Nutrition Assistance Program (NA)
(Previously: Food Stamps)
Research has shown that even moderate under-nutrition, the type seen most frequently in the United States, can have lasting effects on the brain development of children. According to the Center on Hunger and Poverty, inadequate nutrition is a major cause of impaired cognitive development and is associated with increased educational failure among impoverished children. Poor nutrition also has been linked to serious health problems in adults, particularly the elderly.
Through the DES Nutrition Assistance Program (Arizona's title for the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or 'SNAP'), thousands of Arizonans are able to provide adequate nutrition for their families. These services, combined with the support provided by the Women, Infant and Children program at the Department of Health Services and the Free or Reduced Lunch program through the Department of Education, also help to minimize the risk that Arizona’s children will experience developmental delays as a result of poor nutrition.
NA Benefits are increasing April 1, 2009. For more information, please see our new poster (199 KB PDF) or Spanish version (132 KB PDF).
Individuals and families who do not qualify for these programs or who need one-time assistance with food may receive help through a statewide network of food banks. The DES Office of Community Partnerships and Innovative Practices provides some financial support to Arizona’s food banks.
Arizona’s NA application also serves as an application for cash assistance and AHCCCS medical insurance. In this way, families provide information only once to determine if they are eligible for these services. Adults in families who qualify for cash assistance are also referred to the DES employment and training program to get help with preparing for or finding a job.
| Eligibility |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture establishes the eligibility for the NA program. Eligibility for benefits is based on resources, income and other requirements such as residence, citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and cooperation with the Department of Economic Security employment and training program. In addition, household members must provide or apply for a Social Security Number.
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| Applying For Services |
Individuals or families may apply for Nutrition Assistance Program at local offices throughout the state. Listing of offices by city and ZIP codes.
To apply for Nutrition Assistance benefits, clients must have the following information available:
- Social Security numbers for everyone, or proof they applied for a Social Security number.
- Alien registration cards if there are non U. S. citizens in the household.
- Name, address and daytime phone number of a landlord or neighbor, if available.
- A statement verifying your address and the names of everyone living with you. The statement must be made by a non-relative who doesn’t live with you and must be signed, dated and include the non-relative address and telephone number.
- Proof of all money your household received from any source last month and this month.
- Registration/titles for all vehicles.
- Bank or credit union statement (savings or checking) for the most recent month.
- Proof of Savings Bonds, securities, retirement plans and life insurance.
- Copies of rent/mortgage and utility bills (electric, water, gas, etc.) for the most recent month.
- Proof of childcare expenses for the most recent month.
- Proof of recurring medical expenses for anyone in the household age 60 and older, blind, or disabled.
Applications are available on the Internet in the Forms Library.
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| Fees |
There is no fee required to apply for Nutrition Assistance.
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| Performance or Accomplishments |
- In December 2006, 219,616 Arizona households received NA benefits.
- The total amount of the benefits in December 2006 was $52,809,903.
- The average household allotment was $240.46.
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| Myth: Nutrition Assistance is welfare. |
Myth: Only unemployed people can get Nutrition Assistance benefits. |
| Fact: The Nutrition Assistance program is designed to help low-income people supplement their diets with more nutritious foods. |
Fact: Most people who work at low-wage jobs can get Nutrition Assistance benefits; in fact, 52% of the more than 220,000 families receiving Nutrition Assistance in December 2006 were working. |
| Myth: Nutrition Assistance benefits are not worth applying for since you only get a small amount of money. |
Myth: People use Nutrition Assistance benefits to buy cigarettes or alcohol. |
| Fact: The amount of Nutrition Assistance benefits depends on household size, income and certain expenses. A mother with two children who works fulltime at $7.00 per hour could receive $180 in Nutrition Assistance benefits per month. |
Fact: Nutrition Assistance benefits may only be used to purchase food that is going to be prepared. They cannot be used to buy cigarettes, alcohol, or other non-food items, such as clothing and toiletries. |
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| More Information Contact |
| Information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 602-542-9935 in the Phoenix area or 1-800-352-8401 outside the Phoenix area. |
