covid-19 resources

SNAP Online Purchases Now Available in Arizona
Arizonans currently receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are now able to use benefits for online food purchases with currently-authorized SNAP online retailers, Walmart and Amazon. Click here to learn more.

SNAP benefits
DES submitted a request to USDA FNS to implement program changes expanding SNAP benefits and increase access to households. To date, the federal agency has authorized the following changes:

• Waiving interview requirements when determining eligibility, unless more information is needed from the applicant;
• Temporarily suspending work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents participating in SNAP;
• Increasing SNAP benefits to the maximum allotment for two months due to pandemic-related economic conditions;
• Extending certification periods by 6 months for recipients due to renew benefits in March, April and May;
• Allowing participants to purchase hot and prepared food sold in grocery stores;
• And allowing for verbal attestation in place of a signature on SNAP applications when necessary.

Senior Meal Programs
Arizona will receive $5.3 million to support both meal delivery programs and programs serving senior centers. The grant funding from the Department of Health and Human Services is part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program
Arizona will receive $9.8 million in federal funds for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP is a federally funded program that provides emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost to low-income individuals, including seniors. Click here for more information about TEFAP, distribution sites and eligibility.

Arizona’s Contingency and Safety Net Fund
The Arizona State Legislature passed a budget that included a $50 million Contingency and Safety Net Fund to be spent during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Governor Ducey announced an initial $6.7 million in funding to support the following:

• $5 million will go toward assisting homeless shelters in the prevention and slowing of the spread of COVID-19.
• $1 million in immediate food bank assistance to be distributed by the Department of Economic Security to enhance existing food bank infrastructure.
• $500,000 to expand Arizona’s “Double-Up” Food Bucks program, allowing SNAP recipients to get a $1 match from the State for every $1 they spend on Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables.
• $250,000 for the Arizona Produce Purchasing Program, known as the “Farm To Food Bank” program

Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Congress passed H.R. 6201 and was signed by President Trump on March 18. Information regarding the implementation is still pending. Key nutrition assistance provisions included:

• $500 million additional funding for WIC
• $400 million for additional funding for Commodity Assistance Program for TEFAP
• Allows schools and non-school sponsors to provide meals that children can take off-site
• Children that receive free or reduced-price meals in schools are eligible for Pandemic-SNAP (P-SNAP)

The C.A.R.E.S. Act
Congress passed H.R. 748 and was signed by President Trump on March 27. Information regarding the implementation is still pending. Key provisions included:

• $15.5 billion in additional funding for SNAP
• $450 million in TEFAP funding for local agencies selected by states, such as food banks and to community action agencies to help provide low-income Americans, including seniors, with emergency food assistance at no cost
• $100 million in FDPIR funding to provide USDA Foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved areas near reservations and in Oklahoma

Arizona utilities response to COVID-19
Utility companies throughout the state are temporarily suspending disconnections. Wildfire partners with agencies throughout the state who continue to provide utility assistance.

Tempe Community Action Agency offers utility assistance to Tempe and Fountain Hills residents
Help is available for Tempe and Fountain Hills residents to pay Southwest Gas, SRP, and APS bills. Click here to learn more.

Arizona Electric Utility Relief Package
Governor Ducey announced a cooperative agreement with the state’s largest electric utilities to continue to provide reliable electricity to homes, hospitals, and businesses while making sure that Arizona residents facing financial difficulties will have choice, assistance, and reliable access to electricity.

The C.A.R.E.S. Act
Congress passed H.R. 748 and was signed by President Trump on March 27. Information regarding the implementation is still pending. Key provisions included:

• • $900 million in funding for LIHEAP to help lower-income households heat and cool their homes
  • $1 billion in funding for CSBG to help communities address increasing unemployment and economic disruption, including providing housing and utility assistance, health services, and emergency support services

TANF
If you need Cash Assistance during the COVID-19 Crisis, you may be eligible for the Cash Assistance Program. Information is available in both Spanish and English.

The C.A.R.E.S. Act
Congress passed H.R. 748 and was signed by President Trump on March 27. Included are recovery rebates, also known as stimulus payment checks. The amount received will depend on your adjusted gross income from your 2019 tax return. If you haven’t filed taxes yet, the amount will be based on your 2018 tax return. Click here to learn more.

Federal and State Tax Deadlines Changed
The deadline to file and pay federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020. The Arizona Department of Revenue announced it would also move the deadline for filing and paying state income taxes to July 15, 2020.

Free Tax Help Locations
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. Due to COVID-19, a number of VITA sites and all TCE sites are closed for an undetermined period of time. To locate an open VITA site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.

Rehoboth CDC Offering Virtual VITA
Rehoboth CDC is providing virtual VITA appointments from April 4 – July 15. Familes earning $75,000 or less, and individuals earning $55,000 or less are eligible for this service. This service is by appointment only. Click here to learn more.

