Updated April 2026 · Rental Assistance Online Editorial Team
Quick Answer
What Is DES Rental Assistance?
DES Rental Assistance was Arizona’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) administered by the Department of Economic Security. It provided eligible renters up to $3,500 per month—totaling as much as $63,000 over 18 months—for rent and utility costs linked to COVID-19 hardship. The program has officially ended, but alternative resources remain available statewide.
If you’re searching for information on DES Rental Assistance, you’re likely an Arizona renter who needs help covering rent or utility bills—or someone trying to understand what options still exist after the program closed. The DES Emergency Rental Assistance Program was one of Arizona’s most significant pandemic-era housing safety nets, distributing millions in aid to qualifying households across the state.
Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of how the program worked, who qualified, how payments were structured, and—most importantly—where to turn for help now that the DES Rental Assistance application window has closed.
⚠ Important Program Status
The Arizona DES Rental Assistance Program has officially ended. No new applications are being accepted. Applications submitted on or before August 31, 2024 were reviewed and processed as part of the program’s wind-down phase.
If you need housing or financial support today, the resources listed throughout this guide can help connect you with active assistance programs.
Key Entities Behind DES Rental Assistance
Understanding the organizations and concepts connected to this program helps you navigate Arizona’s rental aid landscape.
◆ Department of Economic Security
Arizona’s DES is the state agency responsible for social services including unemployment benefits, child support, and emergency assistance programs like ERAP.
◆ ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance)
The federally funded program that channeled COVID-19 relief dollars to state and local governments for distribution to qualifying renters facing housing instability.
◆ Area Median Income (AMI)
The income benchmark used to determine eligibility. DES Rental Assistance required household income at or below 80% of the AMI for the applicant’s county.
◆ ID.me Verification
The identity verification platform DES used to prevent fraud. Applicants confirmed their identity through a secure digital process before receiving benefits.
◆ Community Action Agencies
Local nonprofits that continue to provide emergency housing support, utility assistance, and case management services throughout Arizona’s 15 counties.
◆ 211 Arizona
The statewide information line and website (211Arizona.org) connecting residents with housing, food, utility, and employment resources.
History of the DES Rental Assistance Program
The DES Emergency Rental Assistance Program provided rent and utility assistance to COVID-19-affected renters in Arizona. Eligible households could receive up to $3,500 monthly in combined rent and utility assistance for up to 18 months, totaling $63,000 in benefits. This 18-month total comprised half and complete months from the past, present, and future—and included all rental assistance payments previously received. After 18 months of ERAP benefits had been distributed, no further assistance was provided.
What Was DES?
DES stood for the Department of Economic Security (DES) in Arizona. Its primary role was to help residents seeking unemployment benefits and accessing social services. DES played a pivotal role in supporting individuals and families in need.
Arizona’s Department of Economic Security offered various programs to assist residents with social services, including unemployment benefits. Individuals were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the available DES programs to access necessary support during challenging times.
On February 12, 2022, the Arizona DES Rental Assistance program became available to the inhabitants of Phoenix.
Residents of the City of Phoenix who had previously applied for and received emergency rental assistance or utilities through the City of Phoenix or Wildfire were not eligible for the DES ERAP program.
Applicants could call (602) 534-2433 with any queries about their current application.
Renters in Maricopa (excluding City of Phoenix residents), Pima, and Yuma counties were not eligible for rental assistance through this program, but they may have been eligible for other city- or county-run programs. The section below titled “Other City and County-Operated Programs” provides more information.
Utility-Only Assistance: Renters in ALL 15 Arizona counties could apply for utility-only assistance through the ERAP portal’s Easy Apply feature.
DES Rental Assistance Eligibility Requirements
A renter could receive help with rent and utilities through DES Rental Assistance if they lived in a designated area and met the following federal requirements:
- Proof that the renter was at risk of being homeless, had unstable housing, or lived in a dangerous place:
- Notice to vacate
- Notice of utility shutoff
- Past due rent notice
- Past-due utility notice
- Other signs of unsafe, unhealthy, or unstable living conditions
- The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the renter or a member of the household.
