Emergency Assistance for Single Mothers in Arizona

Last updated: August 2025 | Contact information verified: August 24, 2025
Sources: Arizona Department of Economic Security, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arizona Department of Health Services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

⚠️ Important: Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. Federal programs typically update in October (SNAP) and April (HUD limits). State programs may change with budget cycles. Always verify current information with the specific agency before making decisions based on this guide.

Quick Help – Need Assistance Today?

• Life-threatening emergency: Call 911 • Need shelter tonight: Call 2-1-1 Arizona or text “AZ” to 898211 • Out of food: Apply for SNAP at Health-e-Arizona Plus – emergency benefits in 7 days • Power being shut off: Call your local LIHEAP provider immediately (numbers below) • Eviction notice: Contact Community Legal Services at 1-602-258-3434 right now • Lost your job: File unemployment at UI.Arizona.gov or 1-877-600-2722 • Need health coverage: Apply at Health-e-Arizona Plus or call AHCCCS at 1-855-432-7587 • Pregnant or have kids under 5: Call Arizona WIC at 1-800-252-5942 for food help • Domestic violence: Call Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence at 1-800-782-6400 (24/7)

If nothing above works: Call 2-1-1 Arizona and ask for a “warm handoff” to another agency that can help today.

If You Need Help Today

Get Food Within 24 Hours

Apply for SNAP benefits online at Health-e-Arizona Plus. If your income is under $150 this month and you have less than $100 in cash, ask for “expedited SNAP” – you can get benefits within 7 days.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5, call Arizona WIC at 1-800-252-5942. You can often get a same-day appointment and immediate food benefits if you qualify.

Stop a Utility Shutoff Right Now

• Call your utility company and ask for a “medical necessity extension” or “hardship extension” • Call 2-1-1 Arizona immediately and ask for your local LIHEAP provider for crisis assistance • Bring your shutoff notice to the appointment – crisis funds available for immediate need

Keep Your Housing

• Call 2-1-1 Arizona for emergency shelter and rental assistance programs • If you received an eviction notice, call Community Legal Services at 1-602-258-3434 for emergency legal help • Ask about “rapid rehousing” programs that pay deposits and first month’s rent

Get Cash Quickly

Apply for TANF (Cash Assistance) at Health-e-Arizona Plus. Arizona has very strict limits – maximum $347 monthly for a family of three, but there’s also a 12-month lifetime limit.

If you lost your job, file for unemployment benefits immediately at UI.Arizona.gov or 1-877-600-2722. Arizona pays $229-$320 per week for up to 24 weeks.

Reality Check: Getting help isn’t instant. SNAP takes 7-30 days. TANF takes 2-6 weeks. Arizona has a 12-month lifetime limit on cash assistance – the shortest in the nation. Plan for delays and ask every agency about emergency funds while you wait.

Main Points You Need to Know

• Apply the same day for multiple programs at Health-e-Arizona Plus – SNAP, TANF, and AHCCCS use the same application • Arizona has harsh limits – 12 months lifetime TANF limit and very low payment amounts • Ask specifically for expedited processing when your situation is urgent • Keep copies of everything – take photos of documents with your phone as backup • Report changes immediately – income, address, or household changes within 10 days to avoid problems • Most programs have work requirements – understand them before you apply • Arizona expanded Medicaid – adults up to 138% of poverty can get AHCCCS coverage • Apply to multiple housing lists – Section 8 waiting lists are years long in most areas

Arizona’s reality: The state has some of the nation’s strictest welfare policies. Cash assistance is limited to 12 months lifetime, and many working families still struggle to afford housing.

Emergency Cash and Food Programs

SNAP (Food Assistance) (Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, FY 2025)

What it is: Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to buy groceries. Arizona follows federal SNAP rules with some state-specific expansions.

How much you can get: Maximum benefits as of October 2024 (FY 2025 amounts):

Household Size	Max Monthly Income (185% FPL)	Max SNAP Benefit
1 person	$2,510	$292
2 people	$3,408	$536
3 people	$4,305	$766
4 people	$5,203	$975

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service

How to apply:

Go to Health-e-Arizona Plus
Complete application online (takes 20-30 minutes)
Upload photos of your ID, pay stubs, rent receipt, and utility bills
Answer the phone when DES calls for your interview (usually within 1-2 weeks)

Timeline: Emergency SNAP takes 7 days if you qualify. Regular SNAP takes up to 30 days.

