Project Alaska Christmas Kids (PACK) helps bring the holiday to needy children of the state if the form of books. You can check for government assistance programs to find out what you qualify for and look into the Alaska Food Bank.
Food Bank of Alaska - Holiday season a success thanks to community
SingleRose.com Angel Assistance Program - Christmas Gifts for ...
Alaska Food Banks and Food Stamps information. Food stamps now ...
Samaritan's Purse | Operation Christmas Child ...
Salvation Army taking applications for Christmas assistance - 21 ...
Belvidere and Winnebago Salvation Army Christmas Assistance ...
Holiday Outreach - Catholic Social Services
Salvation Army Alaska
Holiday help headed for Kenai food bank | Peninsula Clarion
'Adopt a Family' offers Christmas assistance - Topix
Food Bank of Alaska - HOME
Alaska Community Assistance
Welcome to the Alaska Red Cross
Medicaid, an entitlement program created by the federal government, is the primary public program for financing basic health and long-term care services for low-income Alaskans. It is funded fifty percent by federal funds and fifty percent by State general funds. The program focuses on coverage for low-income children, pregnant women, families, the elderly, blind and the permanently disabled. The federal government establishes guidelines that requires the state to cover specific categories of people and types of benefits. It is, however, the legislature's responsibility to determine which services are to be covered, the qualifying standards and the categories of people who will be eligible for benefits under the Medicaid program. Within these guidelines and constraints, the Department of Health Services has considerable flexibility in establishing financial eligibility criteria, benefit packages and payment policies.
The Medicaid program is administered by the Division of Health Care Services (DHCS). While DHCS is responsible for program and policy development, the Division of Public Assistance (DPA) is responsible for determining the eligibility of individuals and families in need of Medicaid benefits.
Medical benefits are a crucial component of the safety-net services delivered through DPA. Careful assessment by DPA staff identifies Medicaid program best suited to meet the needs of applicant families and individuals. Division staff determine eligibility and authorize benefits for Family Medicaid, a program intended to meet the medical needs of low-income families. As families transition from welfare to work, DPA staff insure that eligible family members continue to receive Transitional Medicaid benefits. Staff also are responsible for determining eligibility and issuing benefits for infants, children, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled individuals who qualify for one of the other categorical Medicaid programs.
The majority of Medicaid recipients are beneficiaries of other programs and services administered and delivered by DPA. Most recipients of Alaska temporary assistance benefits receive Family Medicaid benefits. Many children, young adults, and elderly or disabled persons receiving Medicaid also receive food stamps or Adult Public Assistance benefits.
Almost 70,000 Alaskans receive medical benefits through the Medicaid Program.
Program Policy - Changes and Issues
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 repealed the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program and required the separation of Medicaid and the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program, the state's TANF-funded assistance program. Today, eligibility for Family Medicaid is based on the essentially the same financial and non-financial criteria that governed the AFDC program, many of which are not used to determine eligibility for ATAP. While, there has been a concerted effort to limit the divergence of Medicaid and ATAP policy, additional staff time is now needed to verify the Medicaid eligibility of families receiving ATAP. As more families move from welfare to work, there will be an increased level of effort to monitor eligibility and authorize Transitional Medicaid benefits.
There is great interest in exploring the possibilities for increasing the categories of people who may be eligible for Medicaid. Changes in federal Medicaid laws may allow states to more easily expand the number of low-income children eligible for Medicaid, provide coverage for people with specific contagious diseases, or provide continuing Medicaid for the working disabled. Any changes which expand access to Medicaid will increase the work load of DPA staff responsible for determining eligibility and authorizing benefits.
we are homeless because we did not have the cash to pay a lawyer. We do have a very good case though.
The lemder was a predatory lender. We do not want something for nothing. If we had legal help it would be worth it. We are also trying to get our Huskies back where they belong and that is with us. This was another act of deceit that I will give more detail about soon.
The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children to help them with basic needs while they work toward becoming self-sufficient. This program is provided under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.
