In a Nutshell

Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness and resilient communities embody its unique spirit. Yet, beneath the rugged beauty, many residents face economic hurdles. While the state boasts a median household income of $86,370, which exceeds the national average, 10.4% of Alaskans still live in poverty.

High living expenses and remote locations in the Last Frontier state often amplify these challenges, leaving many Alaskan households searching for support.

To address these obstacles, Alaska offers a wide range of financial assistance programs. From cash aid and food support to healthcare and housing assistance, these resources empower Alaskans to navigate the state’s unique economic landscape.

Explore Alaska’s financial assistance programs and uncover the resources to help build a brighter future.

Government Assistance Programs in Alaska

Alaska offers a robust network of government assistance programs to meet the diverse needs of its residents. From cash aid to medical care and food support, these resources provide Alaskans with the tools to overcome financial hardships and thrive, building stronger and more resilient communities.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs provide vital financial support to low-income families, helping them cover basic needs during challenging times. Cash benefits are issued via the Alaska Quest card, an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system that streamlines access to eligible items, including food at stores and Farmer's Markets.

  • Funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant
  • Financial aid and work services for low-income families with children to cover basic needs
  • Supports work activities like childcare, transportation, and job-related training to promote self-sufficiency
  • Formerly known as the Food Stamps program
  • Offers food benefits to low-income households, with eligibility determined by income and asset limits
  • Includes special provisions for rural Alaskans, allowing higher benefits and purchases of hunting and fishing subsistence supplies

Alaska Stimulus Checks

  • No new updates on Alaska stimulus checks have been announced for 2024
  • Alaska does not have state-level tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)
  • Eligible residents may qualify for the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which shares a portion of Alaska's oil revenue to provide financial support

Medical Assistance

Access to medical assistance is vital for Alaskans facing hard times. Thankfully, several healthcare programs are available to ensure that residents receive the support they need.

  • Medical coverage for low-income Alaskans, including children, pregnant women, families, seniors, blind, and individuals with disabilities
  • Services covered include medical, dental, hospital, and transportation
  • Residents can apply online through the MyAlaska website for a streamlined process
  • Affordable health coverage for individuals without employer-based insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid
  • Plans available on the Health Insurance Marketplace®  include essential health benefits, such as emergency services, hospitalization, and prescription drugs
  • Free diagnostic tests for eligible Alaskans to screen for breast and cervical cancer
  • Offers referrals for treatment if needed, ensuring comprehensive support for early detection

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

The state of Alaska offers support programs to pregnant women and single mothers, ensuring their health and well-being as they navigate life’s challenges. These resources provide access to healthcare, nutrition, and services tailored to moms’ and young children's needs.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children up to age five
  • Offers food assistance, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health services, promoting overall health
  • Comprehensive Medicaid health care coverage for children up to age 18 and pregnant women 
  • Covers essential medical services, including check-ups, vaccinations, and postpartum care

Child Care Services

The Child Care Program Office (CCPO) in Alaska guarantees that families have access to affordable, high-quality child care services. It manages financial assistance programs to help eligible families pay for child care while they work or pursue education.

  • Also known as Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS) 
  • Financial support for child care costs to eligible families working or participating in education or training programs
  • The program is divided into four categories (PASS I-IV) based on specific family situations, such as receiving ATAP benefits or transitioning to self-sufficiency
  • Child care resource and referral network that helps families find quality programs statewide
  • Families using the Child Care Assistance Program can access these services free of charge for guidance on selecting the best child care options

Food Assistance

Alaska offers a range of food assistance programs to support residents in need, providing resources and educational tools to improve their overall health and well-being.

