Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides supplemental income for purchasing food for low-income households. An eligible person or family receives an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like any other debit card at the grocery store. The card uses money from a SNAP account set up for the eligible person or family to pay for food items.

                           

Quick Facts

Location
Arizona
Administering Program Name
Arizona Department of Economic Security

Are College Students Eligible for SNAP?

Students attending an institution of higher education, like a college, university, trade school, or technical school more than half-time are eligible for SNAP IF they meet an exemption AND meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. You can ask your school what qualifies as “half-time.”

First, What Are Student Exemptions?

COVID-19 Temporary Update

As of January 16, 2021, a student is exempt if they meet one of the qualifications:

1) They are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year. You school determines if you are eligible for work study

OR

2.) They have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year (based on the FASFA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

In addition to the temporary COVID-19 exemptions, students can always meet one of the following exemptions to qualify for SNAP:

  • Are under age 18 or are age 49 or older.
  • Physically or mentally unfit for employment;
  • Participating in and complying with the Cash Assistance Jobs Program;
  • Caretaking for a child under the age of six;
  • Responsible for the care of an incapacitated individual;
  • Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program;
  • Employed or self-employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week, or receiving weekly earnings which meet or exceed the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, when multiplied by 30 hours;
  • Applying for or receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits;
  • A student enrolled at least half time in any recognized school, including high school, training programs, or institutions of higher education, provided that the participation in these educational activities is not the result of participation in SNA E&T;
  • Eligible for and subject to the work requirement of the Refugee Resettlement Program; or,
  • Subject to mandatory participation in the Tribal TANF Native Employment Works Program

Second, What Are Income Requirements?

This chart shows the gross monthly eligibility standard based on family size considering 130% of the Federal Poverty Line, or FPL. The FPL is set by the federal government each year is calculated centered on family size and income. FPL determines eligibility for many federal and state public programs.

Household Size Gross Monthly Income
(130% of FPL)		 Net Monthly Income
(100% of FPL)
1 $1,396 $1,074
2 $1,888 $1,452
3 $2,379 $1,830
4 $2,871 $2,209
5 $3,363 $2,587
6 $3,855 $2,965
7 $4,347 $3,344
8 $4,839 $3,722
Each Additional Member + $492 + $379

How Do I Apply?

You don’t need to go to an office! You can apply online or by phone at 1-855-432-7587, and receive your EBT card in the mail. The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through Health-e-Arizona PLUS at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/

If you are eligible, you will be able to access your SNAP benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application. If you have very little or no income for the month and you need help right away, you may qualify for SNAP benefits within 7 days.

Where/How to Use

SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food, and plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat. You can use your EBT card to purchase food at any grocery store, farmers’ market, or online website that accepts SNAP like Aldi, Amazon, and Walmart. Visit des.az.gov to learn more about shopping for groceries online with your SNAP benefits and more. Use the map on the FreshEBT app to find grocery stores and farmers markets near you.

This page was last updated on October 12, 2021.

Quick Facts

Location
Arizona
Administering Program Name
Arizona Department of Economic Security

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