Phones and Internet Help in Arizona

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. A phone and internet help with almost everything, from job searches to staying in touch with family. If money is tight, there are ways to get connected in Arizona.

The federal Lifeline program lowers the cost of phone or internet service for people who qualify. Libraries also offer computers and Wi-Fi you can use.

LifelineLower phone bills.

LIB

LibrariesComputers and Wi-Fi.

211

Dial 211Local help.

SNAP

If you get SNAPYou may qualify.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

A few things to know

You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

How can I get a phone?

The federal Lifeline program lowers the cost of phone or internet service for people who qualify, including people who get benefits like SNAP or Medicaid. You can apply online or through a phone company that offers Lifeline.

Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.

Your first steps, in order

Check if you qualify for Lifeline.
Pick a phone company that offers Lifeline in Arizona.
Have proof of your benefits or income ready.
Keep your new number on paper, too.

Where can I use the internet?

Public libraries in Arizona offer computers, Wi-Fi and help using them. Many also lend devices or hotspots.

Some job centers and day centers also have computers.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What to say at the library

"Hi. I need to use a computer to (apply for a job, check email)."

"Do I need a library card?"

"Can someone help me with this form?"

What if I can't keep my phone charged?

Libraries, day centers and some shelters let you charge your phone. A small battery pack can help too.

BUNKLY TIP

Write it down

Keep your most important numbers and passwords on paper, in a safe place.

How do I stay safe online?

Use strong passwords, and don't share them.
Log out when you use a shared computer.
Be careful with texts or calls that ask for money or your Social Security number.
If something feels off, hang up and call the agency back at its official number.

Can I get lower cost home internet?

Some internet companies offer low cost plans for people who qualify. Ask the company about plans for households with benefits like SNAP or AHCCCS, or ask 211.

How do I set up an email?

An email address helps you apply for jobs and benefits. You can set one up on a library computer.

Ask the library staff for help.

Keep a list of your logins

Your email address.
Your HEAplus login.
Your azui.com login, if you have one.
Keep the list somewhere safe.

EXAMPLE

Say your phone broke in Yuma

You could use a computer at the library to check your email and apply for Lifeline. You could ask a shelter or day center if you can use their phone to call back programs.

How can I learn to use a phone or computer?

Many libraries offer classes and one on one help for basics like email, job sites and video calls. Job centers often help with online applications too.

Ask what's coming up.

BUNKLY TIP

Everyone starts somewhere

It's okay to ask for help with tech. Library staff help people with it every day.

How do I get calls from programs if my phone changes?

Programs may call you back days later. If your number changes, tell every program right away.

Who to tell when your number changes

DES, through HEAplus or by phone.
Your job center.
Your shelter or case manager.
Your doctor or clinic.
Your landlord or housing program.

BUNKLY TIP

Use a backup number

Ask a trusted friend or program if you can list their number as a backup.

Questions people ask a lot

Can I get Lifeline without an address?

Some people can. Ask the phone company.

Can more than one person in my home get Lifeline?

Questions about that? Check the official page below.

Do I need a library card to use a computer?

It depends on the library. Ask at the desk.

What if I get a scam call?

Hang up. Don't share your information.

Where can I print papers?

Libraries and job centers often let you print.

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

If you get put on hold or cut off

"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."

"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"

"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

BUNKLY TIP

Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
Dial 211, or search 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

Keep your papers safe

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

BUNKLY TIP

You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Lifeline (FCC)

What it offers A discount of up to $9.25 a month on phone service, internet service or a bundle, for people with income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or who take part in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI or the Veterans and Survivors Pension. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and you must recertify every year.

How to reach Apply at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ (the Apply Now button goes to https://getinternet.gov/apply). Lifeline Support Center: 800.234.9473, 7 days a week, 9 am to 9 pm Eastern. To find phone and internet companies that offer Lifeline where you live, use https://www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me/

Source https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

211 Arizona

What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.

How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/

Source https://211arizona.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus)

What it offers Arizona's online application for Nutrition Assistance (Arizona's name for SNAP), Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance (AHCCCS). You can apply for all three at once.

How to reach Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ For help, call DES at 855.432.7587.

Source https://des.az.gov/contact-us

Last checked October 22, 2026

ARIZONA@WORK

What it offers Arizona's job center network. Job search help, career coaching, resume help, training and hiring events, at offices across the state.

How to reach Find your local office at https://arizonaatwork.com/ or dial 211.

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

Keys to Change (Human Services Campus)

What it offers A campus in downtown Phoenix where many groups work together to help adults who are homeless, with shelter intake, meals, mail and more. Open 24/7.

How to reach Go to 204 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix, or call 602.282.0853.

Source https://hsc-az.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

ARIZONA@WORK City of Phoenix job centers

What it offers Job search help, career coaching and training for Phoenix residents.

How to reach Phoenix South Job Center, 4635 S. Central Ave., 602.495.6905. Phoenix West Job Center, 3406 N. 51st Ave., 602.495.6906.

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

ARIZONA@WORK Pima County

What it offers Job help in Tucson: the One-Stop at Rio Nuevo, 1010 W. Miracle Mile, 520.724.7650. The Youth Employment Center, 175 W. Irvington Rd., 520.724.9640. The Kino Veterans' Workforce Center, 2801 E. Ajo Way, 520.724.2646.

How to reach Call the office closest to you, or visit https://arizonaatwork.com/

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

Last checked October 22, 2026

Pima County Community Assistance Division

What it offers Pima County's Community Action Agency. Help with rent, mortgage and utility bills for people who qualify, when funds allow, plus links to utility discount programs.

How to reach Call 520.724.2667, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed noon to 1 pm). Main line: 520.724.2460. Office: 801 W. Congress St., Tucson.

Source https://www.pima.gov/community-assistance-division

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your Community Action Agency)

Every Arizona county has a Community Action Agency that can help with utility bills, rent, deposits and emergency shelter when funds allow. If you don't live in Maricopa or Pima County, start here. Phone lines get busy, so keep trying, or dial 211.