All types of vegetables are approved food items
The Arizona Department of Economic Security is committed to ensuring that families have adequate nutrition through its food stamps, or nutrition assistance, program. The program provides you with a debit card that can only be used at grocery stores. The amount of benefits loaded onto the card every month depends on eligibility requirements such as income and individual circumstances. Food stamps are given to the head of household for a predetermined amount of time, usually six months.
Requirements
Eligibility requirements fluctuate every year depending on current economic conditions and funds available for the program. Applying for benefits involves a three step process. The first step is to fill out the application at a local DES office or online. After you fill out the application, you will be contacted by a case worker or you will receive a notification in the mail requesting an interview. Interviews are conducted over the phone as well as in person. If you are granted a phone interview, the case worker will call and ask specific questions about your situation.
The case worker will then do some math to determine if you are eligible. If you meet the requirements, she will advise you to collect several documents that verify your identity, income and people living in your home. You will need to provide your driver's license or identification card as well as birth certificates for everyone in the home. You will also be asked to provide proof that you have no income or a low income. Proof would consist of pay stubs, as well as a print out of your unemployment benefits. You will also need to provide proof that you have a home by providing your utility bills and other bills that have your address printed on them. Medical bills and other paperwork may also be required.
Approved Food Items
The sate of Arizona has specific rules set in place for people who are granted food stamps. Food stamps cannot be exchanged for cash. Cash assistance is available, but that is a separate benefit and not everyone qualifies for both food stamps and cash. Approved food items are: canned goods, vegetables, fruits and packaged goods. You can also buy milk, cheese and other dairy products. Meats, eggs and popcorn and even candy is approved. However, you will not be able to buy alcohol, certain sugary teas or energy drinks as well as some select food items like cod liver oil.
Penalties
The Nutrition Assistance program is designed to help low-income families meet their needs. However, there are those who attempt to take advantage of the system. The state of Arizona requires that you have your finger prints processed at a DES office on the day you receive your debit card. Once you do this, your card will be activated. Benefits are deposited on your card between the first and fifth of every month. You will be penalized with fines or jail time if you provide false or misleading information to obtain benefits.
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