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Paying the Bills

Having trouble paying the bills?

Visit Arizona Self Help for a free and easy way to find out if your family can get help from 25 different health and human services programs. The Arizona Community Action Association's People's Information Guide also has information on a variety of no-cost/low-cost programs and services available to lower income individuals or families. For more information on creative ideas to make your money stretch further, read our helpful tips below.

Make Your Money Stretch Further

 

Utility Bills

Are You Feeling The Heat From Rising Utility Costs?

Arizona summers require extra hydration and often result in rising energy demand and use. We can take simple steps that reduce energy use while ensuring safety during this high-cost summer season.

  • Utility companies often provide practical tips on lowering your consumption costs. Visit APS, SRP or your utility company to explore ways to keep your energy costs down.
  • Assistance with your energy bill may be available from your utility provider:
    • APS Customers
    • SRP Customers
    • TEP Customers
    • Unisource Energy Services Customers
    • Southwest Gas Customers
  • You may also qualify for utility assistance through the federal LIHEAP program. To find out if you're eligible contact at 1-800-582-5706 or visit LIHEAP online for additional information.
  • You might also consider how much you spend on phone, cable and internet. Determining which of these services are a necessity and which you can do without can help you put a little more towards your house payment each month. If you pay for premium movies channels, consider checking out movies form the library for free.

 

Transportation Needs

Are Gas Prices Making It Difficult For You To Cover Your Transportation Needs?

According to AAA, the average cost of owning and driving a car 15,000 miles a year is $7,830. SUVs are even more expensive at $9,990 a year and the cost is only going up. Cutting transportation and vehicle related expenses can add up to big savings in a short amount of time.

  • If your car sits in a parking lot all day at work, Valley Metro (602-253-5000) has multiple options to help reduce your commuting costs. Valley Metro can help you find a carpool match online, purchase bus tickets, calculate the savings of leaving your car at home or organize a group of 6-15 commuters for the Vanpool program. Commuters outside of Maricopa County should contact the Arizona Transit Association at (480) 361-5101 to find public transportation services in their area. For example, the City of Maricopa offers Maricopa Xpress, a low-cost transportation option for Maricopa residents working in downtown phoenix.
  • If alternative forms of commuting are not an option for you, compare gas prices online to find the cheapest way to get to and from work.
  • In addition to reducing gas costs, consider shopping around for a lower car insurance quote.

If you'd like to get up to 35% better gas mileage on your car follow these simple steps:

  • Slow down on the freeway. In general the most fuel efficient speed for a car ranges from 40 to 60 mph. Driving faster than this wastes gas.
  • When traveling long distances use cruise control. Keeping a constant speed is more fuel efficient than slowing and accelerating at that same speed.
  • Don't accelerate too fast. Racing away from stoplights forces your car to work harder than it needs to and wastes more gas than you know. You can also save gas by slowing down early for stoplights. Take your foot off the gas pedal and save.
  • Avoid idling. For every minute that you car idles it burns approximately a half-mile worth of gas. Turing off the engine while waiting in your car and avoiding the drive-through will help you save gas.

 

Medical Costs

Are You Paying More In Medical Costs Than You Can Afford?

The National Coalition on Health Care estimated that in 2007, the average cost of health expenditures was $7,600 per person. If your medical costs are a financial burden or if you're simply not covered because you can't afford it, visit the resources below for additional information.

  • If you're paying more in health insurance than you can afford or if you do not have health insurance coverage, you may want to shop around for lower cost health options. The Arizona Department of Insurance provides consumer guides to health insurance, lists of health insurance companies, general health insurance resources, and health insurance resources for children and seniors. Call 1-800-325-2548 (Statewide) for more information.
  • Some individuals and children may qualify for government-subsidized health insurance through Arizona's AHCCCS and/or KidsCare Medicaid programs. For information on eligibility requirements or to apply for coverage call (602) 417-4000. You can also visit Arizona Self Help to determine if you qualify for benefits.
  • The Arizona CoppeRx® Card can help cover prescription costs for people with and without health insurance. The plan can also help people with insurance cover the costs of prescriptions not covered by their health plan. The card even provides discounts on some pet medications. All Arizonans, regardless of income level, are eligible to receive the benefits of this discount service. Call 1-888-227-8315 to find out more.
  • Did you know that smoking a pack of cigarettes a day means you are spending more than $1,500 a year on cigarettes, equaling more than $58,000 in your lifetime? In addition, it is estimated that life and health insurance costs are 30% to 60% lower for non-smokers. To find out how much smoking is affecting your budget and to get resources to help quit, call The Arizona Smokers' Helpline at 1-800-556-6222.
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) can often help employees find medical and mental health help, take inquiries or assist with financial issues. Contact your employer's human resources department for information regarding your EAP provider and the services they offer. The Arizona Society for Human Resource Managers also has a listing of EAP programs.
  • The 2008 Arizona Health Guide, can help you access important health resources for you and your family. Whether you are seeking senior services, discount dental networks or affordable care for the uninsured, the guide will show you how to access Arizona's network of community health centers and other resources that are available through private or public health care systems.