ATAP changed the traditional focus of the state’s public assistance program for needy families to an employment-focused program from an entitlement under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Temporary Assistance stresses family self-sufficiency through employment.
Temporary Assistance:
* Imposes a 60-month lifetime limit on assistance
* Limits additional assistance for second parents, and reduces benefits for two-parent families during July, August, and September when there are good opportunities for employment
* Requires families to complete a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan, identify self-sufficiency goals and work or participate in activities that will move them toward those goals
* Requires cooperation with the Child Support Services Division in establishing paternity for the children, locating the absent parent, and collecting any child support the absent parent is responsible for paying
Eligible Families:
To receive Temporary Assistance, the family must have less than $2,000 in countable resources, or $3,000 if the family includes an individual who is 60 or older. Resources that do not count include the family’s home, household goods and personal property, and most vehicles.
The family must also have countable income less than the ATAP income limit. When an adult goes to work, a portion of their earnings is disregarded as an incentive to work. The amount of the disregards decreases over a five-year period.
The amount of cash assistance a family receives depends on the family’s size, income and shelter expenses. Benefits are reduced for families with low shelter costs. Also only one parent is included in the household size for families with two parents who are both able to work.
Income Limits and Maximum Payments
1/1/2010 TO 12/31/2010
Household Size
2
3
4
5
6
Each Addt’l
Income Limit
$1,301
$1,464
$1,627
$1,790
$1,953
$163
Maximum Payment
$821
$923
$1,025
$1,127
$1,229
$102
Temporary Assistance Income and Eligibility standards (pdf)
Work Requirement
The goal of the Temporary Assistance program is to move Alaskans into jobs so they can support their families. To attain this goal, the program uses the "Work First" approach. Work First holds that the best way to succeed in the labor marked is to get a job, then develop more skills and work habits on the job to advance and leave assistance.
Temporary Assistance participants are required to look for paid employment. Individuals who cannot find immediate paid employment participate in activities that focus on gaining skills and experience that lead directly to employment, and increase the family’s self-sufficiency. Such activities include community work experience, job skills and life skills training, adult basic education and GED preparation.
Support Services
Families who are moving to work need a variety of services to help them find and keep a job, and successfully transition off assistance. The services that are available include help with transportation costs, including vehicle repairs and driver’s license, interview clothing and personal grooming, and special tools, clothing, and equipment needed for employment. In addition, On-the-Job Training (OJT) and wage supplementation programs are available.
Child Care
Safe, affordable childcare is a must if families are to move into jobs. For many families, the cost of childcare can be a considerable financial burden. Temporary Assistance provides help with child care costs so that the adults in the family can work or participate in activities that will move them toward self-sufficiency.
Diversion
Families applying for Temporary Assistance that include a job-ready adult may be offered a diversion payment if they fit certain criteria. Diversion provides immediate focused assistance instead of ongoing benefits. Diversion payments are based on the actual immediate needs of the family, and can total up to three months worth of regular benefits. A family can receive diversion only once in a 12-month period, and only four times in a lifetime. Please contact your local Public Assistance office to see if you are eligible for diversion payments.
Supporting families in finding and paying for child care
Supporting child care providers in improving the quality of the child care services they offer
The Child Care Program Office (CCPO) is the lead agency for the Federal Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) functions.
The CCPO monitors, regulates, and licenses child care facilities across the state and further promotes child care quality through grants to Child Care Resource & Referral agencies and the direct administration of the Child Care Grant Program.
The CCPO promotes capacity and accessibility in child care with special attention to infants, school age child care, and children with special needs.
