The Senior Benefits Program is a monthly subsidy given to Alaskan seniors who meet income and residency requirements. The program offers three benefit tiers that correspond to income levels, and funding is covered by the state budget. The maximum amount allowable for each tier depends on the level of funding available for that year and the number of applicants who are approved. If the budget is not enough to cover the set amount for each income level, the maximum allowable will be reduced, starting with the monthly payments for the highest income level.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens who are at least 65 years old
- Alaskan residents
- Have a Social Security number (or can provide proof that they have applied for one)
- Demonstrate financial need.
Some Alaskan residents are not eligible for the subsidy, including seniors living in prison or jail; nursing homes; public or private institutions for mental disease; Alaska Pioneers' Homes; or Alaska Veterans' Homes. Seniors living in assisted living communities, however, are usually eligible.
The payment awarded to qualified applicants is calculated by determining which income level the applicant falls under. Seniors who earn 175%, 100% or 75% of the state poverty level are eligible for subsidy payments from one of three tiers, with the lowest earners receiving the highest subsidy.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, residents should download the PDF application from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website. Completed applications must be mailed or faxed to the Senior Benefits Office. Applications must be resubmitted each year to determine eligibility based on the updated Alaska Federal Poverty Guidelines.