Arizona families can get up to $994 per month in food assistance through SNAP. The income limits changed on October 1, 2025. These new limits help more families qualify for help buying groceries.
Quick Facts About Arizona SNAP 2025-2026:
- A family of 4 can earn up to $4,956 per month and still qualify
- Maximum benefit for a family of 4 is $994 per month
- Arizona has no asset limits for most households
- Seniors and disabled members get special income rules
- Benefits are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026
Need to check if you qualify? Use the Arizona SNAP Calculator to estimate your monthly benefits in just 2 minutes.
Page Contents
- 1 What Are the Arizona SNAP Income Limits for 2025-2026?
- 2 How Much Can You Get in Arizona SNAP Benefits?
- 3 What Expenses Can Lower Your Income?
- 4 Who Qualifies for Arizona SNAP Benefits?
- 5 How to Apply for Arizona SNAP Benefits
- 6 Additional Programs and Resources
- 7 Arizona SNAP Deductions 2026
- 8 Arizona SNAP FAQs 2026
- 8.1 1. What is the income limit for a family of 4 in Arizona?
- 8.2 2. How much can a single person get on SNAP in Arizona?
- 8.3 3. What is the minimum SNAP benefit in Arizona?
- 8.4 4. Do assets count for SNAP eligibility in Arizona?
- 8.5 5. When do these income limits apply?
- 8.6 6. Can seniors qualify with higher income?
- 9 Conclusion
What Are the Arizona SNAP Income Limits for 2025-2026?
Arizona uses two income tests to decide if you qualify for SNAP benefits. These are the gross income test and the net income test.
Gross income means all the money your household gets before any bills are paid. Net income means what you have left after allowed expenses are taken out.
Most families must pass both tests. But households with someone age 60 or older or someone with a disability only need to pass the net income test.
Gross Income Limits (Before Deductions)
Arizona sets the gross income limit at 185% of the federal poverty level. Here are the monthly limits:
| Household Size | Official Gross Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,412 |
| 2 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $4,108 |
| 4 | $4,956 |
| 5 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $6,652 |
| 7 | $7,499 |
| 8 | $8,346 |
| Each additional | +$847 |
Important: Households with elderly or disabled members do not have a gross income limit in Arizona.
Net Income Limits (After Deductions)
The net income limit is set at 100% of the federal poverty level:
| Household Size | Net Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,305 |
| 2 people | $1,763 |
| 3 people | $2,221 |
| 4 people | $2,680 |
| 5 people | $3,138 |
| 6 people | $3,596 |
| 7 people | $4,054 |
| 8 people | $4,512 |
| Each additional person | Add $458 |
These income limits come from the USDA SNAP guidelines updated for federal fiscal year 2026.
Gross Income Limit for Households with Elderly/Disabled (165% Poverty)
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,152 |
| 2 | $2,909 |
| 3 | $3,665 |
| 4 | $4,421 |
| 5 | $5,177 |
| 6 | $5,934 |
| 7 | $6,690 |
| 8 | $7,446 |
| Each Additional | +$757 |
How Much Can You Get in Arizona SNAP Benefits?
The amount your family receives depends on your household size and net income. Here are the maximum monthly benefits:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,181 |
| 6 people | $1,419 |
| 7 people | $1,567 |
| 8 people | $1,792 |
| Each additional person | Add $224 |
Minimum Benefit: Households with 1-2 people get at least $24 per month if they qualify.
Your actual benefit amount is calculated using this formula: Your household is expected to spend 30% of its net income on food. SNAP makes up the difference between that amount and the maximum benefit for your household size.
For detailed benefit calculations based on your specific income and expenses, visit the official Arizona Department of Economic Security SNAP page.
What Expenses Can Lower Your Income?
Arizona allows you to subtract certain expenses from your income. This lowers your net income and can increase your SNAP benefits. Here’s what you can deduct:
Standard Deduction
Everyone gets a standard deduction based on household size:
- 1-3 people: $209
- 4 people: $223
- 5 people: $261
- 6 or more people: $299
Earned Income Deduction
You can deduct 20% of all income from jobs or self-employment.
Dependent Care Costs
If you pay for child care or adult care so you can work or go to school, you can deduct these costs.
