Arizona SNAP (Nutrition Assistance)
Last updated: October 15, 2026
In Arizona, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is called Nutrition Assistance (NA). It helps eligible low-income Arizona households buy groceries each month. The program is administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Family Assistance Administration, and benefits are delivered on an EBT card.
What is Nutrition Assistance in Arizona?
Nutrition Assistance provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP — and for approved online grocery orders. Benefits can be used for foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, and bread and cereal. They cannot be used for tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, medicines, or non-food household items.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and resources. Working families, older adults, people with disabilities, and others with limited income may qualify. Arizona DES screens every application for expedited service, which can provide benefits within seven days for households with very little income or resources. Most adults ages 16 to 59 must meet general SNAP work requirements unless they qualify for an exemption.
Arizona SNAP income limits and maximum benefits (Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027)
These are the SNAP figures in effect from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, from USDA’s fiscal year 2027 cost-of-living adjustments and SNAP eligibility page. Arizona uses broad-based categorical eligibility, so its gross income limit is higher than the federal 130%: 200% for most households, according to USDA’s June 2026 chart of BBCE states. You may qualify even if your income is close to these amounts; the state agency decides when you apply.
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit (200% of poverty) | Net monthly income limit (100% of poverty) | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $3,607 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $4,554 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $6,447 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $7,394 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $8,340 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $9,287 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| Each additional person (households of 9 to 17) | +$947 | +$474 | +$225 |
| 18 or more people | +$947 for each person over 8 | +$474 for each person over 8 | $3,887 |
Households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability do not have to meet the gross limit, but must meet the net limit (USDA). Net income is income after allowed deductions, such as 20% of earnings and a standard deduction ($217 for households of 1 to 3 in the 48 states and D.C.). The maximum benefit is for a household with no countable income; most households get less.
How we figured the gross limits: we take the HHS 2026 poverty guideline ($15,960 a year for one person), multiply by the percentage, divide by 12 and round up to the next dollar, the same rounding USDA uses for its own SNAP tables. Arizona’s own published table may differ by a dollar or two. The net limits and maximum benefits are USDA’s published figures.
How to apply
You can apply for Arizona Nutrition Assistance in several ways. After applying, you will complete an interview and provide documents to verify income and household details.
Apply online
Create an account and apply through Health-e-Arizona Plus at healthearizonaplus.gov, where you can also check your case and upload documents. This is the online application DES links on its How to Apply for Nutrition Assistance page.
Check your case
DES also runs MyFamilyBenefits, which it describes as secure access to the Family Assistance Administration to obtain information about your case (DES MyFamilyBenefits FAQ).
Apply by phone
Call 1-855-432-7587 to have an application mailed to you. DES also holds eligibility interviews by phone at the same number, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., excluding holidays (DES).
Apply by mail or in person
You can also submit an application at a local DES Family Assistance Administration office.
Official source
This guide is based on information from the official program sources: Arizona DES — Food Assistance and the USDA FNS SNAP eligibility standards. Income limits and benefit amounts can change; always confirm current figures with Arizona DES.
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