Help for Low-Income Families in Tucson
Tucson families in need of assistance can apply for help from one of the programs administered through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). The programs offer low-income families an opportunity to get the temporary help they need to become self-sufficient. Families must meet the income guidelines established by the federal government to receive assistance.
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Nutrition Assistance
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Formerly known as the Food Stamps Program, Nutrition Assistance (NA) is designed to help low-income families in Tucson purchase more nutritious foods. The program provides monthly benefits that are loaded on a QUEST Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The card can be used at supermarkets, farmers markets or other authorized dealers. Benefits can be used only to purchase foods that are intended for human consumption. Alcohol, tobacco and other non-food items cannot be purchased using NA.
DES Child Care
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Low-income families in Tucson in need of childcare assistance can apply for help from the DES Child Care Program. Working parents or those enrolled in school are eligible for the program. The program is also open to parents who reside in a homeless or domestic violence shelter. Childcare services are provided at a Department of Health Services licensed facility or certified group home. A relative may also be compensated for caring for a child under the program.
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Cash Assistance
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In Tucson, families can receive cash assistance under several programs including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Two-Parent Employment Program. Each program provides monetary assistance that can be used to cover monthly living expenses such as rent. The programs also provide job training and assistance with finding employment. The job training program is part of a partnership with the Labor Department in Tucson.
Telephone Discount Programs
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Tucson families can receive assistance with their telephone bills through the Telephone Discount Programs. The programs are a result of a partnership with Qwest Corporation. Families who receive assistance from other programs such as Nutrition Assistance may qualify for a discount of $8.04 to the basic telephone rates. Low-income individuals 65 years of age or older can receive a 17 percent discount. Contact Community Services at 800-582-5706 to apply to the program.
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- Photo Credit children image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
