If you are an adult living in the State of Alaska and are in need of additional financial assistance to meet your basic needs and remain independent, the Adult Public Assistance program administered by Alaska’s Division of Public Assistance might be able to help. Read on for more information about who the program is for, what the eligibility standards are, how to apply for Adult Public Assistance, and more.
What is Adult Public Assistance and who is it for?
The Adult Public Assistance program, administered by the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, offers cash assistance to Alaska residents who meet certain eligibility requirements. Alaska’s Adult Public Assistance program is designed to help those who are elderly, blind, and/or disabled to remain independent.
What are the eligibility requirements for Adult Public Assistance in Alaska?
Adult Public Assistance is for Alaska residents who are blind, disabled, or elderly and need extra financial help to remain independent. Applicants should also be either United States citizens or qualified immigrants.
To qualify as blind, according to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, one must have vision that is 20/200 or less in the better eye, even with use of glasses or contacts. One who has tunnel vision of 20 degrees or less in the better eye is also considered to be blind for purposes of this program.
To qualify as disabled, recipients of Adult Public Assistance must, according to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, have a:
“medically verified physical or mental impairment other than drug or alcohol addiction. This impairment must have lasted, or be expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months, or be expected to end in death.”
Applicants under the age of 65 must be either blind or disabled in order to receive cash assistance from the Adult Public Assistance program.
Applicants over the age of 65 do not necessarily need to be disabled or blind in order to receive assistance.
What are the income and resource limits for Adult Public Assistance in Alaska?
The income threshold for the Adult Public Assistance program in Alaska depends on a range of factors, and a detailed chart with the income limits is available here. As an example, an individual with an income of $1,203 per month would likely be eligible. An individual residing in an assisted living facility with an income of $929 per month would also likely be eligible.
In addition to the income threshold for Adult Public Assistance recipients, individuals and families seeking assistance must also pursue all other benefits and resources that might be available to them, including private and public sector pensions and annuities, Social Security Insurance benefits, unemployment insurance, Department of Veterans Affairs pension and compensation benefits, and workers’ compensation.
Finally, applicants should have “resources” (e.g. savings) of no more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
If you are unsure as to whether you are eligible for Adult Public Assistance, the only way to find out is to apply! Read on for information about the application process.
How to apply for Adult Public Assistance in Alaska
If you think you are eligible for this program, you can fill out this application. This application also includes the option to apply for other services at the same time, including: Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, General Relief Assistance, and other services.
Once complete, your application can be submitted in a number of ways. The Division of Public Assistance lists the email address, mailing address, phone number, and drop-off locations where applications can be submitted.
It may take up to 30 days for your application to be processed.
If you are an Alaska resident in need of financial assistance, Adult Public Assistance is a great option to explore.
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Catherine Hall
Catherine Hall, LMSW is a therapist at a small group practice in New York City. She earned her master of social work degree at New York University.