Low-Income Resources in Arizona
This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.
- Food resources
- Housing and utilities
- Child and family care
- Healthcare resources
- Crisis care
- Debt help
Food resources
If you need help with groceries, start with Nutrition Assistance (Arizona’s SNAP program). For WIC and local food banks, the resources below can help you find a clear starting point. If you are unsure where to begin, see the Crisis care section for Arizona 211.
Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) — Arizona DES
Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Apply online or through a local DES office.
- Apply: Health-e-Arizona Plus
- Program details: Arizona Nutrition Assistance
- Customer service: 855-432-7587
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Arizona Department of Health Services
Helps with: Nutrition benefits, breastfeeding support, and referrals for eligible families.
How to start: Find a local WIC clinic and request an appointment.
- Find WIC: Arizona WIC
- WIC Hotline: 800-252-5942
Find a food bank — St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
Helps with: Locating food banks, pantries, and meal programs across Arizona.
How to start: Search by ZIP code or location.
Housing and utilities
If housing or utility bills are the main concern, Arizona routes many programs through state agencies and local partners. Energy assistance and rental help are typically administered locally.
Utility assistance (LIHEAP) — Arizona Department of Economic Security
Helps with: Help paying heating and cooling energy bills for eligible households.
How to start: Contact your local Community Action Agency.
Housing assistance — Arizona Department of Housing
Helps with: Rental assistance programs, housing stability resources, and housing partnerships.
How to start: Review available housing programs and local options.
Tenant rights and eviction information — Arizona Judicial Branch
Helps with: Plain-language information on tenant rights and eviction processes.
How to start: Review landlord-tenant resources.
Child and family care
Families may need help with child care costs, temporary cash assistance, or family services. Arizona’s programs are generally accessed through the Department of Economic Security.
Child Care Assistance — Arizona DES
Helps with: Subsidized child care for eligible families who are working or in school.
How to start: Apply online or contact your local DES office.
Cash Assistance (TANF) — Arizona DES
Helps with: Temporary cash assistance for eligible families with children.
How to start: Apply through Health-e-Arizona Plus.
Healthcare resources
If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program. You can apply online or through a local DES office. Community health centers may also offer low-cost care.
AHCCCS (Medicaid) — Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Arizona residents.
How to start: Apply online through Health-e-Arizona Plus.
- Apply: Health-e-Arizona Plus
- Program details: About AHCCCS
Find a community health center — HRSA
Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee services.
How to start: Search by ZIP code or city.
Crisis care
If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the resources below can help you find the right next step.
Arizona 211
Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and crisis services.
How to start: Dial 211 or visit the website.
- Dial: 2-1-1
- Toll-free: 877-211-8661
- 211 Arizona
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.
- Call or text: 988
- 988 Lifeline website
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Helps with: Support, safety planning, and local referrals for domestic violence.
How to start: Call, text, or chat.
- Call: 800-799-7233
- Text: START to 88788
- Hotline website
Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)
Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.
- Call or text: 800-985-5990
- Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
- Helpline details
If debt is part of the picture
Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.
Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.
Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/arizona/