Medical Expenses
If someone in your household is 60 or older or has a disability, you can deduct medical costs over $35 per month. You can use either:
- Your actual expenses (with proof), or
- A standard medical deduction of $145 (no proof needed)
Shelter Costs
You can deduct rent, mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utility bills. But only the amount that goes over half of your income after other deductions.
There’s a maximum shelter deduction of $744 unless your household has someone 60 or older or someone with a disability. Then there’s no limit.
Here’s what to do next: Gather your rent receipts, utility bills, and medical expenses. These documents will help you get the highest benefit amount possible.
Who Qualifies for Arizona SNAP Benefits?
To get SNAP benefits in Arizona, you must meet these basic requirements:
Residency: You must live in Arizona.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant.
Work Requirements: Most adults ages 18-52 without children must work or participate in training at least 80 hours per month.
Income: Your household income must fall within the limits shown above.
Household Definition: A household includes people who live together and buy and cook food together.
Special Rules for Seniors and People with Disabilities
If anyone in your household is 60 or older or has a disability:
- You don’t have to meet the gross income test
- You can have higher medical deductions
- You may qualify for a simplified application process
- Asset limits may be different
The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers an Elderly Simplified Application Process for seniors 60 and older with no earned income.
How to Apply for Arizona SNAP Benefits
You have three ways to apply for SNAP in Arizona:
1. Apply Online (Fastest Method)
Visit Health-e-Arizona Plus to create an account and submit your application online. You can upload documents and check your application status anytime.
2. Apply by Phone or Mail
Call 1-855-432-7587 to request an application form. Fill it out and mail or fax it to your local DES office.
3. Apply in Person
Visit your nearest Arizona Department of Economic Security office. Staff can help you complete the application.
What Documents You’ll Need
Bring these documents when you apply:
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs from the last 30 days)
- Proof of address (utility bill or lease)
- Rent receipts or mortgage statements
- Utility bills
- Medical expenses (if applicable)
Application Timeline
- Standard processing: Up to 30 days
- Expedited service: Within 7 days for households with urgent food needs
You may qualify for expedited SNAP if your household has less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in cash.
Here’s what to do next: After you apply, DES will schedule an interview. This can be done by phone or in person. Make sure to answer all questions honestly and provide requested documents on time.
For help with your application, contact a Community Assistor through the Arizona Food Bank Network or call the DES helpline at 1-855-432-7587.
Additional Programs and Resources
Restaurant Meals Program
If you are elderly, disabled, or homeless, you may be able to use your SNAP benefits at participating restaurants. Contact Arizona DES for a list of approved restaurants.
Double Up Arizona
Use your SNAP benefits at farmers markets and get double value for fresh fruits and vegetables. Spend $1 on eligible food and get $1 free for Arizona-grown produce.
Summer EBT for Children
Families with children under 18 may receive $120 per child during summer months to help with food costs when school meals aren’t available.
Online Shopping
You can use your Arizona Quest EBT card to buy groceries online from authorized retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and select local stores. Visit the USDA online purchasing page for a complete list.
Arizona SNAP Deductions 2026
Households may qualify for higher benefits after applying deductions:
- Standard Deduction: $209 (HH 1–3), $223 (HH 4), $261 (HH 5), $299 (HH 6+)
- Excess Shelter Deduction cap: $744
- Homeless shelter deduction: $198.99
- Asset limits: $3,000 (general) / $4,500 (elderly/disabled)
Arizona SNAP FAQs 2026
1. What is the income limit for a family of 4 in Arizona?
A household of 4 must have gross income below $4,956 and net income under $2,680.
2. How much can a single person get on SNAP in Arizona?
A 1-person household can receive up to $298 per month.
3. What is the minimum SNAP benefit in Arizona?
The minimum benefit for 1–2 person households is $24.
4. Do assets count for SNAP eligibility in Arizona?
Yes. The asset limit is $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for elderly/disabled households.
5. When do these income limits apply?
These limits are effective from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
6. Can seniors qualify with higher income?
Yes. Households with elderly or disabled members can qualify up to 165% of the poverty level.
Conclusion
The Arizona SNAP income limits 2026 make it clear who qualifies for food assistance and how much support households can expect. With higher allotments and updated deductions, more families may be eligible for help.
👉 To see if your family qualifies, check the Arizona SNAP Calculator and compare your income against these official limits.