Emergency Shelters
Anchorage Area
Shelter Provider Phone Number Type of Clients Served
Anchorage Rescue Mission
2823 Tudor Road
Anchorage 563-5603 singles only
AWAIC
100 W. 13th Avenue
Anchorage 279-0100 (crisis)
279-9581 (office) abused women and children
Alaska Youth & Parent Foundation (AYPF)
Runaway Shelter 274-6541 runaway teens
Brother Francis Shelter
1021 E. 3rd Avenue
Anchorage 277-1731 singles only
Clare House
420 W. 54th Avenue
Anchorage 563-4545 pregnant women and women with children
Covenant House
750 West 5th Avenue
Anchorage 272-1255 teens up to 21 years
The Salvation Army McKinnell House
1700 A Street
Anchorage
(907) 276-1609 two-parent families and single men with children
Transitional Housing
Anchorage Area
Provider
Phone Number
Contact Person
Abbott Loop Community Chapel
2626 Abbott Road
Anchorage 349-9641
Anchorage Community Mental Health Services (ACMHS)
2735 East Tudor Road
Anchorage 563-1000 office
Crossover House Shannon Wilkes
ARC of Anchorage
2211-A Arca Drive
Anchorage 277-6677 MGwendolyn Lee
Covenant House of Alaska
750 West 5th Avenue
Anchorage 258-4237 Deirdre A. Cronin
Four A’s (Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association)
1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 102
Anchorage 263-2050 Trevor Storrs
Mental Health and Development Disabilities, State of Alaska
801 East Tudor Road, Suite 260
Anchorage (907) 465-3370
269-3600
465-3371
Fairbanks Area
Interior Aids Association (for rental assistance)
710 3rd Avenue
Fairbanks (907) 452-4222 Anna Nelson
Kenai-Soldotna Area
Central Peninsula Community Mental Health
506 Lake Street
Kenai (907) 283-7501 Ted Schiffman
Mat-Su Valley Area
Behavioral Health Services of MatSu
1363 W. Spruce Avenue
Wasilla (907) 376-2411
Content current as of 1 January 2011 Follow this link to go Back to top
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FOIA Privacy Web Policies and Important Links Home [logo: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity]
[Logo: HUD seal] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
Telephone: (202) 708-1112 TTY: (202) 708-1455
Find the address of a HUD office near you
The state of Alaska provides several veteran benefits. This section offers a brief description of each of the following benefits.
Housing Benefits
Employment Benefits
Education Benefits
Other State Veteran Benefits
Alaska Veteran Housing Programs
Veterans Land Discount/Purchase Preference
The Veterans Land Discount program allows certain veterans to a 25% discount on the purchase price of state residential/recreational land. The discount may be used only once during the veteran's lifetime and may not be used in conjunction with the veterans preference.
Under the Veterans Land Sale Preference, before offering to the general public any unoccupied residential land by auction, a veteran has the exclusive opportunity purchase the land at a restricted sale at fair appraised market value. Parcels that are offered under this preference must be five acres or less, classified as settlement land and zoned for residential use only.
Property Tax Exemptions
Real property owned and occupied as the primary residence and permanent place of abode by a qualified disabled veteran whose disability was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and whose disability has been rated as 50 percent or more by the military service or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is exempt from taxation on the first $150,000.00 of assessed valuation. Contact your local municipal tax assessor’s office by March 15 for exemption for current year.
Veterans Housing and Residential Loans
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) administers the Veterans Mortgage Program which offers financing for qualified veterans at lower interest rates. Active duty service in the Armed Forces, Public Health Service, NOAA or service as a cadet at the US Military, Air Force, Coast Guard or Naval Academy may qualify. Loans are generally processed rapidly, require little or no down payment, and often include lower interest.
AHFC also offers a Veterans Interest Rate Preference, in which a veteran receives a one percent lower interest rate on the first $30,000 of a bank loan when purchasing a new home, ask the bank handling the financing to implement this program for you. AHFC grants a preference to veterans for the rent or sale of a portion of its low cost housing projects units.
Employment Preference Rights
Workplace Alaska in the Division of Personnel in the Department of Administration is the on-line recruitment process for all the states classified service positions. Every vacancy in the classified service, except those requiring registration with Job Service, are posted on the homepage and are available for on-line application. Vacancies are advertised in the Sunday editions of the Fairbanks News Miner, Juneau Empire, and Anchorage Daily News along with recruitment phone lines.
