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Public assistance promotes self-sufficiency and provides basic living expenses to Alaskans in need. Read more…

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News & Updates

UAA Project ECHO Pop-Up: Medicaid Renewals
April 4th, Noon-1pm

The Division of Public Assistance (DPA) will host a webinar about the return of annual Medicaid renewals on April 4th from noon to 1 p.m. This will be an excellent opportunity for Medicaid recipients, providers, advocacy groups, Tribal entities and media to learn more about the Medicaid renewal process, engage in two-way conversation, and ask questions about eligibility. The webinar will be hosted by UAA Project ECHO and a recording will be available after the event. (Webinar Registration)

• February 15, 2023 - Medicaid Renewals
  Alaska will return to the regular pre-pandemic process of Medicaid annual renewals beginning April 1, 2023. When it is your turn for renewal, we will recheck your eligibility to make sure you still qualify for coverage.

Tips when calling the DPA's Virtual Contact Center (VCC)
Use these tips to get the fastest service possible with the VCC.

• January 11, 2023 – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  SNAP requires most households receiving benefits to demonstrate that they continue to meet program eligibility criteria every six months. This process is called recertification. As part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the requirement for recertification was suspended. In July 2022, this requirement was reinstated, and DPA must request that SNAP households provide documentation to review eligibility. To better address questions the public may have about processing these recertifications, DPA has compiled some answers to these Frequently Asked Questions. 
• January 11, 2023 - SNAP recertification application timelines:
  
  • Filed on or before the 15th of the last month of the current certification period, uninterrupted SNAP benefits.
  • Filed after the 15th but before the end of the certification period, within 30 days.
  • Applications filed during the month following the expiration of the certification period are considered initial applications and follow timeframes for regular and expedited SNAP applications.
  We will continue to improve our systems and processes to give Alaskans the fastest possible service.
  
  
• October 3, 2022 - Language Interpretation Services
  Did you know that DPA offers no-cost language interpretation services for people when they interact with the department? Callers can reach the division’s Virtual Contact Center in their preferred language, by using the numbers provided for commonly spoken languages that are listed on our Foreign Language Support page.
  
  
• October 3, 2022 - Tips when calling the VCC
  Timelines for service – What you can Expect
  
  • MAGI Medicaid ~ 45 days
  • Disability-based Medicaid ~ 90 days
  • All other programs ~ 30 days
  • SNAP expedited service ~ 7 days
  • Heating Assistance and General Relief Assistance ~ Emergency based
  We will continue to improve our systems and processes to give Alaskans the fastest possible service. Please use these tips for contacting our VCC to address any questions you may have.
  
  
• September 13, 2022: The Virtual Contact Center (VCC) is limiting options for callers on Wednesdays. Read more about our newWednesday Service Schedule to know what to expect and how to find the right queue.
  
• June 30, 2022: Director’s letter about changes to supplements for SNAP recipients
  
• June 24, 2022: Director's message regarding 2022 WIC service changes

• Out of State Benefit Verifications
• Office Changes
• Warnings

More Help

• Alaska 2-1-1 for organizations that help statewide
• Statewide Fee Agent List
• Did you know you can use your SNAP benefits to purchase hunting and fishing gear?
• Child Care Online Search Tool
• Quest (EBT) Card
• Direct Deposit
• See if you qualify for a tax credit
• Register to Vote
• Alaska Job Center Network