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 If something looks outdated, please let us know.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.

Find food assistance

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.

Arizona LIHEAP information

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.

Arizona Department of Housing

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.

Landlord-tenant information

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.

Arizona child care assistance

Cash Assistance (TANF) — Arizona DES

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance for eligible families with children.
How to start: Apply through Health-e-Arizona Plus.

Arizona cash assistance
Apply: 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.

HRSA Find a Health Center

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.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

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/