Benefits for seniors in Arizona

Medicaid for people 65 and over

AHCCCS is Arizona's Medicaid agency. People 65 and over, blind or disabled get coverage through a group called SSI-MAO (SSI Medical Assistance Only). You do not need to get SSI to qualify.

• Income: up to 100% of the federal poverty level, after deductions. As of February 1, 2026, that is $1,330 a month for one person and $1,804 for two. AHCCCS first takes $20 off your unearned income, so apply even if you are a little over.
• Assets: there is no resource limit for SSI-MAO.
• What it covers: doctor and hospital care, prescriptions not covered by Medicare, and other medical care. If you also have Medicare, Medicare pays first.

Long-term care (ALTCS). ALTCS is for people who are aged, blind or disabled and need the level of care a nursing home gives. You do not have to live in a nursing home. ALTCS can pay for care in a nursing home or at home, including attendant care, personal care and homemaker services.

• Income: up to $2,982 a month for one person (300% of the federal SSI payment).
• Assets: up to $2,000 for one person. The home you live in is not counted, but in 2026 home equity over $752,000 blocks long-term care services unless your spouse, a child under 21, or a blind or disabled child lives there.
• Spouse at home: between $32,532 and $162,660 of the couple's resources may be set aside for the spouse.
• In a nursing home: you keep a personal needs allowance of $149.10 a month in 2026. Most of the rest of your income goes toward your care (your "share of cost").

Estate recovery. After a member dies, AHCCCS may claim against the estate, including a home, for nursing home care, home and community-based services and related costs paid after age 55. It waits until a surviving spouse dies, and it does not recover while there is a surviving child who is under 21, blind or disabled.

Help paying Medicare costs

AHCCCS runs the three Medicare Savings Programs. They pay your Part B premium ($202.90 a month in 2026). QMB also pays Medicare deductibles and copays. Arizona uses the federal income levels. AHCCCS's own chart shows slightly lower amounts because it lists income after the $20 deduction.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): income up to 100% of the poverty level, about $1,350 a month for one person or $1,824 for a couple.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): up to 120%, about $1,616 a month for one person or $2,184 for a couple.
• QI-1 (Qualifying Individual): up to 135%, about $1,816 a month for one person or $2,455 for a couple.
• Assets: Arizona has no resource limit for these programs.

If you get any Medicare Savings Program, you also get Extra Help with drug costs automatically.

Prescription drug help

Arizona has no general state drug program for seniors. Its state-funded drug programs cover narrow groups, such as people with serious mental illness. Apply for Extra Help, the federal program that lowers Part D premiums and copays. If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you get Extra Help automatically. A SHIP counselor can help you compare drug plans for free.

Extra state payment with SSI

Arizona does not pay a state supplement to SSI recipients who simply live on their own. Social Security lists Arizona as having no optional state supplement. The only state payment is a small, state-run program for some SSI recipients who need housekeeping help, run by the Division of Aging and Adult Services. Most people get just the federal SSI payment of $994 a month.

Food help

Nutrition Assistance is Arizona's name for SNAP. The Department of Economic Security (DES) runs it.

• Simpler rules for older adults (ESAP): if everyone in your household is 60 or older and no one has job or self-employment income, you are approved for 36 months at a time. You usually do not need an interview to renew. Learn more at des.az.gov/ESAP.
• Commodity Senior Food Program: a free monthly food box for people 60 and over with income at or below 130% of the poverty level, which is $1,729 a month for one person. Apply in person at a distribution site. There may be a waitlist.
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: people 60 and over with income at or below 185% of the poverty level (or who get the food box) can get a $50 booklet of coupons each year for Arizona-grown produce. Apply by September 30. Call 833-836-8253, ext. 4.
• Meals: DES and the Area Agencies on Aging offer congregate and home-delivered meals.
• Apply for Nutrition Assistance: online through DES, or at a local DES office (find one at des.az.gov/find-your-local-office).

Help staying at home

• ALTCS home and community-based services: if you qualify for ALTCS (see above), it can pay for attendant care, personal care and homemaker services so you can stay in your own home.
• DES Home and Community Based Services: some adults 60 and older (or 18 to 60 with a disability) can get help with everyday activities at home through the Division of Aging and Adult Services and local Area Agencies on Aging. DES also offers family caregiver support.
• PACE: we did not find a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program listed on AHCCCS pages. In Arizona, Medicaid long-term care at home comes through ALTCS.

Property tax and housing help

Property Tax Refund (Credit), Form 140PTC. This state credit helps very low-income homeowners and renters.

• Who: you (or your spouse) were 65 or older by December 31, 2025, or you got SSI in 2025. You lived in Arizona all year.
• Income: total household income below $3,751 if you lived alone, or below $5,501 if others lived with you.
• Amount: up to $502, for the lowest incomes.
• Renters can qualify too. Your landlord fills out Arizona Form 201, and you attach it.
• Deadline: April 15, 2026 for the 2025 claim, or October 15, 2026 with an extension filed by April 15.
• Help: Arizona Department of Revenue, (602) 255-3381, or (800) 352-4090 from area codes 520 and 928.

Senior Property Valuation Protection Option ("senior freeze"). This holds the value of your home for property tax purposes.

• Who: you are 65 or older and have lived in the home as your primary residence for two years.
• Income: total income from all sources no more than 400% of the federal SSI payment for one owner, or 500% for two or more owners combined (at least one 65 or older).
• Renew every three years. Apply with your county assessor using Department of Revenue form 82104.

Help with energy bills

Arizona's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is run by DES. It pays money directly to your utility account for heating or cooling.

• Income: up to 60% of state median income. Check the current chart at des.az.gov/liheap.
• Benefit: from $160 to $640, based on points. A household member 60 or older earns extra points.
• Seniors renewing: the Senior Utility Assistance Program lets older households recertify with a shorter application.
• Crisis help: once every 12 months, up to $500.
• Apply: online through the A-to-Z Arizona Portal, on paper, or with help from your local Community Action Agency. Call the LIHEAP line at 1-866-494-1981, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free help and counseling

• SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free, confidential Medicare counseling run by DES with the Area Agencies on Aging. Counselors help you compare plans and check whether your drugs and doctors are covered. They do not sell plans. Call 1-800-432-4040, or visit des.az.gov/medicare-assistance.
• Area Agencies on Aging: local partners of DES for in-home services, meals, caregiver help and SHIP counseling. Find local DES offices at des.az.gov/find-your-local-office.
• Division of Aging and Adult Services (DES) is the state aging agency. It also runs Adult Protective Services, legal services help and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

How to apply

Check what you may qualify for