Arizona Food Stamps (SNAP): 2026 Guide to Eligibility, Benefits & EBT
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low income buy the food they need for good health. In Arizona the program is called Nutrition Assistance (NA), and it is administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies, how much you may receive, and how to apply using current federal rules for the fiscal year that runs October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
How SNAP Works in Arizona
SNAP is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and run at the state level. In Arizona, DES processes applications, determines eligibility, and issues benefits. If you are approved, your monthly benefit is loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, called the Quest Card in Arizona, which works like a debit card at participating grocery stores, farmers markets, and many other retailers. Benefits are intended to supplement your food budget, not to cover every food cost for the month.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility depends mainly on your household size, income, certain expenses, and resources. A “household” is generally everyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together. Most households must meet both gross and net income tests, and certain non-financial rules (such as citizenship or qualified non-citizen status and cooperation with program requirements) also apply.
Income Limits
Most households must have gross monthly income (income before deductions) at or below 130% of the federal poverty level and net monthly income (income after allowable deductions such as housing, dependent care, and a portion of earnings) at or below 100% of the poverty level. Households that include a person who is age 60 or older or who has a disability generally only need to meet the net income test.
Table 1: SNAP Income Eligibility Limits — Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 (48 contiguous states & D.C.)
| Household Size | Gross monthly income (130% of poverty) | Net monthly income (100% of poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 |
| Each additional member | +$596 | +$459 |
Resource & Asset Limits
Households may also be subject to resource (asset) limits, such as money in bank accounts. Under federal rules for FY2026, the limit is $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households that include a member who is age 60 or older or who has a disability. Certain resources, such as your home and lot and most retirement accounts, do not count. Because Arizona’s rules can vary, confirm how your specific resources are treated with DES.
Work Requirements (ABAWD)
Most adults age 16 to 59 who are able to work must register for work, accept suitable employment, and not voluntarily quit a job without good cause. Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) face an additional rule: they can receive SNAP for only 3 months in a 3-year period unless they work or participate in a qualifying work or training activity at least 80 hours per month, or qualify for an exemption. Exemptions and time-limit rules can change, so ask DES whether the ABAWD requirement applies to you.
How Much You Can Get (Benefit Amounts)
Your benefit is based on household size and net income. SNAP expects households to spend about 30% of their net income on food, so your monthly benefit is roughly the maximum allotment for your household size minus 30% of your net monthly income. A household with very little or no income may receive the maximum allotment, while a household with higher income receives less. The table below shows the maximum monthly amounts.
Table 2: Maximum Monthly SNAP Allotment — Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 (48 contiguous states & D.C.)
| Household Size | Maximum monthly allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each additional member | +$218 |
How to Apply in Arizona
Ways to Apply
There are several ways to apply for Nutrition Assistance in Arizona:
- Online: The fastest way is through Health-e-Arizona Plus at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/, where you can apply for Nutrition Assistance, cash assistance, and AHCCCS medical coverage in one application.
- By phone: Call the DES/Health-e-Arizona Plus Customer Call Center at 1-855-432-7587 to ask questions or request that a paper application be mailed to you.
- In person: Visit a local DES Family Assistance Administration office. You can find office locations at https://des.az.gov/.
- By mail or fax: Complete a paper application and submit it to DES by mail or fax, or work with a Community Assistor who can help you apply.
Documents You’ll Need
To verify your application, be ready to provide identity (such as a driver’s license or state ID), Social Security numbers for household members applying, proof of income (pay stubs or an employer statement), proof of housing costs (rent or mortgage and utilities), and proof of other expenses such as child care or medical costs for elderly or disabled members. Non-citizens may need to provide immigration documents. DES will tell you exactly what is required for your case.
The Eligibility Interview
After you apply, DES usually requires an interview, which is often conducted by phone. During the interview, a caseworker reviews your household information and explains any documents still needed. Watch for notices and respond promptly, because missing the interview or failing to provide requested verification can delay or deny your application.
Expedited (Emergency) SNAP
If your household has very little or no income and few resources, or your housing costs are more than your income and resources combined, you may qualify for expedited service. Eligible households can receive benefits within 7 days of applying. Tell DES right away if you have an urgent need for food so your application can be screened for expedited processing.
Using Your EBT Card
Approved benefits are placed each month on the Arizona Quest Card, an EBT card issued through Fidelity National Information Services (FIS). Use it like a debit card at authorized grocery stores, many farmers markets, and other approved retailers; you choose a personal identification number (PIN) to keep it secure. You can check your balance, change your PIN, or report a lost or stolen card by calling FIS Customer Service at 1-888-997-9333 (TTY 1-800-367-8939), through the ebtEDGE mobile app, or online at ebtedge.com. SNAP benefits can be used to buy most foods, but not alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, vitamins, or non-food items.
Reporting Changes & Recertification
While receiving benefits, you must report certain changes, such as income that rises above your household’s limit. Arizona uses simplified (periodic) reporting for many households, so check your approval notice for what and when you must report. Benefits are approved for a set period (the certification period). Before that period ends, you must recertify by completing a renewal and, usually, another interview to keep your benefits without interruption.
Appeals & Fair Hearings
If your application is denied, or your benefits are reduced or stopped and you disagree, you have the right to request a fair hearing. You generally must request the hearing within 90 days of the action. You can keep receiving the same benefit amount during the appeal if you request the hearing within the time stated on your notice. Contact DES or follow the instructions on your notice to file an appeal.
Other Food Assistance in Arizona
If you need food help right away or do not qualify for SNAP, other programs may help. These include the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), school meal programs, SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) for eligible children, and local food banks. You can dial 2-1-1 in Arizona, or visit 211arizona.org, to find food pantries and community resources near you.
Arizona SNAP Contact Information
- Administering agency: Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Nutrition Assistance program — https://des.az.gov/na
- Online application portal: Health-e-Arizona Plus — https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/
- DES / Health-e-Arizona Plus Customer Call Center: 1-855-432-7587
- EBT (Quest Card) Customer Service, FIS: 1-888-997-9333 (TTY 1-800-367-8939)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SNAP called in Arizona? In Arizona, SNAP is called Nutrition Assistance (NA), sometimes still referred to as the Food Stamp program. It is administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
How do I apply for food stamps in Arizona? The fastest way is online through Health-e-Arizona Plus at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/. You can also call 1-855-432-7587 to request a paper application, apply in person at a DES office, or get help from a Community Assistor.
How quickly can I get benefits? Standard applications are generally processed within 30 days. If you qualify for expedited (emergency) service because of very low income and resources, you may receive benefits within 7 days.
What is the Arizona EBT card called? Arizona issues the Quest Card, an EBT card provided through FIS. You can manage it by calling 1-888-997-9333, using the ebtEDGE app, or visiting ebtedge.com.
Can I get Nutrition Assistance and AHCCCS medical coverage at the same time? Yes. Health-e-Arizona Plus lets you apply for Nutrition Assistance, cash assistance, and AHCCCS health coverage in a single online application.