Veterans who possess the necessary qualifications for a given state job classification and served on active duty and received an honorable or general discharge during the dates listed on the employment application, are eligible for a state employment hiring preference.
Veterans Employment Services
The Veterans Services Section of the Employment Security Division of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development promotes employment, economic stability, and growth by operating a no-fee labor exchange that meets the needs of employers, job seekers, and veterans. The service provides job placement, job matching and referral, vocational counseling, and job search assistance.
Affirmative Action Plan
The State of Alaska 1998 Affirmative Action Plan affords all present and prospective state employees in the executive branch an equal opportunity for employment regardless of their veteran’s status - among many other factors.
The state will ensure there are no impermissible or artificial barriers for veterans or disabled veterans to cross in applying for state jobs, provide on-the-job training and assistance in locating qualified disabled applicants, recruit and employ qualified persons with disabilities and Vietnam era vets for state jobs, and sets up an informal complaint procedure. The plan is administered by the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity in the Division of Personnel.
Free Tuition for Spouse or Dependent of Armed Services Member
The spouse or dependent of an armed services member who died in the line of duty or who died as a result of injuries sustained while in the line of duty or who was listed by the Department of Defense as a Prisoner of War or as Missing in Action is entitled to a waiver of undergraduate tuition and fees the students must be in good standing in a state supported educational institution in Alaska.
High School Diplomas
Operation Recognition, a nation-wide effort, recognizes that many World War II veterans went off to war and never returned to high school to get a diploma.
In Alaska, the Department of Education and Early Development may award diplomas to World War II vets living in Alaska, including Alaska Territorial Guard members, who served during the period of August 7, 1940 to July 5, 1947 and were honorably discharged or died in active service or were released from active duty because of a service-related disability. A family member may apply on behalf of a veteran who is deceased or incapacitated. Even ex-GIs with a Graduation Equivalency Diploma could apply.
Recording Veterans Report of Separation Form
A veteran may record, without fee, the original or a certified copy of his or her Armed Forces Report of Separation (DD-214 Form) at any State Recorder's office of the Department of Natural Resources.
The Recorder's office maintains 14 District offices throughout the state, overseeing 34 recording districts that record, index, and archive all of the documents that create the Official Public Record of the state of Alaska.
Disabled Veterans Parking Permits
Disabled Parking Permits are also obtained from the DMV, available to persons at least 50 percent disabled or medically handicapped, including persons disabled in the line of duty while serving in the Alaska Territorial Guard. Applicants must show reception of at least 50 percent disability compensation from a government agency or an affidavit signed by a physician licensed to practice in Alaska.
Veterans License Plates
Veterans License Plates, with the word 'veteran' and the symbol of each branch of service, are available from the Division of Motor Vehicles upon submission of written proof of veterans status. Fee is $30 biennially. Purple Heart recipients and Alaska National Guard members may also purchase special plates for $30. Pearl Harbor Survivors and former POWs recipients may receive a special plate at no charge. A Disabled Veteran can register one vehicle without charge and receive a specially designed registration plate that displays recognition of the disabled veteran. With proof, persons disabled in the line of duty, who are 50 percent disabled or medically handicapped as a consequence of service are eligible. The plate does not display the standard handicap symbol and does not carry with it special parking privileges; however the standard wheelchair logo may be available depending upon the level of disability as described below.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Resident hunting and sport fishing licenses are available at no charge to honorably discharged veterans with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability and Alaska residency. Applicants must have lived in Alaska for 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the application.
State Camping Pass
The legislature granted Disabled Alaskan Veterans (DAV) the right to receive one Alaska State Park Camping Pass free of charge. The DAV Camping Pass, which is valid in all developed Alaska State Park campgrounds, is good for two years.
To receive a free DAV camping pass, an eligible disabled veteran must present proof of a service connected disability and Alaska residency at either the Anchorage or Fairbanks DNR Public Information Centers (see below). Proof of residency can be in the form of an Alaskan Driver's License, Alaska Sport Fishing License, Alaska Voters Registration Card, or other documentation suitable to the department that proves Alaska residency.