 

Grocery Bills

Is Your Grocery Bill Becoming Too Large?

This year, food prices have increased at double their normal rate, affecting families' already tight budgets. If you're seeing your grocery bill go up, you're not alone.

  • Be more mindful about what you purchase by making a grocery list for the week and sticking to it.
  • Buy items in bulk at warehouse clubs and discount stores.
    Participate in any of the food bank warehouse Food Co-Op programs.
  • Clip coupons and compare the prices of different grocery items in your local newspaper advertisements.
  • Make a big meal and save leftovers and cut out certain luxury food items.
  • Reduce the amount of meals you eat out.

Food purchase and nutrition assistance is also available for Arizonans from several resources including:

  • Arizona Women, Infants,   Children (WIC) - 1-800-252-5942
  • The Food Plus or Commodity Supplemental Food Program - 1-800-252-5942
  • School Lunch and Breakfast programs - check with your local school for more information
  • Summer Food Services for Students

In addition, you may qualify for assistance through your local food bank or through Arizona's Food Stamp program. You can also visit Arizona Self Help to determine if you qualify for Food Stamp benefits.

 

Child Care

Are You Looking For Ways To Save On Childcare?

Childcare can often be one of the biggest expenses in a family's budget each month. The Children's Defense Fund estimates that the average child care center charges $4,000 to $6,000 annually for a four-year-old; more for infant and toddler care. There are several ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality care.

  • Child Care Resource and Referral connects Arizona families to childcare resources based on their individual needs and situation. In addition, the program can help families determine if they are eligible to receive subsidized childcare assistance. Call 1-800-308-9000 for more information.
  • Many employers offer dependent-care savings accounts which allow working parents to use pre-tax dollars to pay for work-related expenses, such as day care and babysitting for children under 13. For a family in the 25% federal-tax bracket, this means saving about $33 of every $100 of expenses. Ask your employer about contributing to a dependent care account to see if you could save money.
  • If you paid someone to care for a child under age 13 or a qualifying spouse or dependent so you could work or look for work, you may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Depending on your income, this credit can return up to 35% of qualifying childcare costs to you. Make sure to ask your tax preparer if you qualify.
  • Summer programs for children and young adults are also available. Contact your local Boys and Girls Club or city's Parks and Recreation program.

 

Money Management

How Much Money Is Your Debt Costing You?

Americans spend 24% of their income on debt payments alone. One of the best ways to add more money to your monthly budget is to cut down on unnecessary interest payments as quickly as possible.

  • Consumer Credit Counseling offers debt management and consolidation plans in addition to a variety of articles and calculators to help you determine how much your debt is costing you. Call 1-866-889-9347 to start reducing your debt immediately.
  • Arizona Saves is a local non-profit that provides financial education classes, coaching and workshops. To find a listing of classes in your area or to sign up for a no-fee savings account call (602) 246-3500.
  • Feed the Pig offers helpful tips on how to create and stick to a budget and to calculate the savings of little changes you can make in your daily life.
  • There are many people and companies out there trying to cash in on struggling families during these tough economic times. For resources on how to avoid scams and predatory practices visit the Arizona Attorney General's Website. Freddie Mac has additional resources on how to spot a scam at Don't Borrow Trouble.

One of the most costly debt traps are payday loans and they are a particular threat to families in this time of economic crunch. What many people don't know is that payday loan debts typically cannot be included in debt management programs offered by credit counseling services. Here are some links with educational information and alternatives to payday loans.

