How To Apply For Food Stamps In Arizona

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a Arizona Quest Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in Arizona. If you have additional questions or concerns about the Arizona SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the Arizona Family Assistance Administration for assistance.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes eligibility requirements for the Nutrition Assistance program. Eligibility is based on the household's resources, income and other requirements such as residence, citizenship or qualified non-citizen status, and cooperation with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment & Training program. You may view their benefits chart or use the benefits estimator at www.arizonaselfhelp.org.

Even when you are unsure whether you qualify, you should still apply. You can also pre-apply for Arizona food stamps by using the online screening tool.

If approved for benefits, there are ongoing eligibility requirements including participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment & Training Program. After applying for benefits, you are required to complete an eligibility interview (also called a fact-finding interview).

Eligibility Interview and Decision
Nutrition Assistance requires an eligibility interview (also called a fact-finding interview) to determine eligibility. You will need to bring several documents to the interview. At the end of your interview, they will let you know if they need any other information or proof to decide your case. They will also send you a letter asking for this information.

You can mail, fax or bring in copies of the requested information to their office. Please do not turn in original documents.

When will I know if I am approved?
A decision will be made by one of the following dates:

• Within seven days from the application date if you qualify for expedited benefits
• At the latest, 30 days from the application date

To serve you better and to make sure you get all the benefits you need:

• Give them all the information and proof as soon as possible
• Ask if you need help getting information, so they can assist you

When making a decision on your case, they will mail you the results. You may also monitor the status of your application on-line at Health-e-Arizona Plus or MyFamilyBenefits.

What can I do if I disagree with the decision?
An appeal may be requested for any eligibility decision when an application is denied, when benefits are stopped, or when an application is not acted upon in a timely manner.

Ongoing Eligibility (Renewals) Required for Nutrition Assistance
Nutrition Assistance requires eligibility reviews, called renewals, for you to continue receiving benefits. Family Assistance Administration (FAA) contacts you regarding the renewal. Report changes of information (such as telephone or address), to ensure you receive notification regarding your renewal.

Renewal time frames vary, usually renewals are set every six months, but some are as long as two years from the initial application date.

My information has changed since I applied, do I need to tell FAA?
You are required to report changes that may affect your eligibility. You must report when the combined gross monthly income of all persons in your household exceeds 130% of the current Federal Poverty Level.