Alaska Marine Highway Pass
A one-year pass on the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway is available for veterans having a service-related disability. This pass entitles the disabled passenger and an attendant (if required by a physician) to travel at 50% of the regular passenger fare, between Alaska ports only, on all vessels, year-round.
Birthday Cards from the Governor
Birthday greetings from the Governor are available to veterans 80 years and older. Veterans or family or friends of veterans should contact the governor's office at least four weeks in advance and supply the name and address of the person to receive the card and appropriate proof of age.
Governor's Advocacy Award
Individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary personal concern, compassion, and commitment to veterans causes, veterans, and their families are eligible for the annual Governor's Veterans Advocacy Award. A winner could also have formed a new, innovative or creative volunteer program or project that benefits vets. Accomplishments must have been performed on a volunteer basis. Governor's Veterans Advocacy Award will be presented on Veterans Day, November 11th.
Military and Veterans Memorial Landmark Property
The Military and Veterans Landmark Property Program formally recognize memorials around the state built to honor the military and veterans of the armed forces. Information about the memorials is important to understanding the sacrifices made by veterans in Alaska and America, the role of the military, and the history of our nation's wars.
Information about memorials will be preserved by the State of Alaska as an important part of its history. A record of each approved Landmark Property will be maintained by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, including a list of properties to be kept, to facilitate visitation to memorials for those interested in doing so. The state will provide an attractive, numbered certificate, suitable for framing, at no cost.
Wartime Letters - The Legacy Project
The Legacy Project is a unique and meaningful way to honor all veterans by preserving letters written by soldiers on the front and letters written to them from home.
A national, volunteer non-profit agency, known as The Legacy Project, began collecting letters from any American wartime period to preserves these treasured documents and therefore heighten appreciation of them.
Letters can be ones personally written or received, or written by a relative. These may include eyewitness accounts of battles or acts of heroism, encounters with famous military leaders, love letters, or any other irreplaceable messages or little-known stories that will offer historians and future generations a better understanding of those who served and sacrificed for country.
Military Credit Towards State Retirement
Certain members of the various state retirement programs may be eligible for additional credit for up to five years military service. Military service will increase your retirement service and monthly benefits. Although military service is not membership service, in certain cases it may count toward vesting and retirement eligibility. Visit site below, click on the retirement system of interest, scroll to Military Credit.
In the National Guard and Naval Militia Retirement System, anyone with at least 20 years of combined Alaska guard service, guard service in any other state, active military service and the reserves of them, of which at least 5 years must have been satisfactory service in any branch, may receive a small benefit upon separation from the Alaska army guard, air guard, or naval militia if you meet minimum eligibility provisions.
[Photo: Homeward Bound participant.] Homeward Bound Success
P.M. is a 50-year-old Aleut Native from the far end of the Aleutian Islands, who first arrived at Homeward Bound in Anchorage in May of 1997. He’d moved to the mainland looking for work and hope. Read more...
-
How Can You Help? -
- Volunteer at a local shelter or find another volunteer opportunity.
- Resources for homeless advocates and service providers
-
More From HUD -
- For the homeless and those who want to help
-
Links -
- Medicaid
- United Way
Search for Services
- 211 Alaska
- Shelter
- Continuum of Care contacts
Are you at risk of losing your home?
- Contact a housing counselor
- Avoid foreclosure
- Emergency rental help
- Help with your utility bills
-
Other Alaska Resources -
- Domestic Violence
- Food banks
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Health services
- Legal assistance
- Social Security offices
- Homeless veterans
- United Way
- Jobs and job training
Content current as of 1 January 2011 Follow this link to Back to Top
----------
FOIA Privacy Web Policies and Important Links Home [logo: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity]
[Logo: HUD seal] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
Telephone: (202) 708-1112 TTY: (202) 708-1455
Find the address of a HUD office near you
The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children to help them with basic needs while they work toward becoming self-sufficient. This program is provided under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.
