Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Arizona. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Arizona)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Arizona SHIP)
Arizona's program is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), sponsored by the Division of Aging and Adult Services at the Department of Economic Security (DES) and delivered through the Area Agencies on Aging. Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling, plan comparisons, and help with assistance programs. Confidential helpline: 1-800-432-4040 (the same line serves the Senior Medicare Patrol for fraud questions). Online: des.az.gov/services/older-adults/medicare-assistance.
Medicaid in Arizona
Arizona Medicaid is called AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System), pronounced "access." Apply online at healthearizonaplus.gov or call 1-855-432-7587 (1-855-HEA-PLUS). More than 150 community partner organizations statewide can help you apply. AHCCCS includes Medicare Savings Programs and ALTCS, Arizona's long-term care program, for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Arizona does not run a general statewide pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) for seniors. Start with Medicare's Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy (apply through Social Security, 1-800-772-1213) and screen for drug-cost programs at BenefitsCheckUp.org. SHIP counselors (1-800-432-4040) can walk you through Part D and Extra Help.
Energy and utility help
Arizona's LIHEAP is run by DES and delivered through local Community Action Agencies. Apply through the state's online portal (start at des.az.gov/liheap) or call the LIHEAP service line at 1-866-494-1981 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for help or a paper application. In Arizona the program matters as much for summer COOLING bills as winter heating, apply before the deep summer if you can.
Property tax relief (Arizona)
Arizona's senior program is the Senior Property Valuation Protection Option, better known as the Senior Freeze, filed with your county assessor on Form 82104.
- What it does: freezes your home's Limited Property Value for three years (renewable), so the value your tax is based on cannot climb while you qualify. It freezes the valuation, not the tax bill itself.
- Who qualifies: homeowners 65 or older who have lived in the home as their primary residence for at least 2 years.
- Income test: average total income (all sources, including Social Security) over the three prior years must be at or below $47,712 for a single owner or $59,640 for two or more owners for 2026 applications. These limits reset every cycle.
- Deadline: applications are accepted up to September 1 of the year you are requesting protection.
- Apply at your county assessor's office. Some counties (for example Maricopa) also run separate small assistance or exemption programs for widows, widowers, and people with total disabilities, so ask the assessor what else you qualify for while you are there.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
The DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (des.az.gov, Older Adults section) oversees Arizona's Area Agencies on Aging, which handle home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, ask your Area Agency on Aging or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Arizona's SHIP program? The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, sponsored by DES and delivered through Area Agencies on Aging. Free Medicare counseling at 1-800-432-4040.
Does Arizona offer senior property tax relief? Yes, the Senior Property Valuation Protection Option (Senior Freeze) freezes your home's Limited Property Value for three years. For 2026: age 65+, 2 years in the home, and 3-year average income at or below $47,712 (single owner) or $59,640 (two or more owners). File Form 82104 with your county assessor by September 1.
How do Arizona seniors get help with cooling bills? Through LIHEAP, which covers cooling as well as heating in Arizona. Apply via des.az.gov/liheap or call 1-866-494-1981 to find your local Community Action Agency.
How do I apply for Arizona Medicaid? AHCCCS, online at healthearizonaplus.gov or by calling 1-855-432-7587.
Sources
- Arizona DES, Medicare Assistance (SHIP): https://des.az.gov/services/older-adults/medicare-assistance . Verified June 5, 2026.
- AHCCCS, how to apply: https://www.azahcccs.gov/Members/GetCovered/apply.html . Verified June 5, 2026.
- Arizona DES, LIHEAP: https://des.az.gov/liheap . Verified June 5, 2026.
- Arizona Department of Revenue, Senior Property Valuation Protection Option: https://azdor.gov/forms/property-tax-forms/senior-property-valuation-protection-option . Verified June 5, 2026.
- Pima County Assessor, 2026 Senior Property Valuation Protection application (income limits and deadline): https://www.asr.pima.gov/Downloads/Forms/104APP.pdf . Verified June 5, 2026.