Title
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Navigation Support and Flexible Financial Assistance Update - Citywide
Description
This report is issued to provide the City Council with an update regarding the City’s implementation of two new programs that received one-time General Funds (GF) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 by the Human Services Department (HSD). These two programs are the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 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 HSD for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Navigation Support and Flexible Financial Assistance programs, which were funded one-time in the FY 2026-27 GF.
SNAP Navigation Support Overview
A one-year initiative designed to support individuals and families in successfully applying for, maintaining and complying with SNAP requirements. The program focuses 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 the funding to be used for personnel expenses.
Program Update
HSD has held two large hiring events for the 16 temporary positions. Twelve candidates are proceeding through the onboarding process or have started their positions. Another recruitment is in-progress to fill the remaining four positions.
HSD is now approved to be a Community Partner-Assistor Organization and has initial access to the Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus), which is the SNAP electronic application system. Staff applications for access to HEAplus have been submitted. The completion of security trainings are required to access HEAplus; the State has only issued these to a portion of HSD staff. HSD staff have continued discussions with the State staff on SNAP training and on-going support.
Program operational procedures and workflows are under development. The appointment system for residents to access services has been identified and is being submitted for approval through the City’s Technology Review Process. Equipment has been ordered to support in-person clinics and application assistance at the Family Service Centers. The program’s website and marketing materials are currently being created. HSD has also identified key organizations to partner with prior to this program beginning.
This program is expected to begin in October 2026. However, this date is dependent on the State providing the applicable 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 or have incomes no greater than 200 percent of 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
The targeted one-time assistance program was launched on July 6, 2026.
In addition to English and Spanish, the electronic application is now offered in Arabic, Swahili and Kinyarwanda. A dedicated phone line has been established for this program.
HSD conducted multiple in-person trainings on how to complete the application for community organizations and refugee resettlement agencies staff. Trainings were provided in English and Spanish.
HSD has received 1,516 applications with 48 percent approved and $492,800 of assistance being issued. The applications that were denied were for the following reasons:
- 89 percent did not meet program requirements with the majority currently having SNAP benefits.
- 11 percent were not Phoenix residents.
Households currently receiving HSD case management services are being evaluated for the stability assistance program.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.