If you are affected by the recent government shutdown, here are Arizona-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: handle cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep the lights and water on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen Unemployment Insurance (UI) via the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and certify weekly through your UI portal.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Nutrition Assistance) and AHCCCS Medicaid through the HEAplus portal; check if you qualify for WIC for family nutrition support.
- Keep the lights and water on: Apply for LIHEAP (energy assistance) and check APS, SRP, and local utility hardship programs.
- Housing stability: Explore rental and mortgage help through the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH)and HUD Arizona.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 Arizona or visit their website for statewide help with food, rent, bills, and more.
Links & Resources (Arizona)
Income & Jobs
Arizona Unemployment Insurance (apply or reopen claim):
🔗 https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual
Weekly certification & payment info:
🔗 https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual/weekly-claims
Arizona Job Connection (job search and resume builder):
🔗 https://www.azjobconnection.gov
Food Access
SNAP (Nutrition Assistance) overview & apply via Health-e-Arizona Plus:
🔗 https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov
WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program) — Arizona Department of Health Services:
🔗 https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic/
Find local food banks (St. Mary’s, United Food Bank, etc.):
🔗 https://azfoodbanks.org/
Health Coverage
AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) — eligibility & application:
🔗 https://www.azahcccs.gov/
Apply for Medicaid through HEAplus:
🔗 https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program):
🔗 https://des.az.gov/liheap
APS assistance programs (energy support & crisis bill help):
🔗 https://www.aps.com/en/residential/account-services/assistance-programs
SRP (Salt River Project) energy assistance programs:
🔗 https://www.srpnet.com/account/assistance
Housing
Arizona Department of Housing (rental/mortgage assistance):
🔗 https://housing.az.gov/
HUD Arizona — housing counseling & emergency rent help:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/arizona
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 Arizona (United Way):
🔗 https://211arizona.org/
Legal Help
Community Legal Services (statewide intake):
🔗 https://clsaz.org/
DNA People’s Legal Services (Northern Arizona & tribal areas):
🔗 https://dnalegalservices.org/
Crafted by jobsinmystate.com in support of fellow Americans.