When rent is past due or a utility bill is approaching disconnection, it can be difficult to know where to start. Arizona has several assistance programs, but they do not all serve the same households, cover the same expenses, or use the same eligibility rules.
Some assistance is available statewide. Other programs depend on the city or county where you live. Utility companies have their own discount and hardship programs, while emergency rental assistance is often administered through local governments or Community Action Agencies.
That means the first step is not simply finding a list of programs. It is identifying which type of assistance applies to your situation, where you live, and the bill you are trying to pay.
This guide explains the major rent and utility assistance options in Arizona, how eligibility generally works, what documents to prepare, and what to do when funding is limited.
Start With the Problem You Need to Solve
Before applying, identify what is creating the immediate crisis.
If you are struggling with an electric or gas bill, start with energy-assistance programs such as LIHEAP and assistance offered directly by your utility company.
If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, look for the rental-assistance program serving your city or county.
If both rent and utilities are past due, you may need to apply to separate programs. One organization does not necessarily pay both expenses.
If you have already lost your housing and need somewhere safe to stay, rent assistance may no longer address the immediate problem. Start instead with the appropriate emergency housing and homeless resources in Maricopa County, where access points differ for single adults, families, veterans, youth, and other households.
Understanding these differences can save valuable time when you are already dealing with a financial crisis.
LIHEAP: Arizona’s Main Statewide Energy-Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of Arizona’s primary programs for helping qualifying low-income households with home energy expenses.
LIHEAP is federally funded and administered in Arizona through the Department of Economic Security. It is designed to help eligible households manage heating and cooling costs and reduce the risk of utility disconnection.
Both renters and homeowners may qualify if they meet program requirements.
Eligible energy expenses can include electricity, natural gas, and certain other residential energy sources. Water may qualify in limited circumstances when it is used for evaporative cooling during the designated cooling season.
LIHEAP generally does not pay ordinary sewer, trash, telephone, cable, or internet bills.
How Much Can LIHEAP Pay?
Arizona does not give every approved household the same benefit.
The amount is determined using factors such as household income, energy burden, and household characteristics.
Regular LIHEAP benefit levels listed in the source article include:
- $160
- $320
- $480
- $640
Certain household circumstances can affect the benefit calculation.
A qualifying household experiencing an energy crisis may also be eligible for a separate crisis benefit of up to $500 after its regular LIHEAP benefit has been exhausted.
An energy crisis can include circumstances such as receiving a utility shutoff or delinquency notice or having very little prepaid or portable energy remaining.
Because benefit levels and program rules can change, verify the current amount when you apply rather than relying on an older assistance chart.
Who Qualifies for Arizona LIHEAP?
LIHEAP is income-tested, but Arizona periodically updates its income limits. For that reason, an old income table may no longer tell you whether you qualify.
The program considers household income and other eligibility requirements, including requirements related to eligible household energy expenses.
There is also an important provision for some households receiving public benefits.
If someone in the household currently receives DES Nutrition Assistance or DES Cash Assistance, the household may satisfy LIHEAP’s income requirement through categorical eligibility. DES can use information already available through those programs when determining income eligibility.
That does not mean the household automatically qualifies for every other assistance program. Utility companies, cities, counties, and nonprofit programs can use different eligibility standards.
How to Apply for LIHEAP
Arizona residents can apply through the state’s A-to-Z Arizona Portal. A paper application is also available for people who cannot complete the process online.
Applicants should be prepared to provide documents relevant to their application, which may include:
- Current utility bill
- Identification
- Household and income documentation
- Required citizenship or immigration documentation
- Utility disconnection or delinquency notice, when applicable
The LIHEAP service line is:
1-866-494-1981
Current eligibility information and application instructions are available through the Arizona Department of Economic Security LIHEAP program.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee payment. Assistance remains dependent on available program funding.
Power AZ Is Not Currently Accepting Applications
Some Arizona resource pages may direct households to Power AZ.
The program was established to expand energy assistance to households with incomes above the ordinary LIHEAP threshold. According to the source article, its available funding was exhausted and Arizona DES stopped accepting new applications after September 21, 2026.
If you encounter Power AZ on a resource list, check the current program status through Arizona DES before attempting to apply.
You can also determine whether you qualify for LIHEAP or assistance available directly through your utility provider.
Your Utility Company May Have Its Own Assistance
State assistance is only one part of the utility-assistance system.
Arizona’s major utility providers also offer income-qualified discounts, hardship programs, payment arrangements, or other assistance.
This can be particularly useful because emergency assistance and monthly discounts solve different problems.
