Many Americans experience obstacles that make it difficult to afford and sustain a nutritious diet, and SNAP/EBT (formerly food stamps) is a resource to help people in these challenging positions do exactly that. SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is available all across the United States, and it helps increase access to healthy food for families and individuals throughout Arizona. SNAP recipients can bring home even more healthy, fresh, locally-grown produce with the Double Up Food Bucks Arizona program. If you are in need of nutrition assistance, here are a few tips to help get started:
Qualifications:
The best way to find out if you are eligible is to go through the application process in full and wait for your results. If you wish to calculate your eligibility beforehand, use this resource. Always submit an application to correctly determine your eligibility! The application process will include all the information needed to qualify, as well as an interview with Arizona's Department of Economic Security.
What do you need to apply?
These items need to be collected for your entire household. Collecting these items ahead of time will ensure a complete and efficient application process. If you have more questions about the items needed to apply visit this website.
- • Proof of citizenship or Alien registration cards.
- • Social Security numbers or proof of applying for a Social Security number.
- • Proof of relationships.
- • Proof of income/money received for current and last month.
- • Proof of rent/utilities/mortgage.
- • Proof of all medical expenses for those receiving disability benefits or persons over 60.
- • Bank statements for all accounts for most recent month.
- • Proof of child care expenses for most recent month.
- • Proof of employment ending and last date paid.
- • Proof of savings bonds, securities, retirement plans and life insurance.
- • A statement verifying your address and the names of everyone living with you. The statement must be made by a non-relative who doesn’t live with you. It must be signed, dated and include that person's address and telephone number.
- • Name, address & daytime phone number of landlord or neighbor.
Application Process:
For information regarding your nearest AZDES local office visit this website.
- 1. You can submit your application online through this link.
- 2. You can download the application from this website, turn it in by mail or fax it to your local office.
- 3. You can call and request and application at your local office or have a paper version sent to you using this number (855) 432-7587. After it is completed, you can fax it, mail it, or turn it into your local office.
- 4. To get assistance with the application process, enter your zip code here and you will be directed to your nearest community assister. They will help you with the entire process or parts that you are having a hard time with.
- 5. You can use your local library to fax, email and submit your application if you do not have internet access at home.
What comes next?
The next step is the eligibility interview. Keep the items you gathered for the application, as you may be asked to review the information once again. You will be notified if you qualify within 30 days and a letter will be sent with information regarding your results. You can monitor your application process and find answers to any additional questions here.
Double Up on locally-grown fruits and veggies!
You can use your SNAP/Quest EBT card to bring home twice as many fresh fruits and vegetables at participating Double Up Food Bucks farmers markets across the state. Find your nearest market here! Check out this blog to find the best ways to get to your market using public transportation. Double Up Food Bucks matches each dollar you spend with another dollar to spend on locally-grown fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day. This program is a great way to get the most out of your food dollars, while also eating healthier and supporting local farmers.
Watch this video to learn more about how the program works. With Double Up Food Bucks, you can stretch your food dollars, eat healthier, and purchase more local products that support Arizona farmers and the growth of our local economy!
