Government Programs

Use these resources to help see if you qualify for various government programs to meet your needs for healthcare, food, aging resources and more.

The Department of Economic Security (DES) Child Care Administration (CCA) provides assistance to eligible families in need so they can continue education or employment while ensuring a safe and supervised environment for their children.

Visit the Department of Economic Security (DES)

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona's Medicaid agency that offers health care programs to serve Arizona residents. Individuals must meet certain income and other requirements to obtain services. Apply for AHCCCS Benefits at Health-e-Arizona Plus or call toll-free at 1-855-HEA-PLUS ( 1-855-432-7587).

GCC Cares works collaboratively with Helping Families in Need (HFINAZ), a local organization that can assist with AHCCCS and SNAP applications. Reach out to HFINAZ online or call (800) 298-4346.

Nutrition Assistance (formerly the Food Stamp Program) is Arizona’s program for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Nutrition Assistance provides eligible households with monthly benefits they can use to purchase food. Want to know more about SNAP?

To determine if you qualify, visit the Arizona Self Help website for a free, confidential screening. Learn about SNAP eligibility and how to apply online.

You can also find a local community organization to assist you with your SNAP application by using this wildfire search engine. GCC Cares works collaboratively with Helping Families in Need (HFINAZ), a local organization that can assist with AHCCCS and SNAP applications. Reach out to HFINAZ online or call (800) 298-4346.

The Home Energy Assistance Fund (HEAF) assists low-income Arizona families and households pay heating, cooling, and appliance repair costs. Funding for the program is supported by utility providers, private donations, and abandoned utility deposits. To determine if you qualify, go to the Arizona Self Help website for a free, confidential screening.

Find a local office to apply for assistance from this list.

WIC provides supplemental healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support services, and referrals to health and social services to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under five.

Find out if you are eligible and find a clinic near you.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs provide tax preparation assistance. The programs are supported by IRS-certified volunteers.

VITA offers free tax preparation help to:

  • Individuals who make less than $55,000 per year
  • People with disabilities
  • Taxpayers with limited English proficiency

TCE offers tax preparation assistance and advice to all taxpayers, but in particular:

  • Individuals who are 60 years of age or older
  • People with questions about pensions or retirement

For a comprehensive list of VITA and TCE sites, please visit this IRS website.