Documents needed: • Photo ID for adults • Social Security cards for everyone (if available) • Last 30 days of pay stubs (if working) • Rent receipt or lease • Recent utility bills

Arizona advantage: Arizona has eliminated asset limits for most SNAP applicants and has broad-based categorical eligibility, making it easier to qualify than in many states.

TANF (Cash Assistance) (Source: Arizona Department of Economic Security, 2025)

What it is: Temporary monthly cash assistance for families with children under 18. Arizona has the nation’s shortest lifetime limit at 12 months total.

How much you can get: Arizona uses two payment standards based on whether you have shelter costs:

Arizona TANF Payment Standards (2025)

Family Size	A1 Standard (With Rent/Mortgage)	A2 Standard (No Shelter Cost)
1 person	$278	$164
2 people	$314	$200
3 people	$347	$236
4 people	$392	$271

Source: Arizona Department of Economic Security

Income limits: Your net monthly income after deductions must be less than the payment standard amount to qualify.

How to apply:

Apply at Health-e-Arizona Plus (same application as SNAP)
Attend required interview by phone or in person
Agree to participate in JOBS program (work/training requirements)

Timeline: Interview within 1-2 weeks, decision within 30-45 days, first payment the following month if approved.

Critical reality: Arizona has one of the nation’s weakest safety nets with only 12 months of lifetime eligibility for TANF, and you must participate in work activities through the Jobs Program.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

What it is: Special food packages and nutrition education for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5.

Income limits (effective July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026):

Household Size	Max Monthly Income (185% FPL)
1 person	$2,510
2 people	$3,408
3 people	$4,305
4 people	$5,203

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service

How to apply: Call 1-800-252-5942 or contact your county health department. You’ll need an appointment that includes a nutrition assessment.

Timeline: Often same week if appointments are available.

Automatic qualification: If you already get SNAP, AHCCCS, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements.

Health Coverage Options

AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System – Medicaid) (2025)

Adults (19-64): Income limit: 138% of Federal Poverty Level ($21,597 for an individual in 2025, $44,367 for a family of four)

Pregnant Women: Income limit: Up to 156% of poverty level with coverage through 12 months postpartum

Children: • AHCCCS covers children at higher income levels • KidsCare (CHIP) covers children up to 230% of FPL ($73,945 per year for a family of four)

AHCCCS Income Limits (2025)

Category	Income Limit (% of FPL)	Monthly Limit (Family of 3)
Adults	138% FPL	$3,695
Pregnant Women	156% FPL	$4,176
Children (KidsCare)	230% FPL	$6,153

Source: AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements

How to apply: Apply at Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587.

Arizona advantage: Unlike many states, Arizona expanded Medicaid, so most low-income adults can get health coverage.

Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

What it is: Federal rental assistance where you pay 30% of your income toward rent and the program covers the rest.

Income limits: Must earn less than 50% of area median income. Examples for 2025: • Phoenix metro: About $41,000/year for family of three • Tucson area: About $35,000/year for family of three

Reality check: Waiting lists are extremely long – 2+ years in Phoenix, 18+ months in Tucson. Many lists are closed.

Major Arizona Housing Authorities:

• Phoenix Housing Department: 602-262-6251 – phoenix.gov/housing • Tucson Housing Department: 520-791-4171 – tucsonaz.gov • Mesa Housing Department: 480-644-3536 – mesaaz.gov/housing

Emergency Housing Assistance

Call 2-1-1 Arizona for: • Emergency shelter placement • Rapid rehousing (short-term rent assistance) • Deposit and utility connection assistance • Homeless prevention programs

Work and Training Support

Unemployment Benefits (Arizona Department of Economic Security, 2025)

How much you can get: Arizona pays $229-$320 per week based on your past earnings. The minimum weekly amount is $229, the maximum is $320.

How long: Currently 24 weeks maximum because Arizona’s unemployment rate is below 5%. If unemployment rises above 5%, benefits extend to 26 weeks.

How to apply:

File online at UI.Arizona.gov
Call 1-877-600-2722 if you can’t apply online
You must register for work and search for jobs weekly

Timeline: First payment typically comes 2-3 weeks after filing. There’s no waiting week requirement.

