Arizona Food Assistance Program: Who Qualifies and How to Apply for Help

Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, help many Arizona residents put healthy meals on their tables. Recipients receive a card that resembles a debit or credit card, which they can use to pay for food that they purchase at numerous grocery stores throughout the state.

Eligibility

Eligibility for Arizona food stamps is based on both household size and household income. Many people that have jobs but don't earn much money still qualify for some benefits. Able bodied adults with no dependents must work, either in a paid job or a volunteer position, 20 hours per week or participate in a job training program for 20 hours per week in order to receive food stamps in Arizona. Use the Benefits Estimator http://www.arizonaselfhelp.org/

to find out about benefits for which you may qualify.

How to Apply

Download an application from the Arizona Department of Economic Security website. Complete the application and return it with proof of all household income to the Family Assistance Administration office nearest you. If you prefer, you can complete an application online but you'll need to fax, mail or hand deliver proof of income to the office nearest you. You'll need to attend an interview at the office to review your application before you can begin receiving food stamps. In most cases you will begin receiving food stamps in no more than 30 days from the date of your application, but in certain circumstances you can get them in no more than one week.

What You Can Buy

You can buy nearly any food item found in grocery stores with your Arizona food stamps, including meat, seafood, canned goods, frozen foods, fresh produce, bread and cereals, milk, juice, other beverages including soda and coffee, snack foods, candy and desserts. You can also purchase baby food and infant formula. If you prefer to plant a garden and grow some of your own food, you can use your food stamps to buy plants or seeds.

What You Cannot Buy

You cannot buy alcoholic drinks with Arizona foods stamps. You cannot buy vitamins, prescription or over-the-counter medications, pet food, paper products, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products or other inedible items commonly found in grocery stores. You cannot buy flower seeds or other inedible plants. You also cannot use Arizona foods stamps in restaurants to buy prepared food; you must use them to buy groceries you will use to prepare your own food.

Sources:

Arizona Dept. of Economic Security. https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=355&id=5218. Do I Qualify for Nutrition Assistance?

Arizona Dept. of Economic Security. https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=355&id=5209 . Apply for Family Assistance Benefits.

Arizona Dept. of Economic Security. https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=355&id=5239 . Eligibility Interview and Decision.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/faqs.htm#10. What Foods Are Eligible for Purchase With SNAP Benefits?