FAQ – Alaska Senior Assistance
Program
Q: What is the Alaska Senior Assistance Program?
The Alaska Senior Assistance Program is a temporary safety net program
for low-income seniors. Eligible seniors receive a cash benefit of $120
per month to help with basic needs such as food, housing and medication.
Q: Who is eligible for the Alaska Senior Assistance Program?
To be eligible, an individual must be at least 65 years old, have an
annual income of no more than $15,134 and assets of no more than $4,000.
Couples living together who are married may have an annual income of
no more than $20,439 and assets of no more than $6,000. The individual
must be a US citizen or legal alien, a resident of Alaska, and must
plan to remain in Alaska for the duration of the program.
Q: Will all my income and assets be counted for purposes of eligibility?
No. Permanent Fund Dividend income will not be counted. Also, only liquid
assets will be counted. Liquid assets are cash or other resources that
can easily be converted to cash. Liquid assets include cash, bank accounts,
stocks, bonds, individual retirement accounts, money market certificates,
cash value of life insurance, etc. A home, automobiles and other real
property will not be counted for purposes of eligibility.
Q: My spouse is over 65, but I'm not. Do we have to count my income
and assets as well?
Yes. Eligibility will be based on the combined income and assets of couples
who are married and living together regardless of whether one or both
is eligible to receive the benefit.
Q: I used to receive the Alaska Longevity Bonus. Am I automatically
eligible for the Alaska Senior Assistance Program?
No. The Senior Assistance Program does not replace the ALB. To be eligible
for the Senior Assistance Program you must meet the eligibility criteria
explained above, apply for the program, and be found eligible.
Q: I never received the Alaska Longevity Bonus. Am I eligible for the
Alaska Senior Assistance Program?
You may be eligible for the Senior Assistance Program even if you were
not eligible for the ALB. To receive the Senior Assistance Program benefit,
you must be at least 65 years of age and meet the eligibility criteria
as explained above.
Q: I live in an assisted living home. Am I eligible for the Alaska Senior
Assistance Program?
Yes. Seniors living independently or in assisted living homes are eligible.
You are not eligible if you are living in a nursing home or other institutional
setting.
Q: Can I leave the state and still receive the benefit?
It depends. If you are only leaving temporarily and plan to remain an
Alaska resident, you may continue to receive the benefit. However,
if you intend to change your state of residence, the benefit will end.
Q: I receive Adult Public Assistance. Will I be eligible for the Alaska
Senior Assistance Program?
Yes, you will receive a notice from the Division of Public Assistance
informing you of your eligibility and asking if you would like to receive
the Senior Assistance benefit. You must complete the form and return
it to us in order to be eligible.
Q: How can I apply for the Alaska Senior Assistance Program?
Applications will be made available at Division of Public Assistance
offices, at senior centers around the state, and at a variety of other
community service agencies. Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria
need apply only once by mail. The application asks for information
about income and assets, and requires a signature to confirm the truthfulness
of the statement given. No additional proof of income or assets will
be required.
Q: How will I know if I've been found eligible for the program?
You will receive a written "notice of award" informing you
that you are eligible, and when your benefit will begin.
Q: Once I begin receiving the Alaska Senior Assistance cash benefit,
is there anything I must do to maintain my eligibility for the 10-month
benefit period?
The only thing you are required to do is report changes in mailing or
residence address, the death of an individual receiving assistance, or
admission or discharge from a nursing home or other institutional setting.
