Ready to use5 steps
Getting someone into the housing system (coordinated entry)
Get them assessed once at the right access point for who they are, then keep them reachable and document ready.
Open guidePHX GOOD GUIDES
What is happening with your client?
Find the next thing to do, who to call, what to bring, and a backup door.
Do not enter names or personal details.
Shared across roles
Common situations
Pick the situation in front of you.
Ready to use5 steps
Applying for food, cash help, or AHCCCS through DES
One online application covers all three. The interview and the mail are where most people lose benefits.
Open guideReady to use5 steps
Help paying for child care
Apply for DES Child Care Assistance right away. Most families go on a waiting list, but shelter residents and some referrals have a different path.
Open guideReady to use5 steps
A client is in a mental health crisis
If life is in danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise call the Arizona crisis line together. After the crisis, connect them to ongoing care.
Open guideReady to use5 steps
A client is fleeing domestic violence
The regional DV hotline closed in May 2026. Call the shelters directly, starting with the one that fits the household.
Open guideReady to use5 steps
An older adult or adult with a disability needs help at home
Check safety, report abuse or exploitation, call the 24-hour Senior HELP LINE, and start ALTCS early if long-term care may be needed.
Open guideReady to use5 steps
Client got a utility shutoff notice
Check the shutoff date, call the utility, then use the assistance route for the client’s address.
Open guideA quick way in
Start with your role
See the situations that come up most in your work.
Homeless and housingShelter, documents, utilities, and housing barriersChild welfareFamily stability, kinship, benefits, and urgent needsBehavioral healthCrisis follow-up, basic needs, and safe handoffsHospital and healthcareDischarge, coverage, documents, and housingAging and disabilityBenefits, utilities, care, and access supportRe-entry and probationID, housing, benefits, and workDomestic violenceSafety, placement, documents, and benefitsBenefits navigationApplications, renewals, notices, and documentsWorkforceID, benefits, transportation, and job accessSchool-basedFamilies, youth, food, shelter, and documentsVeteransVeteran-specific routes plus shared basic needsCommunity health workerHealth, benefits, housing, and follow-upSupervisor or leaderShared guides for coaching and case review
New here?
Your first week on the job
The situations a new case manager meets first. Each one: act now, check the source, and keep a backup door.
Checked October 4, 2026
What changed
The Valley’s single DV shelter hotline closed in May 2026, and some pages still list it. Call shelters directly. DES also reports more than 9,000 families on the child care assistance waiting list.
Need to train a new staff member?
Every guide has one short practice scenario. It stays closed until you need it.
Looking for the older benefit explainers? Open plain-language benefit topics.