How to Apply for TANF in Arizona
Arizona calls its TANF program simply Cash Assistance (CA), and DES pushes nearly everyone toward the same portal used for food and medical benefits, Health-e-Arizona Plus, rather than a separate cash-aid system. A distinctive local detail: DES runs a dedicated Statewide Interview Line (855-777-8590) and a text/email alert system called MyDES Connect so applicants don't miss their required eligibility interview call.
This site is an independent, non-government TANF directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or federal government agency. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
Quick Answer
In Arizona, you apply for TANF through Department of Economic Security, online or by phone. Arizona DES makes a decision on a Cash Assistance application at the latest 45 days from the application date.
What You'll Need
- Proof of citizenship and identity for everyone applying
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of all household income for the last two months
- Bank or credit union statement for the most recent month
- Proof of rent/mortgage and utility bills for the most recent month
- Alien Registration Cards, if non-U.S. citizens are applying
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Apply online through Health-e-Arizona Plus
Submit your Cash Assistance application at healthearizonaplus.gov/Login/Default, the same portal DES uses for Nutrition and Medical Assistance.
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Or apply by mail, fax, or in person
Download and mail in Application for Benefits form FAA-0001A (English or Spanish), call 1-855-432-7587 to have one mailed to you, or visit a DES Family Assistance Administration office found through the DES Office Locator.
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Gather required documents
Have proof of citizenship and identity, Social Security numbers, income and employment records, and rent/utility bills ready — DES stopped accepting client statements as verification as of September 2, 2025.
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Complete your eligibility interview
Interviews happen by phone at 1-855-432-7587 or the Statewide Interview Line (855-777-8590) Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3 p.m., or in person at any DES office 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Sign the Personal Responsibility Agreement
Adults receiving Cash Assistance must sign this agreement, which covers Jobs Program participation, child support cooperation, and school/immunization requirements for children.
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Watch for your decision letter
DES decides your case within 45 days of application; track status online at Health-e-Arizona Plus or MyFamilyBenefits, and watch for MyDES Connect texts from the number 86684.
Submit Your Application
Need help before your application is processed?
Arizona DES makes a decision on a Cash Assistance application at the latest 45 days from the application date. If your family needs money sooner, most states offer a faster, one-time emergency payment.
See emergency & one-time assistance →Compare Other States
TANF rules, income limits, and benefit amounts are set state by state. These share Arizona's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the same program.
Helpful Guides
TANF Eligibility & Frequently Asked Questions
Income limits, time limits, and work requirements, answered in plain language.
Learn more →How Much Does TANF Pay? Benefit Amounts Explained
How your payment is calculated, a real worked example, and how the amount scales by family size.
Learn more →TANF Income Limits by State
See each state's own income limit and maximum monthly benefit, side by side.
Learn more →How to Use Your TANF EBT Card
How to withdraw cash, avoid ATM fees, and what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
Learn more →TANF Work Requirements Explained
Hours, activities, exemptions, and how strictly states actually enforce this.
Learn more →What Is TANF?
What the program covers, who runs it, and how it varies by state.
Learn more →TANF Kinship Care & Relative Caregiver Benefits
Child-only TANF grants for grandparents and relatives raising a child — and how they differ from a regular case.
Learn more →TANF vs. SNAP: Is TANF the Same as Food Stamps?
How the two programs differ, and whether you can get both.
Learn more →