ALASKA

Alaska Temporary Assistance Program

Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides temporary cash assistance and work-readiness services to low-income families with children to help them with basic needs.

The focus of ATAP is self sufficiency. For this reason, ATAP participants are required to immediately seek paid employment opportunities or participate in work related activities for a specified number of hours per week.

Participants must engage in approved activities, which can include:

• Job search and readiness training.
• Education and vocational training.
• On-the-job training or work experience.
• Community service.

Adults with disabilities or caring for very young children or a disabled family member may be exempt from some or all work requirements

How much is cash assistance in Alaska?

The amount of cash assistance a family receives depends on the family size, income, and shelter expenses. According to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, the maximum cash benefit for a family of three with no income is $923 per month.¹ Families must also have countable resources under $2,000 ($3,000 if a family member is 60 or older), and help is limited to 60 months.

What benefits do Alaska Natives get?

Many Alaska Native tribes operate their own TANF programs, which may have different eligibility rules and benefit levels than the state-run ATAP. Because each tribe operates its own program, you must apply directly through your local tribal organization.

The Administration for Children and Families provides a state map  that links to lists of the specific tribes operating their own TANF programs within that state.

How do I apply for welfare in Alaska?

To apply for the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP), you can download an application and submit it to your nearest Division of Public Assistance (DPA) office,² or apply online through the Alaska Connect Portal .

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
(800) 478-7778

Alaska Adult Public Assistance (APA)

Adult Public Assistance (APA) is a state program run by the Alaska Division of Public Assistance that provides cash assistance​ to aged, blind, and disabled Alaskans with limited income and resources.

While SSI is a federal program with nationwide rules, APA is a state-funded Alaska program that can help people who do not qualify for SSI or need additional assistance.

If you qualify for APA, you receive monthly cash payments to help cover basic needs and are automatically enrolled in Medicaid, without having to file a separate application.

How much is adult public assistance in Alaska?

According to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, a person who is single and residing in an assisted living home can get up to $1,094 per month in APA benefits, or $1,691 per month for a couple with both members eligible.³

Applications are accepted in person at a local DPA office.² While waiting for approval, you may be eligible for a monthly cash benefit of $280 through the Interim Assistance Program .

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
(800) 478-7778

Alaska Senior Benefits Program

Alaskan seniors who are age 65 or older may also apply for Senior Benefits Program that pays $125, $175, or $250 each month depending on their gross income. ⁴

It’s a crucial state-funded program offering direct financial help to seniors in Alaska, replacing older benefits like the Longevity Bonus.

To apply for Senior Benefits Program, please complete and return this application form  to one of the Public Assistance Offices near you.²

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
(800) 478-7778

Alaska Food Stamp Program

Alaska Food Stamp Program (SNAP) is a 100% federally funded program that provides food assistance to very low income individuals and families in Alaska.

The program serves low-income families with children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.

Eligible applicants must pass income and assets tests. According to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, the gross monthly income limit is 130% of the current Alaska poverty standard, and the net limit is 100%.⁵

What is the income limit for food stamps in Alaska?

In general, a household of three qualifies for the program if it has a gross monthly income of $3,700 or less as well as a net monthly income of not more than $2,846.

For most households in Alaska, the asset limit is $3,000 or $4,750 if your household includes at least one elderly (60+) or disabled person.⁵

How do I apply for food stamps in Alaska?

To apply for SNAP benefits, download and submit a SNAP application to your nearest Division of Public Assistance (DPA) office, ² or apply online through the Alaska Connect Portal .

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
(800) 478-7778

Alaska General Relief Assistance (GRA)

Alaska’s General Relief Assistance (GRA) is a safety net program designed to help eligible individuals and families in emergency situations such as shelter (eviction notice), utilities (shut-off notice), food, clothing, or burial.

According to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, eligibility and the relief amount are determined case by case, and payment is limited to a maximum of $120 for each household member in an emergency situation, except for burial assistance.⁶

How do I apply for relief assistance in Alaska?

An electronic application for relief assistance is currently not available. Please contact Alaska Division of Public Assistance (DPA) office or a local tribal office in your area.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
(800) 478-7778

Alaska Special Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Alaska WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for nutritionally at-risk pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five.

The program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals, at no cost, to eligible families.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Alaska.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Alaska?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in Alaska, WIC income eligibility is set at 185% of the federal poverty level, or about $5,265 per month for a family of three.⁷ Households participating in SNAP, Medicaid, or ATAP are automatically eligible for WIC.

Participants receive an eWIC card, which works like a debit card, to purchase specific healthy foods from authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

How much does WIC pay per month in Alaska?

In Alaska, children ages 1—4 receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How to apply for WIC in Alaska?

To apply for WIC in Alaska, you need to contact the nearest WIC clinic  to schedule your appointment, where staff determine eligibility and complete the process.

You can call Alaska WIC office at (907) 465-3100 for assistance, or check with tribal health providers if you’re in a remote community.

Alaska Department of Health
WIC Program Office
(907) 465-3100

Alaska Medicaid

Alaska Medicaid, also known as DenaliCare, is the state’s public health coverage program for eligible residents. It includes coverage pathways for children, pregnant women, families, adults with low incomes, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Medicaid expansion covers most adults under age 65 with income below 138% of Alaska’s poverty level or about $3,927 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for Alaska Medicaid?

You can apply for Medicaid online through Alaska Connect Portal  or in person at any Division of Public Assistance (DPA) office throughout Alaska.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
(800) 478-7778

Alaska Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance (CAMA)

Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance (CAMA) is a state-funded program for Alaskans aged 21 to 64 with specific, often serious, chronic or acute conditions who don’t qualify for regular Medicaid.

