By Habari Entertainment
PHOENIX — Phoenix families who lost their children’s KidsCare health coverage can now apply for up to $700 in one-time help with utility and transportation costs. The city expanded its Targeted One-Time Crisis Assistance program, which also serves residents who lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Eligible households can receive $600 toward utilities and $100 in transportation assistance through a gas card or bus passes. When rent and utilities are billed together, the $600 can go toward rent. The Phoenix City Council approved $3.15 million to fund the program, which began July 6 and will run while funds last.
Mayor Kate Gallego said the expansion is intended to give families more room in their budgets after their children lost health insurance. The city said covering utility bills can help households put more of their remaining income toward groceries.
Who qualifies for Phoenix crisis assistance?
According to the city’s announcement, applicants must live in Phoenix and meet one of these requirements:
- SNAP: Lost all benefits on or after Oct. 1, 2025.
- KidsCare: Lost all Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage on or after Oct. 1, 2026.
The benefits must still be unavailable to the household. The program has no income requirement. Residents who lost benefits because of fraud or misuse are ineligible.
What to have ready before applying
- A valid photo ID
- Proof of Phoenix residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
- An Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) case number confirming the benefit loss
- A utility account number or lease agreement, as applicable
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