  • Responsible Lending
  • National Credit Union Foundation
  • Credit Info Center

 

Cash Assistance

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Family Assistance Administration at 1-800-352-8401 has Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Programs to help eligible persons with financial assistance. The Cash Assistance Program provides assistance to eligible families with at least one dependent child. The grant diversion program provides one-time temporary financial assistance to eligible families to assist them to keep or get a job so they will not require on-going assistance.

There is no cost to apply for TANF and Applications are available online.

Other Helpful Information:

  • Arizona Self Help allows you to Pre-Screen for eligibility for TANF and other programs. The TANF program used to be called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).

 

Utility Assistance

Utility Assistance Programs, such as The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Utility Repair, Replacement and Deposit Program (URRD), provide energy assistance to eligible individuals (based on income eligibility requirements).

Other Helpful Information:

  • To locate the agency nearest to you that can assist you to obtain utility assistance, contact the Department of Economic Security, Community Partnerships and Innovative Practices at 1-800-582-5706.
  • Arizona Self Help allows individuals to Pre-Screen for eligibility for LIHEAP and other programs.

 

Tax Assistance

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-829-1040 provides help to the public with Federal income taxes. The Arizona Department of Revenue at 1-800-352-4090 provides help with State income taxes.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/TCE Tax Preparation Sites at 1-800-352-3792 provides free help for individuals with both federal and state income taxes.

Other Helpful Information:

  • The Internal Revenue Service provides information on the refundable Federal income tax credit for low income families on their Earned Income Tax Credit website. Arizona Self Help allows individuals to Pre-Screen for eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit.

 

Earned Income Tax Credit

If you earned less than $41,646 in 2008, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could give you a credit of as much as $4,824. Additional credits could pay even more. (Individual credit and refund amounts will vary).

You don't have to owe federal taxes to receive this credit, but you do have to file your taxes.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-829-1040 provides information on the refundable Federal income tax credit for low income families on their Earned Income Tax Credit website.

Save Your Tax Refund

Want to own a home, go to school, buy a car, or start a business? There is a program in our community that can help you save your money, reduce your debt, and learn to manage your money.

For information visit Arizona Saves or call 602-246-3500 or 877-989-3500.

Other Helpful Information:

  • The Arizona Department of Revenue at 1-800-352-4090 provides help with State income taxes.
  • The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/TCE Tax Preparation Sites at 1-800-352-3792 provides free help for individuals with both federal and state income taxes.
  • Arizona Self Help allows individuals to Pre-Screen for eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit.

 

Food Stamps and Food Assistance

The Food Stamp Program provides eligible people living in Arizona with food stamp benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. For information, call the Department of Economic Security (DES), Family Assistance Administration at 1-800-352-8401. There is no cost to apply for food stamps. Applications are available on-line.

Other Helpful Information:

  • The same application may be used to apply for food stamps, medical assistance and cash assistance.
  • Arizona Self Help allows individuals to Pre-Screen for eligibility for food stamps and other programs.
  • Benefits Check-up® allows senior citizens to Pre-Screen for eligibility for food stamps and other programs.

 

Child Care Subsidy

There are a number of child care programs managed by the Child Care Assistance Program (Department of Economic Security) that assist eligible families with free or low cost child care. Applications for child care assistance must be submitted at your local DES Child Care Office or call the following numbers for more information:

  • Apache, Coconino, Navajo & Yavapai Counties - 928-774-5091
  • Cochise, Graham, Greenlee & Santa Cruz Counties - 520-459-5008
  • Gila & Pinal Counties - 520-836-2351
  • La Paz, Mohave & Yuma Counties - 928-782-4343
  • Maricopa County - 602-255-3729
  • Pima County - 520-628-6810

Other Helpful Information:

  • The Head Start Program is a child development program for pre-school children designed to increase the school readiness of children in low-income families. The Program is free to families who qualify.
  • Arizona Self Help allows individuals to Pre-Screen for eligibility for child care assistance, head start and other programs.

 

Medical Insurance

Arizona Department of Insurance at 1-800-325-2548 provides information, publications and contact information regarding health insurance and other insurance companies who provide coverage to Arizonans. The Department's Consumer Publications include guides to health insurance and lists of health insurance companies.

 

Government Health Insurance

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) (Arizona State Medicaid) 602-417-7000/1-800-962-6690 provides low or no cost medical coverage programs to eligible Arizonans. To participate in these Health Care Programs, individuals must be U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants.

