How to get help from DES in Pinal County, Arizona.
If you live in Pinal County and need help with food, energy bills, cash assistance, or child care, the Arizona Department of Economic Security — DES — is the main government agency to know about. DES doesn't run just one program; it's the gateway to a wide range of state and federal benefits for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Understanding what DES offers, which we explain below, and which program fits your situation can save you a lot of time when you're already in a tough spot.
Pinal County has multiple DES offices serving different parts of the county, with locations in Coolidge, Casa Grande, and other communities. Most programs can also be started online at https://des.az.gov/, which is often faster than visiting an office in person.
Getting help with food
The most widely used DES program is SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which Arizona calls Nutrition Assistance. If you qualify, you'll receive monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores. The amount you receive depends on your household size and income. Many people are surprised to find that even households with some income can qualify — the program is designed to help the working poor, not just those with no income at all.
Seniors aged 60 and older who have no earned income can apply through a simplified process that requires less documentation than the standard application. If you're in that situation, it's worth asking about the Elderly Simplified Application when you contact DES.
For emergency food distribution, the TEFAP — The Emergency Food Assistance Program — distributes USDA commodity food through local partner agencies. This is separate from SNAP and doesn't require the same eligibility review, making it a faster option for families facing an immediate food shortage.
Help paying utility bills
LIHEAP — the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program — can help Pinal County residents pay their electric or gas bills. This is a federally funded program that helps with both regular energy costs and crisis situations, such as when you've received a shutoff notice.
One important thing to know: if you're already receiving SNAP or Cash Assistance from DES, you are automatically considered income-eligible for LIHEAP. You won't need to resubmit proof of income — DES uses the information already on file. For everyone else, eligibility is based on household income and size, and you'll need to provide a current utility bill along with income documentation when you apply.
LIHEAP pays benefits directly to your utility company rather than sending you cash, so it doesn't help with anything other than energy bills. If your situation is urgent — meaning you've already received a shutoff or delinquency notice — mention that when you apply, because crisis benefits are handled separately and can move faster. For questions or help with the application, call the statewide LIHEAP line at 1-866-494-1981.
Cash assistance for families in crisis
Cash Assistance through DES provides temporary financial support for families with children who are in genuine financial need. It's not designed to be a long-term income source — the program is built around helping families stabilize and move toward self-sufficiency, with supportive services alongside the cash benefit.
For situations that don't fit the regular Cash Assistance mold, Short-Term Crisis Services (STCS) may be the better option. STCS is specifically for low-income families facing a sudden emergency they can't meet on their own — things like a security deposit they can't cover, a utility bill that's about to cause a shutoff, or a rent payment that's the difference between staying housed and being evicted. You need to have a dependent child in the household to qualify, but if you do, and you're in an acute crisis, this is often the fastest path to emergency cash help through DES.
Disability benefits
DES also serves as a local access point for Social Security disability programs. If you or someone in your family has a disability and needs help with the application process, DES staff can assist. The Pinal County Disability Determination Services office works alongside DES and the Social Security Administration to assess medical eligibility for both SSI (Supplemental Security Income, which is based on financial need) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance, which is based on work history). If you're not sure which program applies to you, that's a common point of confusion — a DES caseworker can help you figure out which one to pursue.
Child care help for working parents
Child Care Assistance from DES helps low-income parents offset the cost of day care so they can continue working or participate in job training. The program is designed to support parents who are actively working toward employment — you generally need to be working or enrolled in a qualifying training program to be eligible.
DES gives parents flexibility in choosing a provider. Approved options include licensed child care centers, certified family child care homes, and in some cases, relatives who meet certification requirements. If you're working but struggling to afford child care in Pinal County, this program is worth checking before exploring private alternatives.
Support for caregivers
The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) is for people caring for an elderly or disabled family member — often an adult child caring for an aging parent, or a grandparent raising grandchildren. The program connects caregivers with training, counseling, and referrals to community services. Respite care is also available, which gives caregivers a temporary break from their responsibilities. If you're in a caregiving role and feeling overwhelmed, this program is specifically designed for your situation and is often underused because many people don't know it exists.
How to apply and where to start
If you're not sure where to begin, the simplest starting point is https://des.az.gov/, where you can apply for SNAP, Cash Assistance, LIHEAP, and other programs through a single portal. The Health-e-Arizona Plus online application covers multiple programs at once, which is more efficient than applying for each separately.
For in-person help, the DES office in Coolidge can be reached at 520-723-5351. Staff can help you figure out which programs you may qualify for and walk you through the application process..
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