Alaska SNAP

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

These benefits help eligible households afford groceries and maintain a nutritionally adequate diet, particularly in a state where food costs are often higher than the national average.

Eligible applicants must pass income and assets tests. The gross income test is based on 130% of the current Alaska’s poverty standard.

To receive SNAP benefits, most adult recipients who are not exempt, such as those who are disabled or pregnant, must

• register for work,
• participate in Employment & Training (E&T) if assigned, and
• accept offers of employment.

In Alaska, special waiver provisions  apply to Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), allowing certain areas with high unemployment or other qualifying conditions to be exempt from work requirements.

FAQ

How do I qualify food stamps in Alaska?

To qualify for SNAP in Alaska, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: You must live in Alaska.
• Citizenship/Immigration Status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying non-citizen (such as a lawful permanent resident or another eligible status under federal rules).
• Identity: You must provide proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or other approved documents).
• Income Limits: Your household must meet SNAP’s gross and net income guidelines , which vary by family size. Alaska has higher income limits than most other states due to its higher cost of living.
• Work Requirements:
  • Most adults ages 16—59 must meet general work requirements, including registering for work and accepting suitable job offers.
  • Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18—64 may be subject to additional work requirements, depending on federal and state policies.
• Resources: Your household must have less than $3,000 in countable resources, or less than $4,500 if at least one member is elderly or disabled.

What is the income limit for food stamps in Alaska?

The gross income limit is based on 130% of the current Alaska’s poverty standard. That’s about $3,609 per month for a family of three.

How much do I get in food stamps in Alaska?

In Alaska, SNAP benefits are calculated based on the region  in which a recipient resides. For recipients living in Alaska, the maximum is $1,015 for urban families of three, with higher rates for those living further from populated areas.

The table below shows the maximum monthly SNAP benefits you could receive in an urban area of Alaska:

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 ¹ or apply online through the Alaska Connect Portal .

After your application is submitted, the next step in the process is the interview which can be done either in person or over the phone.

Once accepted into the program, you will receive an “Alaska Quest Card” which can be used instead of cash to purchase food items at grocery stores and supermarkets.

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

What documents do I need to apply for SNAP in Alaska?

When you apply for SNAP, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

• A valid photo ID
• A valid Social Security Number
• Proof of residency (where you live)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Proof of earned and unearned income
• Proof of resources or assets (if applicable)
• Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Can I use my Alaska EBT card in another state?

Yes. SNAP benefits are interoperable through the use of your EBT card which means you can use your Alaska EBT card wherever EBT is accepted anywhere in the United States including the District of Columbia, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What can I buy with food stamps in Alaska?

SNAP benefits can be used to buy food, such as breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry and dairy products. Seeds and plants that can grow to produce food are also eligible under SNAP.

Families who live in certain approved communities  with limited access to retail stores or rely substantially on hunting and fishing for subsistence may use their SNAP benefits to purchase hunting and fishing gears.

Households eligible to use SNAP benefits to purchase hunting and fishing equipment are issued a specially designated SNAP Identification Card.