Public Benefits Overview
Public benefits are programs maintained by the federal and state government to help those in need.
Public benefits are funded by tax dollars and ANYONE who is eligible should seek assistance!
Most assistance programs are based on your household income.
Benefit Areas Include
- Health Coverage
- Food Assistance
- Income Benefits to cover Basic Needs
Click below to jump to the section you are looking for!
Medical Coverage
Food Assistance
Income Assistance
Navajo Nation Specific
Continue below to see benefits you may be eligible for!
If you have been denied for any benefits but believe you qualify, contact our offices to see if you may be able to take further action!
Medical Coverage
Medicaid Programs are nationwide programs that help low-income people access health coverage.
States receive funds from the federal government to run programs for their state.
You might be eligible for coverage if your income is below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level.
If you are pregnant or seeking family planning services you may qualify if you are below 200% of the poverty level.
See chart below.
Arizona and New Mexico both operate medical coverage programs for low income people. Follow the links below, or call the numbers listed for more information!
Arizona Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) handles the Medicaid programs in Arizona.
Call 1-855-432-7587 for more information.
New Mexico Centennial Care
handles the Medicaid programs in New Mexico
Call 1-800-283-4465 for more information.
Food Assistance
SNAP & WIC
SNAP Benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that helps low-income people buy food.
Your income must be below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify for benefits.
WIC (Women, Infants & Children) is a federal program that provides food assistance to people who are pregnant or post-partum, infants, and children under 5.
Your income must be below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level to qualify.
Your state may have additional food benefits available. Click above to learn more!
Food Banks
Arizona and New Mexico both have food banks that are available to low-income people across the state.
The Navajo Nation also offers some food assistance.
Income Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that provides low-income families with cash assistance to cover basic needs, such as housing and food.
In the Navajo Nation, The Department for Self-Reliance has support financial support, as well as career services. Some services include:
- Buying Work Equipment
- Paying for School Expenses
- Transportation Costs – to and from work
The Navajo Nation Division of Social Services
The Navajo Nation Division for Social Services is an office of the Navajo Executive Branch.
The Department of Family Services provides help with elder protection, adult in-home care, and family well-being.
The Department of Child Care & Development helps Navajo families get quality child care.
The Navajo Family Assistance Program provides assistance with school materials, utility costs, and other basic needs.
For more information on DSS programs, follow the links included.
Federal Poverty Level Index Chart
| Household Size | Federal Poverty Level | 130% of FPL | 138% of FPL | 185% of FPL | 200% of FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13,590 | $17,667 | $18,754 | $25,142 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $18,310 | $23,803 | $25,268 | $33,874 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $23,030 | $29,939 | $31,781 | $42,606 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $27,750 | $36,075 | $38,295 | $51,338 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $32,470 | $42,211 | $44,809 | $60,070 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $37,190 | $48,347 | $51,322 | $68,802 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $41,910 | $54,483 | $57,836 | $77,534 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $46,630 | $60,619 | $64,349 | $86,266 | $93,260 |