Title
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Navigation Support and Flexible Financial Assistance Update - Citywide
Description
This report is issued to provide the City Council an update regarding the City’s implementation of two new programs that received one-time General Funds in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 by the Human Services Department. These two programs are the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Navigation Support and Flexible Financial Assistance. This report does not encompass all the City’s activities for each of these programs, but rather reviews key highlights and updates.
Report
Summary
The information below provides an overview and updates from the Human Services Department (HSD) for the SNAP Navigation Support and Flexible Financial Assistance programs, which were funded one-time in the FY 2026-27 General Fund.
SNAP Navigation Support Overview
This program is a one-year initiative designed to support individuals and families in successfully applying for, maintaining and complying with SNAP requirements.The focus is on high-impact intervention points rather than ongoing case management to maximize reach and efficiency. The goals include:
- Increased successful SNAP application submissions.
- Reduced benefit loss due to missed recertifications.
- Support compliance with work requirements.
The budget for this program is expected to be just under $2 million with the majority of funding to be used to fund caseworkers/navigators.
Program Update
HSD submitted the application to and received approval from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to become a Community Partner-Assistor Organization and gain access to the Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus), which is the SNAP electronic application system. The agreement with the State will go before City Council on July 1, 2026, for review and approval. Once approved, HSD will submit individual applications for City staff who will access HEAPlus, as required by the State.
HSD submitted the application to be a SNAP Outreach Provider and received conditional approval. The application must also be approved by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and then to the United States Department of Agriculture for final approval. Final approval is expected to be received by the end of September 2026. This designation will allow the City to receive up to 10 percent reimbursement for allowable activities. HSD staff also met with DES staff regarding this program’s goals and a partnership between the City and the State. The discussion included State SNAP training for City staff and potential co-location of State employees at City sites to conduct SNAP interviews.
HSD has made significant progress in creating and recruiting for 16 temporary positions. A large hiring event held in June resulted in the identification of candidates to fill 15 of the 16 temporary positions. The final position will be recruited in July.
This program is expected to begin in October 2026. However, this date is dependent on the State granting access to the SNAP application system and providing SNAP training to City staff.
Flexible Financial Assistance Overview
This one-year program will be administered in two methods: targeted one-time assistance and stability assistance. This type of crisis financial support allows households to use the money saved on utilities, rent, transportation, or other basic expenses to put towards other household needs. The program will benefit vulnerable Phoenix residents, including but not limited to those who were former recipients of federal safety net, financial assistance programs and households with low-incomes.
The targeted one-time assistance will be available to residents who lost SNAP benefits on or after October 1, 2025, or who lose Medicaid or Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) on or after October 1, 2026. The one-time $700 assistance package consists of a one-time $600 credit to be paid directly to utility companies and a one-time $100 gas card or bus pass.
For stability assistance eligible households must reside in a Qualified Census Tract; have incomes no greater than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Line; or receive or have received SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Medicaid. Households must enter into a service contract, which requires goal setting and achievable activities, and they may receive up to $2,500 in basic needs payments to be distributed per household based on specific needs evaluated through the case management process.
Households are only eligible for either the targeted one-time assistance or the stability assistance.
The budget for this program is $3.15 million with $2,950,000 to be distributed to qualified residents and $200,000 to be used by HSD for administrative expenses.
Program Update
HSD created seven temporary positions for this program, and the large hiring event resulted in the identification of candidates to fill all temporary positions.
The policies and procedures for both services under Flexible Financial Assistance have been created by HSD. The initial staff training on the policies and procedures related to this program has commenced. The client assessment tool, service contract and the goal domains have been created for stability assistance. In addition, key metrics for this program have been developed to track both outputs and outcomes. The English and Spanish electronic applications for the targeted one-time assistance have been created and a dedicated phone line to support this program is pending.
HSD is in the process of creating a flyer for distribution to the community along with a media toolkit for Mayor and Council for the targeted one assistance program. In addition, HSD staff met with community organizations to discuss this program. HSD will be following up with these organizations along with the refugee resettlement agencies to provide further education on the program and application process when the program is operational. This program is expected to begin on July 6, 2026.
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.