- The renter’s household income was less than or equal to 80% of the area median income (AMI).
📊 Data Highlight
80% AMI
Maximum household income threshold for the Arizona Rental Assistance Program. Households earning at or below this benchmark qualified for DES Rental Assistance benefits.
How to Apply for DES Rental Assistance in Arizona
Applicants applied for assistance with rent and utilities through the ERAP online platform. Paper applications or phone support at 1-833-912-0878 were also available.
Interested renters seeking rental assistance had to provide the following documentation:
- Lease agreements
- Photo ID
- Utility bills
- Disconnection notices
- Proof of income
- Eviction notices
- Documentation of hardship
Author’s Pro Tip
Easy Apply for Utility-Only Help: The utility-only application process was simplified via Easy Apply, requiring only recent utility bills and a few eligibility questions. No landlord cooperation was required. If you’re an Arizona renter struggling with utility costs today, check with your local Community Action Agency for similar streamlined programs.
DES Rental Assistance Payment Details
Eligible households received up to $3,500 per month for up to 18 months, totaling $63,000. This included past, present, and future months—inclusive of all ERAP assistance previously received.
Payments could be made to renters, utility companies, or landlords (if participating).
Need Help Finding Rental Assistance?
Even though DES Rental Assistance has ended, you can still access active programs and resources across Arizona.
DES Rental Assistance Appeals Process
If denied rent or utility assistance, applicants could appeal using the ERAP & LIHWAP Appeal Request form within 60 days of the decision.
Anti-Fraud Measures for DES Rental Assistance
DES used ID.me for identity verification to prevent fraud. Applicants were guided via a secure link and instructions.
If ID.me could not be used, applicants could submit paper forms and government-issued IDs. Landlord representatives verified identities via ID.me before submitting financial data.
Suspected fraud could be reported online or by calling (800) 251-2436 or (602) 542-9449.
DES Rental Assistance Eviction Protections
Removal Prevention
ERAP aimed to reduce housing instability from COVID-19. Landlords agreed not to evict for at least 30 days after receiving payment.
Landlords involved in legal proceedings could receive $500 for legal costs. Participation was encouraged to support housing stability in Arizona.
Eviction Moratorium Status
The CDC’s eviction moratorium ended on August 26, 2021. Tenants behind on rent were again at risk.
Programs like the Emergency Rental Aid Program provided support. Legal help was available via azevictionhelp.org and clsaz.org.
Other City and County-Operated Rental Assistance Programs
Residents of Maricopa, Pima, and Yuma counties were ineligible for DES ERAP but had access to local resources. If you live in one of these areas, the programs below may still offer active assistance or referrals.
How to Contact the DES Rental Assistance Program
You could reach the Emergency Rental Assistance Program at 1-833-912-0878, operating Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Additional Resources for Arizona Renters:
- Call 2-1-1 Arizona or visit 211Arizona.org for statewide housing resources
- Connect with your local Community Action Agency for emergency support
- Explore DES Basic Needs Services for food, utilities, and job assistance
- Facing eviction? Visit azevictionhelp.org for free legal aid and tenant rights information
Frequently Asked Questions About DES Rental Assistance
Find Active Rental Assistance in Arizona
The DES Rental Assistance program may have ended—but your options haven’t.
- ✓ Statewide housing and utility resources
- ✓ Community Action Agency emergency support
- ✓ Free legal aid for eviction defense
- ✓ DES Basic Needs Services referrals
Connect with active programs serving Arizona renters today.
I live with my boyfriend for about 3 years now we have been getting notices of eviction due to the economy has been hard for him to work there’s not really been much work out there because he’s been having vehicle problems I have no way of pain the red we’re about to be taking a court now and our power is also about the attorney office or water and we don’t know what to do they don’t want to lose at home we also want to be stuck on the streets please help