A one-time payment may prevent a shutoff today. An ongoing discount may make the bill more manageable in future months.
Even if you apply for LIHEAP, it is worth checking what your utility provider offers.
APS Assistance Programs
Arizona Public Service offers several options for customers experiencing financial difficulty.
Its Energy Support Program provides monthly bill discounts to qualifying households. Current benefits vary according to eligibility and can provide substantial monthly savings for qualifying customers.
APS also maintains additional assistance and payment options for customers facing financial hardship.
Current program information and eligibility requirements are available through APS Assistance Programs.
If you are already behind on an APS bill, contact the company before disconnection whenever possible. Ask specifically whether you qualify for an income-based discount, payment arrangement, or other current assistance.
SRP Assistance Programs
Salt River Project also offers assistance to qualifying customers.
Programs include an Income-Qualified Discount that can reduce electricity costs for eligible households.
Customers using SRP’s M-Power prepaid system should identify that when asking for help because assistance and account options may differ from traditional billed accounts.
SRP customer service can be reached at:
602-236-8888
Current assistance information is available through SRP Limited-Income Assistance Programs.
If you have already received a warning or are close to losing service, explain that when contacting SRP.
Southwest Gas Assistance
Southwest Gas customers should check the company’s current Arizona assistance programs as well.
The company offers the Low Income Ratepayer Assistance (LIRA) program for qualifying Arizona customers and provides information about other assistance resources.
Because its eligibility requirements differ from LIHEAP and electric-utility programs, qualifying for one program does not necessarily establish eligibility for another.
Current options are available through Southwest Gas Arizona Special Programs.
Rent Assistance Works Differently From Utility Assistance
Arizona does not have one permanent statewide rent-assistance program that every renter can use whenever rent becomes unaffordable.
Instead, rental assistance is often administered through cities, counties, Community Action Agencies, and individual nonprofit programs.
This is important because some large emergency rental programs created during and after the COVID-19 emergency have ended. Older resource pages may therefore lead to programs that no longer accept applications.
Where you live can determine where you need to apply.
A Phoenix resident and someone living elsewhere in Maricopa County, for example, may need to use different programs even when their financial circumstances are almost identical.
Phoenix Residents Have a Separate Assistance System
The City of Phoenix Human Services Department operates emergency financial-assistance services for Phoenix residents experiencing a qualifying crisis.
Depending on eligibility and available funding, assistance can include eviction prevention, move-in assistance, emergency utility assistance, housing-repair referrals, basic household resources, and transportation resources.
Phoenix residents should follow the City’s separate process for rent and utility assistance in Phoenix, including its application requirements, required documents, and current intake procedures.
This distinction matters. Applying to a county program that does not serve Phoenix residents can cost valuable time when rent is already past due.
Rental Assistance in Maricopa County
Maricopa County Human Services administers rental assistance for qualifying county residents in its service area.
For its regular rental-assistance program, applicants generally need to demonstrate an eligible financial crisis and meet the program’s other requirements. The household may also need to be past due on rent.
A qualifying crisis might involve a loss or reduction of income, unexpected expenses, or circumstances affecting household health and safety.
Applicants should be prepared to document both the amount owed and the circumstances that caused the household to fall behind.
Because cities such as Phoenix may operate separate assistance systems, check which jurisdiction serves your address before applying.
Maricopa County’s Eviction-Prevention Assistance
Maricopa County has also operated targeted eviction-prevention assistance intended to intervene before eligible households lose their housing.
These programs can have their own funding limits, geographic restrictions, maximum benefits, and eligibility requirements.
That means a published maximum assistance amount should never be interpreted as an amount every applicant will receive.
If you find an eviction-prevention program that appears relevant, confirm that it is currently funded and accepting applications before depending on it as part of your housing plan.
Short-Term Crisis Services for Arizona Families
Arizona’s Short-Term Crisis Services (STCS) program is another potential source of emergency assistance, but it serves a specific population.
STCS provides temporary assistance to qualifying low-income Arizona families and may help with expenses such as:
- Rent or mortgage payments intended to prevent homelessness
- Emergency shelter
- Utility payments
- Utility deposits
- Rental deposits
- Certain needs connected with obtaining or maintaining employment
A dependent child under age 18 must live in the household, and the household must meet the applicable financial and program requirements.
Assistance is also subject to available funding.
Applications are generally handled through the Community Action Agency serving the household.
This illustrates why reading eligibility requirements before applying matters. A single adult and a family with children can have the same overdue rent bill but qualify for entirely different programs.