ATAP changed the traditional focus of the state’s public assistance program for needy families to an employment-focused program from an entitlement under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Temporary Assistance stresses family self-sufficiency through employment.
Limits additional assistance for second parents, and reduces benefits for two-parent families during July, August, and September when there are good opportunities for employment
Requires families to complete a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan, identify self-sufficiency goals and work or participate in activities that will move them toward those goals
Requires cooperation with the Child Support Services Division in establishing paternity for the children, locating the absent parent, and collecting any child support the absent parent is responsible for paying
Eligible Families:
To receive Temporary Assistance, the family must have less than $2,000 in countable resources, or $3,000 if the family includes an individual who is 60 or older. Resources that do not count include the family’s home, household goods and personal property, and most vehicles.
The family must also have countable income less than the ATAP income limit. When an adult goes to work, a portion of their earnings is disregarded as an incentive to work. The amount of the disregards decreases over a five-year period.
The amount of cash assistance a family receives depends on the family’s size, income and shelter expenses. Benefits are reduced for families with low shelter costs. Also only one parent is included in the household size for families with two parents who are both able to work.
Income Limits and Maximum Payments
1/1/2010 TO 12/31/2010
The goal of the Temporary Assistance program is to move Alaskans into jobs so they can support their families. To attain this goal, the program uses the "Work First" approach. Work First holds that the best way to succeed in the labor marked is to get a job, then develop more skills and work habits on the job to advance and leave assistance.
Temporary Assistance participants are required to look for paid employment. Individuals who cannot find immediate paid employment participate in activities that focus on gaining skills and experience that lead directly to employment, and increase the family’s self-sufficiency. Such activities include community work experience, job skills and life skills training, adult basic education and GED preparation.
Support Services
Families who are moving to work need a variety of services to help them find and keep a job, and successfully transition off assistance. The services that are available include help with transportation costs, including vehicle repairs and driver’s license, interview clothing and personal grooming, and special tools, clothing, and equipment needed for employment. In addition, On-the-Job Training (OJT) and wage supplementation programs are available.
Child Care
Safe, affordable childcare is a must if families are to move into jobs. For many families, the cost of childcare can be a considerable financial burden. Temporary Assistance provides help with child care costs so that the adults in the family can work or participate in activities that will move them toward self-sufficiency.
Diversion
Families applying for Temporary Assistance that include a job-ready adult may be offered a diversion payment if they fit certain criteria. Diversion provides immediate focused assistance instead of ongoing benefits. Diversion payments are based on the actual immediate needs of the family, and can total up to three months worth of regular benefits. A family can receive diversion only once in a 12-month period, and only four times in a lifetime. Please contact your local Public Assistance office to see if you are eligible for diversion payments.
Denali Parks
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge - Mile 238 Park Highway, Main Lodge building and Canyon Station Lodge building
Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge - Mile 133 Park Highway, Main Lodge building
Denali Park RV and motel - Mile post 245 Park Hwy
Girdwood
Laundromall - 158 Holmgren Pl.
Java House - Olympic Circle
Healy Totem Inn - mile 248.7 Parks Hwy - (907) 683-6500
Homer
Two Sisters Bakery - 233 E Bunnell Ave - 907 235 2280
The Fresh Sourdough Express Bakery and Cafe - 1316 Ocean Dr - 907 235 7374
The Washboard - 1204 Ocean Drive - 907-235-6781
Homer_Free - street access - 501 Soundview Ave.
Salty Dawg Saloon - on the Spit
Carrs/Safeway - sitting area inside - Homer Bypass Rd Ocean House Inn - 1065 Krueth St - 907 235 3294
Juneau Juneau public library - 292 Marine Way - 907.586.5249
Centennial Hall - 101 Egan Dr
Silverbow Bagels - 120 Second Street - (907) 586-4146 Sweet Dream - free access for customers - 8585 Old Diary Rd, Ste. 102B - 907/789-4401
The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children to help them with basic needs while they work toward becoming self-sufficient. This program is provided under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.
