Department of Economic Security

Frequent Referrals

DES Benefits

DES – Apply for DES benefits including Nutrition Assistance (NA) (formerly known as food stamps), Medical Assistance (MA), and Cash Assistance (CA)
DES – To check the status of your application or to report a change
Health Insurance Marketplace – Apply for subsidized healthcare
Fidelity Information Service (FIS) to request a replacement Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, call 1 (888) 997-9333
Fraud – Report Benefits Fraud 1 (800) 251-2436

DES Client Advocates and Ombudsmen

Client Advocate – Division of Aging & Adult Services (DAAS) Client Advocate (602) 542-6572
Ombudsman – State Long Term Care Ombudsman (602) 542-6454
Client Advocate – (Family Assistance Administration/ benefit eligibility) (602) 542-8201
Customer Service – Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) (602) 771-8000
Client Advocate – Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) (602) 771-8190
Client Advocate – Unemployment Insurance (UI) (602) 542-5954 Email: UIAClientAdvocate@azdes.gov
Client Advocate – Child Care Administration (CCA) (602) 542-4248
Client Advocate – Employment Administration (602) 542-2460
Ombudsman – Rehabilitation Services (602) 542-3792
Client Advocate – Developmental Disabilities (602) 364-1560 RKautz@azdes.gov
Ombudsman – Ombudsman for all DES programs (602) 364-2860 Ombudsman@azdes.gov

Non-State Assistance

AHCCCS Alternatives – Healthcare options
Community Information and Referral Services – Find resources in your area (call 211)
Arizona Community Action Association – Information guides on various resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out what services are available through DES?

You can click here, to find all of the benefits DES offers.

How do I apply for Nutrition Assistance?

You can apply at the DES HealthEArizonaPlus website. You may also submit a paper application. A paper application may be requested from any Family Assistance Administration (FAA) local office, by phone, or by mail. The application must be returned to an FAA office.

How do I find the closest office to my home?

You can use the DES Office Locator page. You may also call the Customer Support Center for HEAplus line at 855-HEA-plus or 855-432-7587 to locate an office near you.

How do I apply for medical/financial assistance?

You can apply at the DES HealthEArizonaPlus website. You may also submit a paper application. A paper application may be requested from any Family Assistance Administration (FAA) local office, by phone, or by mail. The application must be returned to an FAA office.

What do I need to bring to my initial interview for myself and family members?

  1. Identification
  2. Social Security numbers
  3. Birth Certificates
  4. Alien registration card
  5. Name, address, and phone number of landlord or neighbor
  6. Proof of any money your household received from any source in the last 30 days
  7. Registration and titles for all vehicles (if you own them)
  8. Bank or credit union (savings and/or checking account) statement(s) for the most recent month
  9. If pregnant, proof of pregnancy
  10. Proof of rent/mortgage and utility bills (electric, water, gas, etc) for the most recent month
  11. Proof of childcare expenses for the most recent month
  12. Proof of all medical expenses

How long does it take to complete the application process?

From the date your signed application is received: Health Insurance applications are completed within 45 days, or within 20 days if you are pregnant, or within 7 days if you are hospitalized. Cash Assistance applications are processed within 45 days. Food stamp applications are completed within 30 days or within 7 days if you have little or no income.

What is required of me to receive cash assistance?

Please see the DES Cash Assistance website for more information.

What happens if I fail to comply with the agreement for Cash Assistance?

  1. The first month Cash Assistance will be cut 50%.
  2. After the second month, if noncompliance continues, Cash Assistance will be discontinued.

 If my Cash Assistance is cut for noncompliance, will my Nutrition Assistance be increased?

No, Nutrition Assistance benefits will not be increased.

Child Care Assistance

If I need child care assistance, what should I do?

Please see the DES Child Care Administration website for more information on child care.

Child Support Enforcement

What can I do if the non-custodial parent isn’t paying child support?

Please see the Division of Child Support Services website for more information.

What is an ATLAS number?

The ATLAS (Arizona’s Tracking and Location Automated System) number is utilized to identify child support cases.

Who do I call for information on my account?

Both custodial and noncustodial parents can call the Child Support Services information line at 602-252-4045 or 1-800-882-4151. A personal identification number and ATLAS number are necessary for specific account information (ie, payments, arrears, etc). A personal identification number (PIN) can be established during the initial call to the information line, provided that the ATLAS number has been provided.

 How can I change my personal information (address, telephone number, etc) on my child support account?

You can change your personal information on the interactive voice response system, given that you have your ATLAS number and have set up a PIN number.You can call the response system at 602-252-4045 or 1-800-882-4151, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.