows some students enrolled in higher education to now participate in SNAP. Learn more.

New Standard Medical Deduction

Households with elderly participants or participants with a disability may receive one of the following deductions from their income:

  • A Standard Medical Deduction (SMD) of $160 minus a $35 disregard which equals $125 or,
  • An actual monthly out-of-pocket medical expense deduction, minus a $35 disregard when expenses exceed the $160 SMD amount.

Participants are required to verify expenses over $35 to receive the SMD.  All expenses must be verified when a participant chooses to claim actual out-of-pocket medical expenses above $160.

SNAP Allotment Increase

 Nutrition Assistance households will receive up to a 15% increase in their monthly benefit amount for the months of January 2021 through September 2021.

Connect With Us From the Comfort of Your Home

Nutrition, Cash and Medical Assistance services are available virtually online and by phone. Learn more about how to connect with us safely and comfortably.

Renewal Requirements Are Being Reinstated

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service waiver to extend certification periods is ending. Nutrition Assistance and Cash Assistance recipients whose benefits are set to expire on or after May 31, 2021, will need to renew their benefits in order to continue receiving assistance, if they have already received a six-month extension since November 2020. Affected households will receive a notice with instructions on how to complete the renewal process.

Work Program Participation Is Suspended

Following federal guidance, work program participation for Nutrition and Cash Assistance recipients is temporarily suspended while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect employment opportunities. The DES website is not the main source of information for Tribal TANF work requirements. Tribal TANF work requirements have been suspended, please contact your Tribal TANF program for more information.

Nutrition Assistance application process

  1. Eligibility
  2. Submitting your application
  3. Information needed for eligibility
  4. After the Application
  5. After I am approved

This video is available in American Sign Language.

Returning Users

Eligibility

You can use the screen for eligibility website to see if you qualify for Nutrition Assistance; however, the best way to know if you are eligible is to submit an application for benefits and go through the application process. The application process includes verifying that we have received complete and accurate information along with an interview conducted by our staff. For more information, see the How to Apply for Cash, Medical, and Nutrition Assistance Video.

Able-bodied adults without dependents are only eligible for a few months of Nutrition Assistance unless they are exempt, working, or participating in the SNA E&T program.

If you do not qualify for Nutrition Assistance benefits, or need help with food during the application process, please contact The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Persons receiving Nutrition Assistance automatically qualify for TEFAP.

Submitting your application

Submitting your application and required documentation starts the application process. The following are ways that you can apply:

  • Submit an online application through Health-e-Arizona Plus.
  • Download the Application for Benefits (FAA-0001A) and turn it in by mail or fax.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • Proof of all medical expenses for those applying for benefits who are age 60 or older or receive disability benefits.

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 order to see 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.

How do I provide additional information, when requested?

To serve you better and assure that you receive the benefits you qualify for, please:

  • Give us all requested information as soon as possible
  • Let us know if you need assistance in getting the necessary 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 either upload requested information or fax it. Please include a cover sheet with your faxed documents. (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 by one of the following dates:

  • Within seven days from the application date if you qualify for emergency benefits
  • At the latest, 30 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 Nutrition Assistance eligibility. Your approval letter will identify whether you qualify for Standard or Simplified reporting.

Renewals

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.

Employment and Training Services for Nutrition Assistance Participants

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 SNAP 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.

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