Community Action Agencies Are an Important Part of the System
Arizona’s Community Action Agencies, sometimes called CAAs or CAP offices, connect households with locally administered emergency assistance.
Depending on location, eligibility, and available funding, services may include:
- Utility assistance
- Rent or mortgage assistance
- Eviction or foreclosure prevention
- Rental deposits
- Emergency shelter
- Other crisis-related assistance
These agencies often experience heavy demand.
If you cannot immediately reach someone, that does not necessarily mean assistance has ended. Continue trying the appropriate agency, use an online application when one is available, and investigate other programs for which you may qualify at the same time.
Your Address Determines Which Local Program to Contact
One of the easiest ways to waste time when seeking rent assistance is to call organizations without first checking their service areas.
Local assistance is frequently tied to jurisdiction.
Someone living in Phoenix may need a City of Phoenix program. Someone living in Glendale or Mesa may need a different provider. Someone elsewhere in Maricopa County may be directed to the county’s Community Action Program system.
Residents of other Arizona counties will have their own Community Action Agencies or local providers.
If you are unsure which organization serves your address, use Arizona’s current Community Action Agency information or contact 2-1-1 Arizona.
Use 2-1-1 When You Don’t Know Where to Start
2-1-1 Arizona can be particularly useful when a program is out of funding, does not serve your ZIP code, or you are unsure which agency handles your area.
Dial 2-1-1 or 877-211-8661.
When speaking with a resource specialist, describe the actual problem rather than simply asking for housing help.
For example:
“I live in ZIP code 850XX, I am behind on rent, and I have received a notice from my landlord. Which rental-assistance programs are currently accepting applications for my area?”
Or:
“I have an APS shutoff notice and need to know which utility-assistance programs currently serve my ZIP code.”
The more specific the information, the easier it is to identify resources that actually fit the situation.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying for Rent or Utility Assistance in Arizona
Preparing documents before applying can help reduce delays. Each program has its own requirements, so you may not need every item below.
Identification and Household Information
- Government-issued photo identification, if required.
- Names and ages of household members and proof of address.
- Social Security numbers or other identity documents only when the particular program requires them.
- Documents showing dependent children or other household circumstances, if applicable.
Income and Benefits
- Recent pay stubs, employer statements, or self-employment records.
- Social Security, SSI, SSDI, unemployment, or other benefit statements, when applicable.
- Documentation explaining that you currently have no income, if requested.
Rent and Utility Records
- Current lease or rental agreement and landlord contact information.
- Past-due rent statement, notice from the landlord, or eviction-related court documents.
- Recent electric, gas, or water bills and the relevant account number.
- Utility disconnection or delinquency notice, when applicable.
Evidence of the Financial Crisis
Some programs require documentation showing why the household fell behind. Examples include a job-loss notice, reduced work hours, unexpected expenses, illness-related financial disruption, or other records explaining the hardship.
Specialized programs may ask for additional documentation, such as proof of veteran status or disability-related eligibility.
Confirm the exact requirements with the agency before submitting sensitive records. Keep copies in a secure location and use only verified application portals or contact methods.
If You Have a Utility Shutoff Notice, Act Immediately
A disconnection notice makes the situation more urgent.
Contact the utility provider directly and ask what options are available to prevent disconnection while you seek financial assistance.
At the same time, apply for LIHEAP or other programs for which you may qualify.
Do not assume that submitting an assistance application automatically stops a disconnection.
Ask the utility company whether a pending assistance application changes the shutoff timeline and what must happen for service to remain connected.
If electricity is medically necessary because someone in the household uses qualifying medical equipment, tell the utility company and ask about its current medical or critical-care protections and documentation requirements.
If You Have an Eviction Notice, Do Not Focus Only on Finding Money
Once an eviction process has started, financial assistance is only one part of the problem.
An application for rental assistance does not automatically stop an eviction proceeding.
Continue responding to notices, court documents, and deadlines while seeking financial assistance.
Arizona renters who need legal information can use AZLawHelp to locate appropriate legal resources.
Do not ignore an eviction case because an assistance application is being reviewed. Unless the landlord, court, or appropriate parties confirm otherwise, continue treating the legal process as active.
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied or Assistance Is Unavailable
An unsuccessful application does not necessarily mean that every assistance option has been exhausted. Programs have different service areas, eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and funding limits.
Ask Why Assistance Was Denied
Find out whether the issue was eligibility, missing documents, service area, the type of expense, or unavailable funding.
If information was missing, ask whether you can provide additional documents or request reconsideration under that program’s rules.