Other Helpful Information:

  • AHCCCS (Arizona State Medicaid) and KidsCare Applications are available on-line.
  • You may also apply for medical assistance with the Department of Economic Security, Family Assistance Administration at 1-800-352-8401. The same application may be used to apply for cash assistance and food stamps.
  • Arizona Self Help also allows Arizonans to Pre-Screen for eligibility to AHCCCS and other programs. Benefits Check-up allows senior citizens to pre-screen for eligibility to AHCCCS (State Medicaid) and other programs.
  • The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) at 602-417-4000 (in Maricopa County) and 1-800-654-8713 (in all other AZ counties) provides coverage to eligible senior citizens in Arizona.

 

Prescription Programs

Resources to assist in paying or reducing the cost of your prescription drugs are available through private medical insurance, discount prescription programs, Medicare and/or the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Contact the program that is right for you.

Below is a list of the government or non-profit services currently available.

  • The Arizona CoppeRx® Card
    This card provides discounts on prescription drugs through many participating pharmacies and is available to all Arizona residents. Start saving on your prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
    If you are eligible for Medicare and are currently receiving prescriptions through AHCCCS, find information about your transition to the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.
  • Benefits CheckUp
    This program enables you to find out what you need to know before signing up for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage or other prescription programs. Visit Benefits CheckUpRx®.

 

Medical Supplies Programs

For information about obtaining medical supplies, such as glasses, hearing aids, durable medical equipment, prosthetic devices or orthotic devices, please contact your health care plan provider, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) health care provider and/or private medical insurer.

Other Helpful Information:

  • The Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services provides resources for seniors through regional Area Agencies on Aging. Some of the Area Agency on Aging Offices provide free or low cost adaptive devices such as hearing aides, dentures, etc. to assist elder adults or referrals to organizations that can help with these any other medical supply needs.
  • The Lions Foundation of Arizona at 1-800-486-0518 provides services to eligible Arizona residents afflicted with sight and hearing impairments through its Sight & Hearing Foundation. Fees vary based on type of services and equipment/aid provided.
  • Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE provides a Supplier Directory of organizations and suppliers of medical equipment throughout the United States.

 

Transportation

Arizona 5-1-1 provides current information about road conditions including traffic reports, accidents, and road closures information. You can dial 5-1-1 for this information.

The American Public Transportation Association provides a list of transportation providers of all kinds, including trains, buses, dial a ride, rail, and other transportation services for all regions of Arizona. If you need driving directions to a specific destination, visit Map Quest, Yahoo! Local Maps, or similar map and directions finder online. The Yellow Pages for your area also lists taxi, bus and other transportation providers.

Other Helpful Information:

  • For bus information in Maricopa County contact Valley Metro at 602-253-5000 and in Pima County contact Sun Tran at 520-792-9222.

 

Unemployment Insurance

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program provides payments to individuals who are unemployed and were previously employed (provided they are looking for employment). Visit Arizona Re-Employment Rapid Access to make sure you meet all UI requirements and to prepare to apply for benefits.

You can apply for UI benefits online or by phone:

  • 602-364-2722 (Maricopa County)
  • 520-791-2722 (Pima County)
  • 1-877-600-2722 (toll free) (From all other Arizona Counties)

 

Housing Assistance

The Department of Economic Security, Community Partnerships and Innovative Practices at 1-800-582-5706, offers Community Action Programs to low-income families to encourage self sufficiency while assisting with hunger, homelessness, shelter and utility payments. One of the Community Partnerships and Innovative Practices programs, Short Term Crisis Services (STCS), provides temporary assistance to eligible people living in Arizona with shelter, utilities, repairs and related needs. Please contact your local Community Action Provider for additional information.

Are you facing foreclosure? Don’t waste another minute! Governor Brewer urges Arizona homeowners facing eviction or foreclosure to contact their lender or HOPE NOW to explore their options. HOPE NOW credit counselors can be reached at their national toll-free number, 1-888-995-4673 (888-995-HOPE) to provide over-the-phone credit counseling that can help keep them in their homes. Contacting your lender or HOPE NOW today will give you more flexibility in finding a solution to keep your home. For additional tips and steps to avoid foreclosure and to resolve mortgage difficulties visit Governor Brewer's Website.