ARIZONA@WORK Career Centers

• Free job search assistance • Skills training programs • Help with resumes and interviews • Find locations at arizonaatwork.com

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Single Mom, Two Kids, Earning $2,200/Month

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: About $300-400/month (reduced due to income) • WIC: Food benefits if kids under 5 • AHCCCS for family: Yes (under $3,695/month limit) • TANF: No (income too high) • Section 8: Maybe, depends on local income limits

Reality: She’d get food and health coverage but would struggle with housing costs.

Example 2: Pregnant Woman, No Job, Living Alone

What she could qualify for: • SNAP: Expedited processing, up to $292/month • WIC: Food benefits during pregnancy and after • AHCCCS pregnancy coverage: Yes • TANF: Could qualify for up to $278/month • Section 8: Could apply but long waiting lists

Timeline: SNAP in 7 days, WIC same week, AHCCCS in 2-3 weeks, TANF in 30-45 days.

Example 3: Recently Lost Job, One Child, Was Earning $3,000/Month

What she could qualify for: • Unemployment: $320/week for 24 weeks • SNAP: About $500-600/month initially (higher due to no income) • AHCCCS for child: Yes • AHCCCS for mom: Yes • Emergency rent assistance: Maybe through local programs

Key: File for unemployment immediately – delay costs you money.

Specific Resources for Different Situations

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

• Apply for all programs normally – sexual orientation and gender identity don’t affect eligibility • If you face discrimination, document it and request a supervisor • Contact Lambda Legal (1-866-542-8336) or ACLU of Arizona (602-650-1854) for legal support

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children

• If you receive SSI, you automatically qualify for AHCCCS • SNAP has special rules for households with disabled members • Ask about ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) for disability services • Priority for housing assistance may be available

Veteran Single Mothers

• Ask about HUD-VASH vouchers (housing for homeless veterans) • Contact Phoenix VA at 602-277-5551 for veteran-specific programs • May qualify for expedited services through some programs

Immigrant/Refugee Single Mothers

• Qualified immigrants may be eligible after 5-year waiting period • Refugees, asylees, and trafficking victims often qualify immediately • Emergency AHCCCS may be available regardless of status • Contact International Rescue Committee Arizona at 602-433-4000

Tribal Members

• Can use both state programs and tribal-specific resources • Contact your tribal social services in addition to state programs • Indian Health Service facilities available for healthcare • Some tribes operate their own TANF programs

Rural Single Mothers

• Use 2-1-1 Arizona to find services in your area • Some programs have mobile services or telehealth options • Transportation may be provided for required appointments • Internet access required for applications – check public libraries

Single Fathers

• All programs listed here are available to single fathers with custody • Don’t be discouraged if staff seem surprised – you have equal rights • Bring custody documentation to verify you have care of the children

Arizona Resources by Region

Phoenix/Maricopa County

• Phoenix Human Services: 602-262-6151 – phoenix.gov/humanservices • Maricopa County Human Services: 602-506-5911 – maricopa.gov • Community Action: Chicanos Por La Causa – 602-257-0700 • Legal Services: Community Legal Services – 602-258-3434

Tucson/Pima County

• Tucson Community Services: 520-791-4171 – tucsonaz.gov • Pima County Community Services: 520-724-9649 – pima.gov • Legal Services: Pima County Attorney’s Office – 520-724-5600

Mesa/East Valley

• Mesa Family Services: 480-644-3536 – mesaaz.gov • East Valley Community Action: 480-962-7555

Flagstaff/Northern Arizona

• Coconino County Public Health: 928-679-7272 – coconino.az.gov • Northern Arizona Council of Governments: 928-774-1895

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Benefits

SNAP/TANF Mistakes

• Not answering unknown calls: DES often calls from blocked numbers for interviews • Missing the interview: Reschedule immediately if you can’t make it • Not reporting expedited need: Specifically ask for “expedited SNAP” if you qualify • Incomplete documents: Upload clear photos – blurry documents cause delays

Housing Mistakes

• Applying to only one housing authority: Apply everywhere you’re willing to live • Not updating contact information: You’ll lose your place if they can’t reach you • Not applying when lists are closed: Many keep pre-applications or have alerts

