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DES is Here for You and Your Family

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is the State of Arizona’s human services provider with more than 40 different programs and services for individuals and families in need of support. In coordination with other state agencies and community partners, we work together to provide critical and essential services to all Arizonans.

Many lives have been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and our community partners are here to serve you during this critical time. The sections below outline our programs and services. Under orders from the Governor, DES services are considered essential services, which means DES will continue to stay open to serve Arizonans in need. The public is encouraged to access DES services online or by phone to continue social distancing, but select offices will remain open for those who cannot access services virtually.

Learn how to protect yourself and stop the spread of COVID-19. Visit azdhs.gov/COVID19 and cdc.gov/COVID19.

Unemployment Insurance

The Unemployment Insurance Benefit Program is a nationwide program created to provide a temporary source of income for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, while they conduct an active search for work. Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon the amount of money that the individual has previously earned, but will be between $187 and $240 per week.

State and federal legislation expands Unemployment Insurance and eligibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about what this means for you by reviewing the resources listed below.

  • To file for unemployment insurance benefits, visit www.azui.gov and click on the button titled “Apply for UI Benefits.”
  • To submit an application by phone, please call 1 (877) 600-2722.

Resources for UI

The following videos are also available to assist you throughout the process:

View a list of job vacancies with immediate openingDES is Hiring!

Wage and Hour Questions

The USDOL Wage and Hour Division provides information on common issues employers and employees may face in responding to COVID-19 as they relate to the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic.

Arizona Together

The State of Arizona and its community partners are committed to making sure you have access to the resources you need as we work to get our state through the COVID-19 outbreak. We're in this together. Visit https://arizonatogether.org/ to find critical assistance for you and your family.

2-1-1 COVID-19 Hotline

This new hotline will serve as an entry point to any questions and concerns you have about COVID-19, including:

  • How to prepare for and prevent COVID-19 spread
  • Testing information
  • What populations are at higher risk
  • What to do if an individual gets sick
  • COVID-19 and animals
  • A list of websites with accurate, reliable and up-to-date information.

The line will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day of the week and can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 while an individual is located in Arizona.

Cash, Medical and Nutritional Assistance

DES is committed to providing assistance to DES communities during the COVID-19 outbreak to meet their basic needs. To apply for Nutrition, Cash and Medical Assistance, visit https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ or call (855) 432-7587.

The DES Coordinated Hunger Relief Program partners with regional food banks to provide food to individuals in need. To learn more and find a food bank near you, visit http://www.azfoodbanks.org/.

The Congregate and Home Delivered Meals programs provide nutritious meals to eligible older adults.

Although schools are closed statewide, several districts are providing free meal delivery and pickup for students. Check with your local school district to learn what options are available for you.

Developmental Disabilities

DDD is working with AHCCCS and the Qualified Vendors and Providers who support our members to ensure the continued delivery of services as well as ensuring the health and safety of the professionals in our system. See the actions DDD has taken to facilitate service delivery while Arizona deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)

We know that our services are so critical to the families we serve, and to that end, we want to make sure every family is supported with the continuity of their child’s necessary services under Part C of IDEA, while we also adhere to the increasing evidence for social distancing measures. Effective Monday March 16, 2020; alternative service delivery methods will be allowed for children receiving services within our program, until a later specified time identified by AzEIP. Learn more about the AzEIP response to COVID-19.

Short-Term Crisis Services

Short-Term Crisis Services (STCS) Program provides temporary assistance to low-income families experiencing an emergency need.

Mortgage Assistance

There are hardship programs in place to help homeowners who have been directly or indirectly affected by the coronavirus and are struggling to make their mortgage payments. For more information, visit: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/shelter-and-housing/mortgage-assistance

Community Resources

Community partners across the state have a wide variety of services available to assist families.https://des.az.gov/services/community-resources.

Child Care Assistance

The DES Child Care Administration provides assistance to eligible families in need so they can continue education or employment while ensuring a safe environment. Learn more at https://des.az.gov/child-care or https://www.azccrr.com/.

Arizona Enrichment Centers

Arizona is committed to making sure parents have access to the resources they need as we work to get our state through the COVID-19 outbreak. Following the announcement by Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman, Arizona Enrichment Centers were established to offer child care for the children of first responders, critical healthcare workers, and essential public sector workers, including child safety workers. It is essential that child care is available so that first responders and emergency teams can continue to go to work and serve the community during the state of emergency. Learn more by visiting https://arizonaenrichmentcenters.az.gov.

Child Support

Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) provides services to parents and caretakers who receive child support as well as parents who pay child support. Some of the services include obtaining or modifying a child support order, collecting child, medical and spousal support from parents who have a court order, and helping unwed parents establish paternity for their child. See the frequently asked questions on modifying your child support order. 

For more information, please visit the DCSS website.

Business Resources

The Arizona Commerce Authority has published useful information and resources for businesses. To learn more, visit https://www.azcommerce.com/covid-19/

The Paycheck Protection Program provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll through the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, view the Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist.

  • March 11, 2020
    Governor Doug Ducey issued a Declaration of Emergency and an Executive Order regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in Arizona. This action will provide health officials and administrators with tools and guidance necessary to combat the continued spread of COVID-19 and to reduce financial burdens on Arizonans by lowering healthcare costs associated with the virus.
  • March 30, 2020
    Governor Doug Ducey issued a Stay-at-Home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning April 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020. Under previous orders from the Governor, DES services are considered essential services, which means DES will continue to stay open to serve Arizonans in need. The public is encouraged to access DES services online or by phone to continue social distancing, but offices will remain open for those who cannot access services virtually.

Do you have a question about COVID-19? Go to the webform and submit your question to DES

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