Ask for Referrals to Other Appropriate Programs
The agency may know another provider serving your ZIP code.
You can also contact 211 Arizona or dial 2-1-1 for referrals.
A referral does not guarantee funding or approval.
Continue Responding to Eviction Notices
If you have received court papers or an eviction notice, a pending assistance application does not automatically stop an eviction.
Follow legal deadlines and seek advice through AZLawHelp or Community Legal Services where eligible.
Contact Your Utility Provider Directly
Ask about payment arrangements, income-qualified discounts, hardship programs, and whether a pending assistance application affects a scheduled shutoff.
Do not assume that applying for aid will keep service connected.
If Funding Has Run Out, Clarify the Program’s Status
Ask whether the program is temporarily closed to new applications, maintains a waiting list, or has ended.
Find out whether there is a legitimate way to check for future application opportunities.
Avoid relying on fixed reopening dates or promised funding schedules unless the administering agency confirms them.
Consider Different Services if Housing Has Already Been Lost
If you cannot remain in your home, emergency shelter, coordinated entry, or housing stabilization services may be more appropriate than assistance toward a former rental balance.
Start with emergency housing and homelessness resources and ask about the appropriate intake process.
Rapid rehousing has separate eligibility and referral requirements and is not immediate guaranteed placement.
Keep Records of Applications and Follow-Up
Record the program name, date applied, confirmation number, documents submitted, contact details, decision, and next steps.
Save confirmation messages and use the agency’s instructions for follow-up.
Applying to several suitable programs can help, but submitting applications to programs that do not serve your household or address usually wastes time.
One-Time Assistance Should Lead to a Longer-Term Plan
Emergency assistance works best when the financial crisis is temporary.
Suppose a household normally has enough income to pay $1,300 in rent, but an unexpected expense causes one missed payment. Rental assistance may be enough to restore stability.
The situation is very different if the household receives $1,300 each month and the rent itself is $1,300.
Paying one month’s arrears does not solve the underlying affordability problem.
The same principle applies to utilities. A one-time payment can prevent disconnection, but if the household cannot consistently afford its energy costs, recurring utility discounts, weatherization assistance, payment arrangements, or other cost reductions may be more important over time.
If the problem is not a temporary setback but housing that is consistently unaffordable, the next step may be exploring subsidized housing, waiting lists, and other longer-term apartment options rather than repeatedly depending on emergency assistance.
What If You Cannot Prevent the Loss of Housing?
Rent assistance cannot always stop an eviction or resolve a housing crisis.
Funding may be unavailable. The arrears may exceed what a program can pay. An eviction may already be far along in the legal process. Or the household may simply no longer be able to afford the property even after receiving assistance.
If you are at immediate risk of having nowhere safe to stay, begin looking for homelessness assistance before the final day in the property.
Understanding Maricopa County’s shelter, Coordinated Entry, and homelessness resources can help you determine which part of the local system applies to your situation.
Emergency shelter, Coordinated Entry, Rapid Re-Housing, and ordinary rent assistance are not interchangeable programs. Each addresses a different type or stage of housing instability.
A Practical Order for Seeking Help
When several bills are overdue at the same time, prioritize the problem that creates the most immediate risk.
If a utility is about to be disconnected, contact the utility company and investigate LIHEAP immediately.
If rent is past due, identify the rental-assistance program serving your exact city or county and gather documentation showing what is owed and what caused the financial crisis.
If both are behind, work on both problems rather than assuming one program will pay everything.
Phoenix residents should use the City’s rent and utility assistance process, while residents elsewhere may need to apply through their city, county, or Community Action Agency.
If you are unsure which agency serves your location, call 2-1-1.
Most importantly, do not wait for one application to fail before learning about other legitimate options available to your household.
The Bottom Line
Arizona has meaningful rent and utility assistance, but there is no single program that covers every household or every financial emergency.
For energy bills, LIHEAP and utility-company assistance programs are important starting points.
For rent, the appropriate program often depends on where you live, what caused the financial crisis, household eligibility, and whether funding is currently available.
Community Action Agencies and programs such as Short-Term Crisis Services can provide additional options for households that meet their requirements.
Prepare your documents, apply before the situation becomes more serious, keep track of your applications, and verify that funding is currently available.
Most importantly, look beyond the immediate payment. If one-time assistance will not make the rent or utilities affordable next month, use the temporary relief as an opportunity to begin working on a longer-term housing or financial plan.
Important: Assistance programs, eligibility requirements, funding levels, benefit amounts, and application procedures can change. Verify current requirements with the agency administering the program before applying.