STATE OF ARIZONA EXECUTIVE OFFICE JANET NAPOLITANO GOVERNOR WWW.AZGOVERNOR.GOV

NEWS RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: JEANINE L’ECUYER (602) 542-1342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

-August 3, 2005-

-ARIZONA AWARDED $832,343 FROM USDA -

-Grant Makes It Easier for Citizens to Apply for Services -

PHOENIX – Seniors and other Arizonans not familiar with the government systems often find it difficult and confusing to find and get the support and services they need - and are entitled to. But a new, two-year, $832,343 grant from the USDA will help solve that problem.

The grant will help seniors and others access information about food stamp eligibility and to apply for benefits electronically. Individuals will also be able to apply for Medicare prescription benefits at the same time.

This grant will expand Arizona’s BenefitsCheckUp and Arizona Self-Help system and our new 2-1-1 Online system to educate Arizonans in general about nutrition and food stamps through the Arizona 2-1-1 system.

As part of this program, BenefitsCheckUp and Arizona Self-Help will provide computers and training to six organizations in our community to assist individuals in applying for benefits. “We’re delighted to get this grant. Now, in just one location, seniors and others will be able to get information about medical and food stamp benefits, pre-screening for eligibility for those services, and actually apply for those benefits electronically.” Said governor Janet Napolitano.

Approximately 12,000 additional individuals will be able to apply for food stamp benefits through this program.

Arizona was awarded the grant based on the BenefitsCheckUp system and the strength of its partnerships with the Arizona Community Action Association and the Foundation for Senior Living.