General Mistakes

• Not keeping copies: Save confirmation numbers and screenshot everything • Not reporting changes: Income or address changes must be reported within 10 days • Giving up after one denial: Many denials are due to missing paperwork

What to Do If You’re Denied

Request written reason for denial
File appeal within required timeframe (usually 10-30 days)
Ask for “continued benefits” during appeal when allowed
Get help from Community Legal Services: 602-258-3434

When Programs Don’t Work – Plan B Options

If SNAP is denied or delayed:

• Contact local food banks through azfoodbanks.org • St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance: 602-266-4043 • United Food Bank (Mesa): 480-926-4897

If housing assistance isn’t available:

• Negotiate payment plan with landlord in writing • Ask religious organizations about emergency assistance • Contact domestic violence shelters if applicable (they help all women in crisis) • Look into transitional housing programs through 2-1-1

If utilities are being shut off:

• Ask utility company for medical necessity extension with doctor’s note • Contact Salvation Army for emergency utility assistance • Check if your utility offers budget billing or payment plans

If you can’t find work:

• Consider gig work (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart) for immediate income • Visit ARIZONA@WORK offices for same-day job referrals • Check with temp agencies for quick placement

Program Comparison Table

Program	Max Monthly Benefit	Income Limit (Family of 3)	How Long to Get Help
SNAP	$766	$4,305/month	7-30 days
TANF	$347	Net income under $347	30-45 days
WIC	Food packages + benefits	$4,305/month	Same week
Unemployment	$1,387/month ($320/week)	Based on past wages	2-3 weeks
AHCCCS	Free coverage	$3,695/month	2-4 weeks

Timeline Expectations – Be Realistic

Week 1

• Apply for SNAP, TANF, AHCCCS online • Call WIC for appointment • File unemployment if applicable • Contact 2-1-1 for emergency assistance

Week 2-3

• Attend SNAP/TANF interview • WIC appointment and first benefits • First unemployment payment (if approved) • Emergency assistance decisions

Month 2-3

• Regular SNAP benefits begin • TANF decision and first payment • AHCCCS coverage starts • Begin required work activities

Month 6+

• Review and recertify for ongoing programs • Housing assistance applications may start moving • Job training programs may be available

Managing expectations: Getting stable takes months, not days. Arizona’s 12-month TANF limit means you need a plan for long-term income quickly.

Common Questions Single Moms Ask

“Can I get help if I work?”

Yes, but income limits vary by program. SNAP and AHCCCS have the most generous limits. TANF has very strict limits and isn’t designed for working families.

“What if I don’t have all the documents?”

Apply anyway with what you have. Upload additional documents later. Arizona allows self-declaration for some eligibility factors.

“How much can I earn and keep benefits?”

Each program is different. SNAP reduces gradually as income increases. TANF has strict limits. AHCCCS has clear income cutoffs. Report all changes within 10 days.

“Can I get help if I live with family?”

Depends on whether you buy and prepare food together. If you’re a separate “household” for food purposes, you can often apply independently for SNAP.

“What about the 12-month TANF limit?”

Arizona has the shortest TANF time limit in the nation. Use the time to get job training and build work history. Extensions are rare and only for hardship cases.

“How long can I get help?”

• SNAP: As long as you meet requirements (recertify every 6-12 months) • TANF: 12 months lifetime limit • WIC: Until child turns 5, or 1 year postpartum • Unemployment: 24 weeks maximum • AHCCCS: No time limit if you follow program rules

“What if I’m denied?”

You can appeal most decisions within 10-30 days. Community Legal Services (602-258-3434) provides free help with appeals.

“Can I apply if I’m undocumented?”

Emergency services are available. Your U.S. citizen children can get benefits. Emergency AHCCCS covers childbirth and emergency medical care regardless of immigration status.