  • Distributes nutritious U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodity foods to low-income seniors aged 60 and older
  • Focuses on improving the diets of older adults by supplementing their food supply
  • Imparts nutrition education to low-income Alaskans, promoting healthy eating and physically active lifestyles
  • Aims to help SNAP recipients make better food choices within a limited budget

Assistance for Veterans

The Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs supports veterans and their families by ensuring they receive the benefits and recognition they deserve. The branch advocates for Alaska's veterans, providing comprehensive assistance across various areas to improve their lives, with benefits including:

  • Education support
  • Employment assistance
  • Health care services
  • Housing benefits
  • License plates for veterans
  • Recreational opportunities
  • Filing claims

To learn more about all available benefits, check out the complete guide to Alaska & federal benefits (PDF).

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

Several Alaska programs support seniors and adults with disabilities in maintaining their independence. These initiatives offer financial assistance, healthcare, and resources to ensure they remain active and engaged in their community.

  • Cash assistance to low-income, blind, aged, and disabled Alaskans
  • Eligible individuals also qualify for Medicaid benefits
  • Established to replace the SeniorCare Program
  • Cash benefits for seniors aged 65 or older with low to moderate incomes
  • Monthly payment amounts range from $76 to $250, depending on income, with adjustments based on available state funding

Utility Bill Assistance

Alaska offers utility bill assistance programs to help residents manage heating costs, ensuring they can stay warm during the harsh winters and maintain essential services.

  • Helps low-income households offset heating costs
  • Provides a one-time payment directly to the vendor, applied as a credit to the customer's account
  • Assists with basic needs like shelter, utilities, food, clothing, and burial in emergency situations
  • Available as a last resort when other programs or agencies cannot meet the household’s immediate and specific needs

Assistance for Unemployment

The Last Frontier state provides resources to support Alaskans facing unemployment, offering financial assistance and job placement services to help them regain stability.

  • Temporary financial aid for individuals who’ve lost their jobs through no fault of their own and worked for UI tax-paying employers
  • Requires availability for full-time work in roles consistent with prior training and experience
  • Offers employment listings and guidance on job applications, resumes, and cover letters
  • Hosts career fairs and provides access to training programs and job-hunting support

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Transportation Assistance

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

  • The Alaska Court System provides low-cost and free civil legal aid, including self-help resources, legal clinics, and internet tools to help residents with legal issues
  • Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) extends free legal assistance for low-income Alaskans, covering areas like family law, housing, consumer law, public benefits, and more

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in Alaska

Nonprofit organizations play a key role in supporting Alaskans in navigating life’s challenges. From housing initiatives to job training, these nonprofit assistance programs extend a helping hand to those in need, fostering hope and renewed opportunity across The Last Frontier.

  • Offers affordable housing solutions and supportive services to Alaskans, including those experiencing chronic homelessness and disabilities
  • Focuses on preserving homes, creating new housing opportunities, and enhancing neighborhoods to improve residents' quality of life
  • Addresses poverty through programs in early education, housing, and health, supporting low-income households statewide
  • Delivers innovative, community-focused solutions to tackle Alaska’s most pressing needs
  • Features a comprehensive list of grants for housing, financial aid, disaster relief, and other essential services
  • Covers funding opportunities in areas like healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, arts, and community services

How Do You Get Financial Help in Alaska?

If you’re struggling with debt in Alaska, you’re not alone. While the state offers several financial assistance programs, they might not fully address overwhelming debt like high credit card balances or medical bills. Partnering up with a reputable debt relief company like TurboDebt can give you the support you need to regain control of your finances.

TurboDebt offers effective Alaska debt relief programs, providing personalized solutions for those in need. In 2023 alone, we helped Alaskan residents save an average of 53% on their total debt before fees.

Here’s why TurboDebt is an excellent choice for debt relief:

  • No upfront fees to get started
  • Potential savings of 50% or more on your total debt (before fees) with our debt settlement program
  • Free from debt in as little as 12–48 months
  • No new loans or lines of credit as part of your debt relief program
  • Top-rated customer service, backed by over 17,000+ 5-star TurboDebt reviews from satisfied clients

Don’t let the burden of debt control your life any longer. Contact us for a free consultation and find out how we can help you build a path to financial freedom.