MyFreeTaxes.com Offers Free Filing for Simple Tax Returns
United Way has partnered with industry leader H&R Block to help people easily and accurately file both their federal and state returns through MyFreeTaxes®. This online tool is completely free for anyone of any income who needs to file a simple return.

Treasury, IRS launch new tool to help non-filers register for Economic Impact Payments
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for those who don’t normally file a tax return. Visit the IRS webpage to learn more.

Track Your Economic Impact Payment
The IRS launched a tool that allows taxpayers to input their direct deposit information to speed—and track—their payments. The IRS reminds taxpayers the information is updated once daily, usually overnight, so they only need to enter information once a day. Click here to track your payment.

FDIC Provides Options for Receiving IRS Economic Impact Payments
The FDIC is committed to supporting Americans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. You will receive an economic impact payment electronically if you qualify and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has your bank account information from a recent tax filing. If you do not have an account, many banks offer ways to open one remotely – online or through a mobile app – without going to a bank branch. As long as you have a computer or a smartphone with access to the Internet, it is easy to get started. Click here to learn more.

Community Legal Service Encourages Residential Tenants to Pay Their May 2020 Rent
Community Legal Services is encouraging all residential tenants in Arizona to pay rent on time in May 2020. While New York City and other areas in the country are planning rent strikes May 1, tenants are still required to pay rent in Arizona. Despite the Governor’s Order 2020-14 and the CARES Act, tenants still have an obligation to pay rent. Click here to read more.

Delaying Evictions For Renters Impacted By COVID-19
Governor Ducey issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days.

Rental Eviction Prevention Assistance
The Arizona Department of Housing received $5 million for the Rental Eviction Prevention Assistance Program to help families and individuals who are facing loss of income due to COVID-19 with monthly rent assistance. Need to fax or scan a document? Click here to learn more about complimentary scanning and faxing services.

Protecting Families and Small Businesses From Foreclosure
Governor Ducey announced an agreement with the state’s banks to protect small businesses and families from eviction and foreclosure. Under the agreement, banks are suspending evictions and foreclosures for at least 60 days, with the potential to extend that period for the duration of the state’s emergency declaration.

Community Legal Services Tip Sheets on Postponement of Eviction Enforcement
Resources are available tenants impacted by COVID-19. Community Legal Service drafted tip sheets regarding the Tenant COVID-19 Notice in both English and Spanish. Accompanying forms are also available in English and Spanish.

Prohibiting Small Business Evictions
Governor Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order halting evictions in the state for small businesses and nonprofits that are unable to pay rent due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The order also encourages commercial landlords to defer rent payments for small business tenants facing economic hardship due to COVID-19 and consider waiving all fees and interest associated with late payments. Under the order, evictions will be halted until May 31, 2020.

HUD suspends all foreclosure and evictions
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) authorized the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to implement an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages for the next 60 days.

The C.A.R.E.S. Act
Congress passed H.R. 748 and was signed by President Trump on March 27. Information regarding the implementation is still pending. Key provisions included:

• $1.25 billion for public housing authorities to ensure that current tenants remain safely and stably housed and to address increased operational costs
• $4 billion in funding to state and local governments to support additional homeless assistance, as well as eviction and homelessness prevention activities

Pandemic Unemployment Insurnace Under C.A.R.E.S. Act
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is set to launch May 12. Applications will be processed beginning the week of May 12 and payments will begin for eligible claimants that same week. Visit the DES website to learn more.

COVID-19 Changes to Unemployment Insurance
This handout provides general information on changes to the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. Read more here.

ACF announces the Arizona Undocumented Workers Relief Fund
The Arizona Undocumented Workers Relief Fund has been established by more than 20 community groups and leaders to raise funds for undocumented working families who support our economy, industries, and communities every day, but who are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits or most of the federal disaster relief funds. Click here to learn more.

Complimentary Scanning and Faxing Available at Staples and Office Depot & Office Max
All Staples locations are offering complimentary faxing and scanning (up to $30 credit) to those affected by COVID-19. You will need to notify the front desk assistance station when you arrive that you are applying for a state assisted program for COVID-19 related issues and they will help you with your scanning and faxing needs. Additonally, Office DEPOT/OfficeMax is offering FREE faxing and scanning services in all of their retail stores in the state of Arizona (limits apply). You can print or download coupons, but coupons are not required. Additional printing services are available through the State of Arizona Printing Contract ADSPO17-155120. For support, email the Print Support Team at CSR06276@OfficeDepot.com.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits in Arizona
If you lost your job, were furloughed or your earnings were reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. This resource provides general information about changes to unemployment insurance benefits. Information is available both in English and Spanish.

How Arizona Workers Impacted By COVID-19 Can Access Unemployment Benefits
Governor Ducey signed an executive order waiving the waiting period between when someone is laid off and when they can file for unemployment, along with waiving the work search requirements for those receiving benefits. DES began accepting applications March 23, 2020. Following the passage of the C.A.R.E.S., people will now be provided with an additional $600 per week in benefits on top of the unemployment amount already offered by Arizona Unemployment Insurance benefits. Click here to learn more.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Congress passed H.R. 6201 and was signed by President Trump on March 18. Key assistance provisions included $1 billion for emergency grants to states for activities related to processing and paying unemployment insurance benefits, under certain conditions.

