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The Arizona Cash Assistance – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program.
The four purposes of the TANF program are to:
- Provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes
- Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
- Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies
- Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families
Note: TANF is sometimes referred to by state specific names, in this case the Arizona Cash Assistance Program.
Who is eligible for Arizona Cash Assistance Program?
To be eligible for Arizona Cash Assistance, you must be a resident of Arizona, and a U.S. citizen, legal alien or qualified alien. You must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income. You must also be one of the following:
- Have a child 18 years of age or younger, or
- Be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household.
How do I apply for Arizona Cash Assistance Program?
To start an application for one or more programs, apply online using this website, Health-e-Arizona PLUS, or call toll-free 1-855-HEA-PLUS, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Please visit the Cash Assistance information page for resources including:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Applications and Forms
- Tips on how to apply for Cash Assistance
- Eligibility
- Submitting your application
- Information needed for eligibility.
Arizona Cash Assistance Income Eligibility Guidelines
Cash Assistance (CA) benefits may only be provided for an assistance unit that resides in a needy family. A family consists of the parent or non-parent head of household, their minor children, the spouse’s minor children, dependent children for whom CA is requested, and all minor siblings of the dependent children.
To be considered a needy family, the countable income of a family may not exceed:
- 130% of the current federal poverty level for families in which the head-of-household is a non-parent relative requesting Cash Assistance only for the dependent children.
Example: A grandparent requests CA only for a grandchild. Living in the home are the grandparent, their spouse, and the grandchild. They are a family of three and their family’s income may not exceed 130% of the current federal poverty level.
- 100% of the current federal poverty level for all other families.
*Note: The needy family income test does not apply to families requesting Cash Assistance only for a dependent child who is in the legal custody of the Department of Child Safety and who is placed in unlicensed foster care.
The assistance unit includes all members of a needy family for whom CA is requested and who meet all the non-financial CA eligibility factors. When determining the amount of CA benefits, the countable income of the assistance unit is considered. Also, the income of the parent(s) and minor siblings who are not included in the assistance unit are counted.
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130% Needy Family Monthly Income Standard Effective October 1, 2022
| Number of Participants | 130% of Federal Poverty Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,473 |
| 2 | $1,984 |
| 3 | $2,495 |
| 4 | $3,007 |
| 5 | $3,518 |
| 6 | $4,029 |
| 7 | $4,541 |
| 8 | $5,052 |
| Each Additional Family Member, add $512 | |
100% Needy Family Monthly Income Standard Effective October 1, 2022
| Number of Participants | 100% of Federal Poverty Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,133 |
| 2 | $1,526 |
| 3 | $1,920 |
| 4 | $2,313 |
| 5 | $2,706 |
| 6 | $3,100 |
| 7 | $3,493 |
| 8 | $3,886 |
| Each Additional Family Member, add $394 | |
Two Payment Standards (A1 and A2) exist for CA. When it is determined that a family is needy, the countable income of the assistance unit residing in the family may not exceed the applicable payment standard in order for the assistance unit to be eligible for Cash Assistance. The CA benefit amounts are determined using one of the two payment standards which are based on whether the assistance unit has a shelter cost. The payment standards are as follows:
Arizona TANF Monthly Benefits Amount
A1 Payment Standard: used when the participant has an obligation to pay ALLOWABLE shelter costs such as rent, mortgage, taxes, etc.
| Number of Participants | CA Monthly Payment Standard |
|---|---|
| 1 | $164 |
| 2 | $220 |
| 3 | $278 |
| 4 | $335 |
| 5 | $392 |
| 6 | $449 |
| 7 | $506 |
| 8 | $563 |
| 9 | $620 |
| 10 | $677 |
| 11 | $734 |
| 12 | $791 |
A2 Payment Standard: used when the participant is not eligible for the A1 Standard.
| Number of Participants | CA Monthly Payment Standard |
|---|---|
| 1 | $103 |
| 2 | $139 |
| 3 | $175 |
| 4 | $211 |
| 5 | $247 |
| 6 | $283 |
| 7 | $319 |
| 8 | $355 |
| 9 | $391 |
| 10 | $427 |
| 11 | $463 |
| 12 | $499 |
Can I get my Cash Assistance benefits all at one time?
You may be eligible for one large lump-sum payment through the Grant Diversion Program. Ask your eligibility interviewer about this program during your interview.
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How do I receive Cash Assistance benefits?
Arizona TANF Income Limits : After the eligibility interview, you will be mailed a QUEST Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card issued by Fidelity National Information Services (FIS). The card generally arrives before the eligibility notice. The EBT card works just like an ATM/debit card. Please note that you may receive the EBT card even if you are not eligible. Keep the card in a safe place because the card is active, does not expire, and can be used if you are eligible at a later date.
The first replacement card in a calendar year is free. You are charged $5 for each additional replacement card. When you and your EBT alternate card holder requests more than 4 cards within a 12-month period, you may have to answer questions about the reason for your request as part of the EBT card replacement process. Also, a fraud investigation may be initiated.
Where can I use my Cash Assistance Benefits?
Arizona TANF Income Limits : The Cash Assistance EBT card can be used at any ATM or point-of-sale terminal that accepts EBT. Arizona state law prohibits the use of the Cash Assistance EBT card at all ATMs and point-of-sale terminals located in liquor stores, gambling casinos, race tracks, adult entertainment establishments, and medical marijuana dispensaries. Arizona state law also prohibits purchasing lottery tickets with a Cash Assistance EBT card.
You are allowed to use your EBT card outside of Arizona. A notice will be sent requiring you to answer questions about your EBT usage when 10% or more of your benefit amount is used outside of Arizona during a six month period. You can find ATM locations by using the free and secure mobile app, ebtEDGE, available in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
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How long can I receive Cash Assistance Benefits?
Arizona TANF Income Limits : The Federal Lifetime Benefit Limit restricts the primary applicant and his or her spouse to receive Cash Assistance for 60 months, in Arizona or any other state, unless exempt. The lifetime limit does not apply to members of the household who are under 18. The State Benefit Limit restricts the primary applicant and his or her spouse to receive Cash Assistance, for themselves or only for a dependent child, for 12 months in the State of Arizona, unless exempt. The State Benefit Limit does not apply to Tribal TANF.
Some households are able to get additional Cash Assistance when they have a hardship. Also, some households are able to receive an additional 12 months of Cash Assistance when no one in their household is in a Jobs Program sanction status for the final month of Cash Assistance and the final month is 10/2017 or later; and their children (ages 6-15 years old) go to school. To apply for a hardship or 12-month time extension, complete and submit the Cash Assistance Benefit Limit Extension Request with verification.