It covers limited, necessary care, like prescription drugs, physician visits in clinics, and outpatient services, but excludes major medical care or long-term nursing.

Applicants must have extremely limited financial resources, with countable income of no more than $300 for an individual and countable assets under $500.

To apply for the Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance (CAMA) program, you must complete a formal application process through Alaska Connect Portal .

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
(800) 478-7778

Alaska Denali KidCare

Denali KidCare is a Medicaid health coverage for children from birth through age 18, including post-partum care of pregnant women who meet income guidelines.

It is essentially designed to fill the gap for children whose families make too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance.

According to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, there is no cost for medical services, premiums, or copayments for eligible children.⁸ Once a child reaches 18, they may be required to pay small, limited copayments for certain medical services. Coverage is free for all pregnancy-related services and medications.

What are the income guidelines for Denali KidCare?

Denali KidCare covers children from birth through age 18 in families with income up to 208% of Alaska’s poverty standard. For a family of three, that’s about $5,919 per month.

Children with disabilities who are ineligible for Denali KidCare due to income may qualify for Medicaid coverage under the TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) option.

How do I apply for Denali KidCare?

If a child in your care is currently uninsured, text KIDCARE to 898-211 to see if they are eligible to receive health insurance coverage through Denali KidCare.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance
(800) 478-7778

Alaska Child Care Assistance Program

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in Alaska is known as “Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency” (PASS) and is divided into three categories:

1. PASS I,
2. PASS II,
3. PASS III.

PASS I provides child care assistance for families receiving benefits under the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program. Unlike the other two, PASS I does not require you to contribute toward your child care costs.

PASS II is for those who are transitioning from the Alaska TAP and PASS III is for families who are not eligible for, or who have never received, PASS I or PASS II.

Depending on your family’s size and monthly income, you will be responsible to contribute, on a monthly basis, toward your child care costs.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Alaska?

According to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, eligibility for CCAP is capped at 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).⁹ For example, a household of three may qualify with a monthly income of $8,285 or less.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Alaska?

If you are already receiving ATAP benefits, contact your case manager or DPA case worker to request for more information on how to apply for PASS I child care assistance.

Eligibility for PASS II/III child care assistance, on the other hand, is not automatic. You must complete and submit an application to your local Child Care Assistance office  or through Alaska Child Care Information System (AKCCIS ) portal.

Alaska Department of Health
Child Care Program Office
(888) 268-4632

Child Care Program Office (Anchorage)
(907) 269-4500

Alaska Heating Assistance Program (HAP)

Alaska’s Heating Assistance Program (HAP) helps eligible Alaska residents offset the cost of home heating by providing a one-time seasonal payment towards heating fuel or electricity.

Benefits are calculated using a point system based on the area of the state where you live, heat type, dwelling type, household size and income.

According to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, HAP combines federal LIHEAP with the state-funded Alaska Affordable Heating Program (AAHP), which serves households with incomes between 150% and 225% of the federal poverty guidelines. Households must also pay at least $200 a year toward heating costs.¹⁰

How to apply for LIHEAP in Alaska?

Applications are accepted each season from October 1 through April 30 at Division of Public Assistance (DPA) offices throughout the state. ²

If you are facing a heating emergency or need immediate assistance, please contact Alaska 2-1-1  to connect with local energy assistance programs and community resources.

Alaska Education Grant (AEG)

Alaska Education Grant (AEG) provides need-based financial assistance to eligible Alaska students attending qualifying postsecondary institutions in Alaska.

Grant awards typically range from $500 to $4,000 per academic year for students who have qualifying unmet financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

Because funding is often limited, awards are made to eligible students with the highest financial need until funds are exhausted.

How do I apply for Alaska Education Grant?

Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA for priority consideration. After filing, eligible students will receive an AEG Intent Form by email during the summer, which must be completed.

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)
ACPE Customer Service
(800) 441-2962

Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)

Alaska Performance Scholarship provides an opportunity for Alaska high school students to earn a scholarship to help cover the cost of postsecondary education in Alaska.

To qualify for APS, students must take a specific, rigorous high school curriculum, earn a minimum 2.5 GPA, and do well on a college or career-readiness exam.

How much is the Alaska Performance Scholarship?

Alaska’s hardest-working students with GPA 3.5 may receive up to $7,000 a year, up to $5,250 for students with GPA 3.0 and up to $3,500 for students with GPA 2.5.

How do I apply for Alaska Performance Scholarship?

To apply for APS, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 30 preceding the start of the academic year. Awards are made until all funds are depleted.

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)
ACPE Customer Service
(800) 441-2962

Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)

According to the Alaska Department of Revenue, the filing period for the 2026 dividend ran from January 1 through March 31, 2026, and the first payments were scheduled for October 1, 2026.¹¹

Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend  (PFD) is a taxable annual payment funded by oil revenues and paid by the State of Alaska to eligible residents, including adults and children.

Eligibility for this dividend requires strict requirements. To qualify, you must have maintained full residency in Alaska for the entire calendar year prior to application.

The application period is January 1 through March 31 of the year for which you are applying. Applications filed after March 31 will be denied by law as late applications.

How much will Alaska PFD be this year?

According to the Department of Revenue, the 2026 dividend is $1,200 per eligible Alaskan, which includes a $200 energy relief payment, or about $3,600 for a family of three.¹¹

That’s just how much money the government give you if you live in Alaska. All you have to do is to remain in the state for an entire calendar year.