Time is running out for many Arizonans
Thousands of Arizonans have lost their health insurance coverage. Many Arizonans are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period on the Health Insurance Marketplace for loss of coverage. Click here to view resources on where to find help.

Changes to AHCCCS in response to COVID-19
There have been many changes to Arizona’s AHCCCS Medical Assistance program in response to COVID-19. A resourse in both Spanish and English provides more information, and will be updated as new information becomes available. Some of the important changes include:

• Persons will not lose medical benefits during the pandemic;
• Testing for COVID-19 and treatment are covered services;
• Persons will not have to pay premiums or co-pays for AHCCCS medical assistance during the pandemic.

Apply for AHCCCS Medical Assistance/KidsCare
On March 17, 2020, AHCCCS submitted a request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to waive certain Medicaid and KidsCare requirements in order to ensure ongoing access to care over the course of the COVID-19 outbreak. As of March 23, AHCCCS has received federal approval to implement programmatic changes to help ensure access to health care for vulnerable Arizonans. Click here to learn more.

HealthCare.Gov Special Enrollment Period
A Special Enrollment Period allows you to sign up for health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage. Visit www.healthcare.gov to see if you can still get or change 2020 health coverage.

Governor Ducey Expands Telemedicine Coverage For Arizonans
Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order requiring health care insurance companies to expand telemedicine coverage for all service that would normally be covered in an in-person visit. It will remain in effect until the termination of the declared public health emergency.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Congress passed H.R. 6201 and was signed by President Trump on March 18. Key health coverage provisions ensures that all individuals, including those with private insurance, Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, VA, FEHBP, and TRICARE, as well as the uninsured, will have access to tests at no cost.

Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act (Proposition 206)
Arizona voters passed an initiative in 2017 that gives the Industrial Commission of Arizona authority to enforce and implement the Act’s minimum wage and earned paid sick time requirements.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Congress passed H.R. 6201 and was signed by President Trump on March 18. Key assistance provisions included emergency paid leave benefits for individuals that must take 14 or more days of leave from their work due to a qualifying COVID-19-related reason.

U.S. Census Bureau

2020 Census Outreach Materials
Partners play an important role in supporting a complete and accurate count in 2020. Explore the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest resources and check back regularly as new materials in multiple languages are continuously added.

2020 Census Virtual Events
Zoom, Facebook Live, and webinars are available to groups of providers interested in sharing operational update and to share where we are lagging behind in getting a complete count. Please email Meghanne Bearden for more information.

2020 Census Swag
Having a contactless, socially distanced event? Reach out if you’re interested in providing 2020 Census swag at your event. Please email Meghanne Bearden for more information.

2020 Census Self-Response by State
The 2020 Census is underway. Keep tabs on how many households in your community have responded with this map of self-response rates from across the country. Start here.

Arizona 2020 Census

Arizona 2020 Census tools for community leaders
Ready to engage your community? Explore all the resources available to help you get the word out to ensure every person in Arizona is counted.

Community Action Partnership & Census 2020

Census Counts Campaign
Community Action Partnership is part of the Census Counts campaign, which involves more than 15 national organizations and dozens of community partners working together to make sure that the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The Partnership is the lead representative for the low-income “hard-to count” population. Click here to learn more.

One AZ COVID-19 Community Support & Resources Map
ONE Arizona created this map for ALL people regardless of legal status. This map has information regarding free meals for individuals and families, delivery services for seniors, medical resources, resources for people with disabilities and other tools to help you and your loved ones through this difficult time. Use this map to find resources in your area. Zoom in on your area, then click on the colored icons to learn more about each resource, including hours, what’s offered and who qualifies.

Arizona’s emergency response to the COVID-19 outbreak
Visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website for daily updates on the COVD-19 response.

Guidance & Resources for Managing Coronavirus Risks
The Community Action Partnership in collaboration with CAPLAW, NCAF, and NASCSP complied resources for local CAA’s to learn how we can respond effectively to the changing environment.

COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips
The FCC has developed a COVID-19 scams page that includes tips to assist consumers with protecting themselves and their loved ones. The guide includes scam audio and a sample text hoax that was circulating.

Center for Economic Integrity Resource List
The Center for Economic Integrity has created a list of resources for consumers, advocates, and nonprofits. Visit their website to learn more.

COVID-19: Important Legal Information & Updates
The Arizona Bar Foundation is providing legal information regarding housing, benefits, family law and more as it related to COVID-19.

Virtual Notary Services
In partnership with Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order allowing Arizonans to get documents notarized remotely, while ensuring secure and effective verification processes.The Secretary of State’s Office will begin accepting applications for online notarizations Friday, April 10. Click here to learn more.