Arizona Department of Economic Security

Arizona Department of Economic Security DES is with you, from your kitchen table, to your next job interview. Together, we can build a Thriving Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security is Your Partner for a Stronger Arizona. DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision that every child, adult, and family in the state of Arizona will be safe and economically secure. DES works to promote enhanced safety and well-being for Arizonans by focusing on four primary

goals:

- Serve Arizonans with integrity, humility and kindness;
- Support Arizonans to reach their potential through social services that train, rehabilitate, and connect them with job creators;
- Provide temporary assistance to Arizonans in need while they work toward greater self-sufficiency; and,
- Provide children with food, health care, and parental financial support; provide services to individuals with disabilities; and protect the vulnerable by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

06/08/2026

AHCCCS has restored access to its public-facing HEAplus web portal following a temporary interruption as a precautionary measure. The agency has completed its review and confirmed the system is secure.

As always, protecting system integrity and user data remains a top priority.

Current status:
• The HEAplus public site is now available
• Systems are operational and accessible to users
• Ongoing monitoring and protective measures remain in place

Members and applicants may now resume normal use of the HEAplus website. Updates will be shared as needed.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we worked to ensure the safety and reliability of our systems.

Keeping your home cool during an Arizona summer can be costly. ☀️ Power AZ helps eligible Arizona households with utilit...
06/05/2026

Keeping your home cool during an Arizona summer can be costly. ☀️

Power AZ helps eligible Arizona households with utility costs, providing support when energy expenses become difficult to manage. Resources may be available for you! Learn more about the program and how to apply at: des.az.gov/liheap

Quality child care helps children learn, grow and thrive. ☀️Recent data shows continued growth in access to high-quality...
05/30/2026

Quality child care helps children learn, grow and thrive. ☀️

Recent data shows continued growth in access to high-quality child care across Arizona. Swipe through to explore the latest statistics. ➡️

Ready to start your child care search? Visit azccrr.com to find resources near you.

Giving one last hooray to Older Americans Month we recognize Central Arizona Aging (CAA) (Central Arizona Aging), which...
05/29/2026

Giving one last hooray to Older Americans Month we recognize Central Arizona Aging (CAA) (Central Arizona Aging), which has become a true lifeline for older adults, adults with disabilities, and the caregivers who support them across Pinal and Gila Counties. One of its most loved offerings is the free, once‑a‑month Arts N’ Meals program, a gathering that blends creativity, connection, and nourishment for seniors who often have limited access to social activities.

In partnership with ArtMobile (ArtMobile: Art that Heals on Wheels ), CAA brings hands‑on art experiences and shared meals directly into rural communities. For many participants, it’s more than an event, it’s a rare and meaningful chance to connect with others. Research from ArtMobile shows that even brief creative engagement can reduce stress, improve coping, and boost overall well‑being.

With events now held in Mammoth, Tonto Basin, Oracle, and Stanfield, Arts N’ Meals continues to expand its reach across rural Arizona. For participants like Jenny Caballos, it’s become the highlight of the month, something she looks forward to, something she loves.

This work is made possible through the strong partnership between the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and CAA, ensuring older adults and caregivers can stay safe, connected, and independent.

Arts N’ Meals is just one of many services available through DAAS and CAA, alongside caregiver support groups, educational workshops, housing assistance, and more. For more information, visit the DAAS homepage.

For nearly 30 years, Katherine Echoles (Kathie Chavez Echoles) has opened her home and her heart to children and familie...
05/27/2026

For nearly 30 years, Katherine Echoles (Kathie Chavez Echoles) has opened her home and her heart to children and families in her community. What began in 1996 as a simple desire to care for kids has grown into a lifelong calling rooted in love, learning, and service.

Katherine has always had a deep passion for nurturing children. Over the years, she has invested in her education and training in child development, safety, nutrition, and early childhood education to ensure every child receives high‑quality care.

With support from DES’s Certified Child Care Provider program, she launched her in‑home child care center, a partnership she describes as transformative. The program has provided resources, guidance, and ongoing training that strengthened her skills, confidence, and connection to a broader community of providers committed to excellence.

The knowledge and encouragement she’s gained have directly benefited the children and families she serves. Today, her program focuses on whole‑child development, emotional, social, and academic. She takes pride in creating a space where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow.

Katherine finds deep fulfillment in her work, knowing she plays a meaningful role during the most important years of a child’s life. She also cherishes the strong relationships she builds with families and the daily moments of joy and discovery that come with the job.

Her advice for future providers is simple: lead with patience, compassion, consistency, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Interested in becoming a certified child care provider or looking for child care resources? Learn more at azccrr.com.

Celebrating Older Americans Month, we took a closer look at how Central Arizona Aging (CAA) is supporting seniors, adult...
05/22/2026

Celebrating Older Americans Month, we took a closer look at how Central Arizona Aging (CAA) is supporting seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers across Pinal and Gila Counties.

One of their most beloved programs is the Memory Café, a warm, monthly gathering where people experiencing memory loss can connect with loved ones, meet others on a similar journey, and enjoy meaningful activities in a supportive space.

This work is made even stronger through the partnership between the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and CAA, ensuring older adults and caregivers have access to the resources they need to thrive.

To explore the full range of programs, visit the DAAS homepage.

DES Director Michael Wisehart joined industry experts and hardworking Arizonans as Governor Katie Hobbs signed Executive...
05/22/2026

DES Director Michael Wisehart joined industry experts and hardworking Arizonans as Governor Katie Hobbs signed Executive Order 2026-01, Protecting Paychecks for Hard-Working Arizonans, which combats the misclassification of workers.

When businesses misclassify workers, they fail to provide Arizonans with important protections, coverage, compensation, licensing and more. Through this Executive Order, the Hobbs Administration is taking action. DES is thrilled to join partner agencies and share critical information to help support the proper classification of workers and strengthen Arizona’s workforce.

05/19/2026

Child care providers are every day heroes, allowing parents to work or participate in school and job training, knowing their children are in a safe and caring learning environment.

Meet Katrina Lambie, an in-home child care provider who turned her passion for working with kids into her own business. She now owns a caring space where children can thrive.

Thank you to child care providers like Katrina who make a difference in the lives of Arizona’s children, families, and communities.

Explore child care provider opportunities, openings, and resources at azccrr.com.

05/19/2026

Fresh produce, I choose you! ⚡🍎

Farmers market season is here, and Double Up Food Bucks can help your Nutrition Assistance benefits go even further. Shop eligible fruits and vegetables at participating locations and earn matching dollars to stock up on fresh, healthy foods for your family.

Learn more at doubleupaz.org

Annually, DES joins dozens of organizations at the Veterans Stand Down events, organized by the . Today, we're in Flagst...
05/15/2026

Annually, DES joins dozens of organizations at the Veterans Stand Down events, organized by the .

Today, we're in Flagstaff to support veterans and their families who are experiencing housing instability and homelessness. Here, they can access veteran benefits, health services, education services, housing support, substance abuse information, financial information, job opportunities, and so much more!

Learn more about the event and prepare for the next at azhousingcoalition.org/avsa/

Address

Phoenix, AZ

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16025424791

Website

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