ATAP changed the traditional focus of the state’s public assistance program for needy families to an employment-focused program from an entitlement under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Temporary Assistance stresses family self-sufficiency through employment.
Limits additional assistance for second parents, and reduces benefits for two-parent families during July, August, and September when there are good opportunities for employment
Requires families to complete a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan, identify self-sufficiency goals and work or participate in activities that will move them toward those goals
Requires cooperation with the Child Support Services Division in establishing paternity for the children, locating the absent parent, and collecting any child support the absent parent is responsible for paying
Eligible Families:
To receive Temporary Assistance, the family must have less than $2,000 in countable resources, or $3,000 if the family includes an individual who is 60 or older. Resources that do not count include the family’s home, household goods and personal property, and most vehicles.
The family must also have countable income less than the ATAP income limit. When an adult goes to work, a portion of their earnings is disregarded as an incentive to work. The amount of the disregards decreases over a five-year period.
The amount of cash assistance a family receives depends on the family’s size, income and shelter expenses. Benefits are reduced for families with low shelter costs. Also only one parent is included in the household size for families with two parents who are both able to work.
Income Limits and Maximum Payments
1/1/2010 TO 12/31/2010
The goal of the Temporary Assistance program is to move Alaskans into jobs so they can support their families. To attain this goal, the program uses the "Work First" approach. Work First holds that the best way to succeed in the labor marked is to get a job, then develop more skills and work habits on the job to advance and leave assistance.
Temporary Assistance participants are required to look for paid employment. Individuals who cannot find immediate paid employment participate in activities that focus on gaining skills and experience that lead directly to employment, and increase the family’s self-sufficiency. Such activities include community work experience, job skills and life skills training, adult basic education and GED preparation.
Support Services
Families who are moving to work need a variety of services to help them find and keep a job, and successfully transition off assistance. The services that are available include help with transportation costs, including vehicle repairs and driver’s license, interview clothing and personal grooming, and special tools, clothing, and equipment needed for employment. In addition, On-the-Job Training (OJT) and wage supplementation programs are available.
Child Care
Safe, affordable childcare is a must if families are to move into jobs. For many families, the cost of childcare can be a considerable financial burden. Temporary Assistance provides help with child care costs so that the adults in the family can work or participate in activities that will move them toward self-sufficiency.
Diversion
Families applying for Temporary Assistance that include a job-ready adult may be offered a diversion payment if they fit certain criteria. Diversion provides immediate focused assistance instead of ongoing benefits. Diversion payments are based on the actual immediate needs of the family, and can total up to three months worth of regular benefits. A family can receive diversion only once in a 12-month period, and only four times in a lifetime. Please contact your local Public Assistance office to see if you are eligible for diversion payments.
***The Municipality of Anchorage has ceased its weatherization program and has stopped accepting applications as of November 4th, 2010***
The last day to apply for heating assistance for this past winter was April 30, 2010. This was also the last day to request expedite service. Heating assistance staff continue to process applications received prior to April 30, 2010.
If you have questions about your benefit, please contact our IVR Hotline at 1-888-804-6330 or 269-5777 in the Anchorage area. You can also contact our office at 1-800-470-3058, option #5.
Heating Assistance News
You may qualify for heating assistance this winter even if you have been denied in the past for being over income. Prior to this spring we only operated the federally-funded LIHEAP program which capped income at 150% of the poverty income guidelines. In May of 2008, the State Legislature created the Alaska Heating Assistance Program (AKHAP) for households with income between 150% and 225% of the poverty income guidelines.
It is easy to apply. You can pick up an application at any Department of Public Assistance office, download one at the link at the top of the page or call 1-800-470-3058 to request an application by mail. It can take up to 45 days to process your application. The fastest way to receive benefits is to make sure your application is completed in full and you have attached any necessary documentation. Payments are made directly to your heating vendor and a notice will be sent to you informing you of your benefit amount if you are found eligible.