Resources Directory

Statewide Helplines

• 2-1-1 Arizona: Dial 2-1-1 or text “AZ” to 898211 • Arizona DES: 1-855-432-7587 • AHCCCS: 1-855-432-7587 • WIC: 1-800-252-5942 • Unemployment: 1-877-600-2722 • Community Legal Services: 602-258-3434

Crisis Support

• Domestic Violence: 1-800-782-6400 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 • Arizona Crisis Line: 1-800-631-1314

Online Applications

• SNAP/TANF/AHCCCS: Health-e-Arizona Plus • Unemployment: UI.Arizona.gov • Housing Authorities: Contact individual PHAs listed above • WIC: Contact local health departments

Document Help

• Vital Records: azdhs.gov/vital-records • Social Security Cards: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 • Arizona ID: azdot.gov/mvd

Important Warnings and Reality Checks

About Arizona’s Benefit System

Arizona has some of the nation’s most restrictive welfare policies. The 12-month lifetime TANF limit means you need to use that time strategically. Don’t expect these programs alone to solve long-term financial problems.

About Waiting Times

Everything takes longer than you want. Section 8 waiting lists are years long. Even SNAP can take 30 days. Plan for delays and don’t rely on just one program.

About Work Requirements

Arizona takes work requirements seriously. You must participate in the JOBS program for TANF and meet work search requirements for unemployment. Understand what’s expected before you apply.

About Immigration Status

Arizona checks immigration status for most programs. However, emergency services are available regardless of status, and citizen children can get benefits even if parents cannot.

About Cost of Living

Arizona’s housing costs have risen dramatically, especially in Phoenix and Tucson. Even with assistance, finding affordable housing is challenging.

Disclaimer

Program rules, benefit amounts, and income limits change frequently. This guide provides general information as of August 2025, but you should always verify current requirements with the specific agency before applying. Contact information and program availability can change without notice.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal questions about benefits, appeals, or eligibility, contact Community Legal Services at 602-258-3434.

The information in this guide comes from official government sources, but errors can occur. Always check with the agency directly for the most current and accurate information about your specific situation.

When in doubt, apply anyway. It’s better to try and be denied than to assume you don’t qualify and miss out on help you need.

Resumen en Español – Ayuda de Emergencia para Madres Solteras en Arizona

Ayuda Inmediata (Llame Hoy)

• Emergencia: Llame 911 • Necesita refugio: Llame 2-1-1 Arizona o envíe “AZ” al 898211 • Sin comida: Solicite SNAP en Health-e-Arizona Plus – beneficios en 7 días • Van a cortar la luz: Llame a su proveedor de LIHEAP local • Perdió su trabajo: Solicite desempleo en UI.Arizona.gov o 1-877-600-2722 • Embarazada o niños menores de 5 años: Llame WIC al 1-800-252-5942

Programas Principales

SNAP (Cupones de Comida): Hasta $975/mes para familia de 4. Solicite en Health-e-Arizona Plus. TANF (Ayuda en Efectivo): Hasta $392/mes para familia de 4. Límite de por vida de 12 meses. WIC (Mujeres, Bebés, Niños): Comida especial para embarazadas y niños menores de 5. AHCCCS (Medicaid): Cobertura médica gratuita para familias de bajos ingresos. Sección 8: Ayuda con la renta (listas de espera muy largas).

Números Importantes

• DES Arizona: 1-855-432-7587 (servicios de traducción disponibles) • AHCCCS: 1-855-432-7587 • WIC: 1-800-252-5942 • Desempleo: 1-877-600-2722 • Servicios Legales: 602-258-3434

Nota: Arizona tiene límites muy estrictos. TANF solo permite 12 meses en toda la vida. Los niños ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden calificar aunque los padres sean indocumentados.

About This Guide

Compiled by ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Arizona Department of Economic Security, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arizona Department of Health Services, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This comprehensive resource is produced following our editorial standards using only official government sources and established nonprofit organizations. While carefully researched and regularly updated, this guide is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed as program rules and funding availability change frequently.

Last verified: August 2025 Next review: February 2026

Despite our careful verification process, errors may occur. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we respond within 48 hours to serve Arizona families better.

Official Sources

This guide references current policies and benefit amounts from:

• Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – des.az.gov • USDA Food and Nutrition Service – fns.usda.gov • Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) – azahcccs.gov • Arizona Department of Health Services (WIC) – azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – hud.gov • Community Legal Services – clsaz.org • 2-1-1 Arizona – 211arizona.org

🏛️More Arizona Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Arizona

You may also need: SNAP and Food Assistance Utility Assistance TANF Assistance Housing Assistance Community Support