Need help right now? Call or text 988 Dial 211 for local help Emergency 911
Find help
Reviewed October 1, 2026

Arizona Cash Assistance (TANF)

Arizona Cash Assistance provides temporary support and related services to qualifying families with dependent children. Apply through DES, then complete the eligibility interview and any requested verification.

Who can apply

['DES checks Arizona residency, citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, resources and family income. Dependent-child and assistance-unit rules also apply.', 'Adults receiving assistance sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement covering applicable Jobs Program, child-support, school and immunization obligations. Ask about exceptions or accommodations for your circumstances.']

What help is available

The program supplies temporary cash benefits and supportive services. Household and shelter circumstances affect the determination. A separate Grant Diversion option may apply in some situations; ask the worker rather than assuming it is available.

Documents to prepare

DES recommends income information, identification, Social Security numbers and citizenship verification for the interview. Gather proof of family relationships and shelter costs if requested. Its current notice says client statements alone are no longer accepted as verification, so ask about suitable records.

How to get started

  1. Apply through the Health-e-Arizona Plus link on DES’s Cash Assistance page.
  2. For paper filing, download the English or Spanish application there or call 1-855-432-7587 to request one. Follow the form’s mailing or fax instructions.
  3. Complete the eligibility interview and provide the worker’s requested records. A DES office or community assistor can help with filing.

After applying

Save the interview and submission details. Read the letter requesting additional information and meet its deadline. If approved, review reporting and participation duties; if denied, use the decision’s appeal instructions.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The DES Cash Assistance FAQ page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The DES income eligibility guidelines with the A1 and A2 payment standards.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The DES TANF Jobs Program page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Can I use the online screening result as approval?

No. DES says a completed application and the eligibility process determine whether the family qualifies.

Is an interview required?

Yes. DES identifies an eligibility interview after application.

Can I request a paper application?

Call 1-855-432-7587 or download the application from the DES page.

Can a relative apply only for a child?

DES has distinct needy-family rules for some non-parent relatives and child-only circumstances. Ask the worker to evaluate the correct assistance unit.

Sources and review

Historical screenshots: source reference.