If your gross monthly income* is less than the amount below, you may qualify:
Family Size
Gross Monthly Income
1
$2,537
2
$3,414
3
$4,292
4
$5,169
5
$6,047
6
$6,924
7
$7,802
8
$8,679
For each additional household member add $877.
*Payments from the Senior Benefits Program and the PFD do not count as income.
Heating Assistance
Helps households pay a portion of home heating expenses. The program runs from October 1 through April 30. Households with elderly or disabled members may apply from September 1 through April 30. All other households may apply beginning October 1st. The first benefit checks will be processed on November 2, 2010.
Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit (SRHUD)
Helps pay a utility deposit when households are moving into Section 8 or subsidized rental housing, provided that heat is included in the rent. Applications for the Subsidized Rental Housing Utility Deposit are accepted throughout the year.
An average of the prior 12 months income is used for self-employed and seasonal occupations. Use the chart to help you decide if you should apply for the 2010- 2011 winter season:
Note: documents followed by must be viewed and printed with Adobe Acrobat. You can download a copy of this application free at: Adobe Acrobat READER
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The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children to help them with basic needs while they work toward becoming self-sufficient. This program is provided under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.
ATAP changed the traditional focus of the state’s public assistance program for needy families to an employment-focused program from an entitlement under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. Temporary Assistance stresses family self-sufficiency through employment.
Temporary Assistance:
Imposes a 60-month lifetime limit on assistance
Limits additional assistance for second parents, and reduces benefits for two-parent families during July, August, and September when there are good opportunities for employment
Requires families to complete a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan, identify self-sufficiency goals and work or participate in activities that will move them toward those goals
Requires cooperation with the Child Support Services Division in establishing paternity for the children, locating the absent parent, and collecting any child support the absent parent is responsible for paying
Eligible Families:
To receive Temporary Assistance, the family must have less than $2,000 in countable resources, or $3,000 if the family includes an individual who is 60 or older. Resources that do not count include the family’s home, household goods and personal property, and most vehicles.
The family must also have countable income less than the ATAP income limit. When an adult goes to work, a portion of their earnings is disregarded as an incentive to work. The amount of the disregards decreases over a five-year period.
The amount of cash assistance a family receives depends on the family’s size, income and shelter expenses. Benefits are reduced for families with low shelter costs. Also only one parent is included in the household size for families with two parents who are both able to work.
Income Limits and Maximum Payments
1/1/2010 TO 12/31/2010
The goal of the Temporary Assistance program is to move Alaskans into jobs so they can support their families. To attain this goal, the program uses the "Work First" approach. Work First holds that the best way to succeed in the labor marked is to get a job, then develop more skills and work habits on the job to advance and leave assistance.
Temporary Assistance participants are required to look for paid employment. Individuals who cannot find immediate paid employment participate in activities that focus on gaining skills and experience that lead directly to employment, and increase the family’s self-sufficiency. Such activities include community work experience, job skills and life skills training, adult basic education and GED preparation.
Support Services
Families who are moving to work need a variety of services to help them find and keep a job, and successfully transition off assistance. The services that are available include help with transportation costs, including vehicle repairs and driver’s license, interview clothing and personal grooming, and special tools, clothing, and equipment needed for employment. In addition, On-the-Job Training (OJT) and wage supplementation programs are available.
Child Care
Safe, affordable childcare is a must if families are to move into jobs. For many families, the cost of childcare can be a considerable financial burden. Temporary Assistance provides help with child care costs so that the adults in the family can work or participate in activities that will move them toward self-sufficiency.
Diversion
Families applying for Temporary Assistance that include a job-ready adult may be offered a diversion payment if they fit certain criteria. Diversion provides immediate focused assistance instead of ongoing benefits. Diversion payments are based on the actual immediate needs of the family, and can total up to three months worth of regular benefits. A family can receive diversion only once in a 12-month period, and only four times in a lifetime. Please contact your local Public Assistance office to see if you are eligible for diversion payments.
Download 2010-2011 Heating Assistance Application
2010 SHRUD Program application.
