While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Arizona SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Learn more about SNAP on the Arizona Department of Economic Security website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
1$194
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
|---|---|
| 2 | $355 |
| 3 | $509 |
| 4 | $646 |
| 5 | $768 |
| 6 | $921 |
| 7 | $1,018 |
| 8 | $1,164 |
| Each additional household member | +146 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about your benefit amount in Arizona, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Arizona, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Arizona’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Arizona Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Arizona Self Help website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Health-e-Arizona Plus here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call the Health-e-Arizona Plus Customer Service Center at 1 (855) 432-7587.
To apply for SNAP by mail, complete the Application for Benefits here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to:
Department of Economic Security
Family Assistance Administration Office
P.O. Box 13009
Phoenix, AZ 85005
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Department of Economic Security. Check out the Application for Benefits here to prepare for what documents you should bring.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security at 1 (855) 432-7587.
You can also get help with the application from an Assistor by clicking here and searching for the closest one by ZIP code.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you submitted your application online, by phone or by mail, you will need to complete a telephone interview. If you applied in person, you will complete your interview at the time you submit your application.
If documents are missing from your application or the Department of Economic Security needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to wait for your determination and EBT card to come in the mail.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 997-9333. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, you can appeal your decision in person, by mail or by fax within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal, complete the Fair Hearing Request Form here or ask for one at a local Department of Economic Security office. You can also write a letter that includes the following information:
You will need to submit the form or letter at a local Department of Economic Security office in person, by mail or by fax. You will also need to bring or submit your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
For more information on the appeal process, click here for Arizona Department of Economic Security’s appeal page.
How to Check the Balance on Your EBT Card
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 997-9333. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Arizona Department of Economic Security EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (855) 432-7587 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Arizona’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 997-9333.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Economic Security office in Arizona.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Arizona Department of Economic Security at 1 (855) 432-7587, which is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
You can also send your inquiries via chat or email on the Health-e-Arizona Plus website here.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Economic Security. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Arizona Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Arizona Self Help website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Health-e-Arizona Plus here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call the Health-e-Arizona Plus Customer Service Center at 1 (855) 432-7587.
To apply for SNAP by mail, complete the Application for Benefits here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to:
Department of Economic Security
Family Assistance Administration Office
P.O. Box 13009
Phoenix, AZ 85005
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Department of Economic Security. Check out the Application for Benefits here to prepare for what documents you should bring.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security at 1 (855) 432-7587.
You can also get help from an Assistor by clicking here and searching for the closest one by ZIP code.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you submitted your application online, by phone or by mail, you will need to complete a telephone interview. If you applied in person, you will complete your interview at the time you submit your application.
If documents are missing from your application or the Department of Economic Security needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to wait for your determination and EBT card to come in the mail.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 997-9333. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Arizona Department of Economic Security, you can appeal your decision in person, by mail or by fax within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal, complete the Fair Hearing Request Form here or ask for one at a local Department of Economic Security office. You can also write a letter that includes the following information:
You will need to submit the form or letter at a local Department of Economic Security office in person, by mail or by fax. You will also need to bring or submit your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
For more information on the appeal process, click here for the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s appeal page.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Arizona Department of Economic Security at 1 (855) 432-7587, which is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
You can also send your inquiries via chat or email on the Health-e-Arizona Plus website here.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Economic Security. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
