Menu

Assistance and Benefits for Veteran Single Mothers in Alaska

Assistance and Benefits for Veteran Single Mothers in Alaska

Last updated: September 2025

This hub focuses on programs built for veterans, not general benefits for everyone. Every program, agency, and help source is linked so you can get to the right page fast. When timelines or dollar amounts vary, we say so and tell you how to confirm.


—

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

  • Call the VA’s homeless and housing line to stop an eviction or get a motel/shelter referral today. Dial the National Homeless Veteran Call Center at 877‑4AID‑VET (877‑424‑3838). In Alaska, ask for the Anchorage VA Homeless Care Team at 1‑907‑273‑4059. Use your veteran status to access Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and HUD‑VASH resources through the VA and Alaska Housing. Get routed via the VA Alaska health page and HUD Alaska’s veteran section: VA Alaska Health Care, HUD Alaska – Veterans resources. (hud.gov)
  • Contact the Women Veterans Call Center to unlock VA women’s health, maternity care coordination, and fast routing to Alaska’s Women Veterans Program Manager. Text or call 1‑855‑829‑6636, or chat online. Start here: Women Veterans Call Center and the Alaska page for women’s care: Women Veteran care — VA Alaska. (womenshealth.va.gov)
  • If you’re a 50%+ service‑connected disabled veteran homeowner, apply for your property tax exemption now. Minimum statewide exemption is the first $150,000 of assessed value of your primary home; boroughs can add more. Find your local assessor deadline and form: Office of the State Assessor – Property Tax Exemptions, Tax Jurisdictions directory. (commerce.alaska.gov)

—

Quick help box — keep these 5 at your fingertips

—

Who this guide is for

This guide is written for veteran single mothers in Alaska. We focus on veteran‑only or veteran‑priority programs: housing, tax relief, health, education, legal help, jobs, transportation, and veteran‑specific discounts. You’ll see local phone numbers, timelines, documents you’ll need, and contingency steps if something falls through.

—

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Alaska Today

Start with programs that can pay the bill in time.

  • SSVF emergency payments
    If you’re a veteran and behind on utilities or rent, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program can, in many cases, pay arrears, deposits, or short‑term help. In Anchorage and the Mat‑Su, contact Catholic Social Services’ SSVF team at 1‑907‑222‑7383 and ask for the SSVF screening. Use: CSS — SSVF Veterans and CSS — Get Help. Expect a callback within a few business days; faster for crisis. Bring your DD‑214 and disconnect notice. (cssalaska.org)
  • VFW or American Legion emergency grants
    If you qualify, the VFW “Unmet Needs” grant can cover utilities and basic bills (paid to the utility): up to $2,500. Start here: VFW Unmet Needs and VFW Foundation overview. The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program helps eligible veteran households with minor children; grants are typically one‑time and require going through a local post: American Legion TFA eligibility and Alaska Legion — Children & Youth programs. (vfw.org)
  • If you served in the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, or Coast Guard
    Some relief societies assist certain retirees/veterans. For Army retirees, Army Emergency Relief may help through the local ACS office at JBER/Fort Wainwright; call 1‑907‑353‑4369 to check eligibility. Air Force retirees may ask at the JBER Airman & Family Readiness Center about Air Force Aid Society (AFAS desk 1‑907‑552‑0630). See JBER contacts: JBER contacts and Fort Wainwright ACS: Army Community Service — AK.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call your electric/gas utility and ask for a “medical or hardship hold,” then get a same‑day letter from your VA clinic if health or safety is at risk. Call 988 then press 1 if the stress is overwhelming. Ask SSVF to verify a pending payment to your utility. If you receive a denial, ask for the appeal steps in writing and apply again with new documents.

—

Fast Housing Help Built for Veterans

  • HUD‑VASH (voucher + case management)
    HUD‑VASH combines a Section 8 voucher with VA case management for eligible homeless veterans. In Alaska, VA makes the referral to Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC). Start by calling VA Alaska (1‑888‑353‑7574), then ask to be screened for HUD‑VASH. Read AHFC’s page: Homeless Veterans and Their Families — AHFC and HUD Alaska’s veterans section: HUD Alaska — Veterans. Typical timelines vary; in metro areas expect weeks to months for a unit search after voucher issue. Ask about extensions and landlord lists. (ahfc.us)
  • SSVF (prevention and rapid re‑housing)
    If you’re at risk of homelessness or newly homeless, SSVF can pay application fees, deposits, arrears, short‑term rent, and supportive services. In Anchorage and Mat‑Su, contact Catholic Social Services: CSS SSVF. Elsewhere, ask the VA homeless line (877‑424‑3838) to route you to the nearest SSVF provider. This program uses area median income (AMI) caps; verify whether your local provider uses 50% or up to 80% AMI for screening. (cssalaska.org)
  • Tribal and rural paths
    If you’re American Indian/Alaska Native, ask about VA‑IHS/Tribal agreements that let VA pay IHS/Tribal clinics and coordinate care while you stabilize housing; copays for AI/AN veterans are waived. See: VA coverage at IHS/Tribal facilities and the renewed federal agreement summary: HHS–VA reimbursement agreement. (va.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call AHFC to ask whether emergency vouchers or waitlists are open for your town and request portability to where housing is available. Use AHFC Housing Choice Voucher info and ask a VSO to flag your case with VA homeless services. Keep calling landlords daily; the first to submit a complete packet often wins.

—

Property Tax Relief, Home Loans, and Owning Land

  • Property tax exemption for disabled veterans (50%+ rating)
    Alaska law exempts at least the first $150,000 of assessed value on your primary home if you have a 50%+ service‑connected rating. The local assessor administers it; deadlines vary by borough/city (many by January–March). Read the statute and state guidance: AS 29.45.030(e) — Required Exemptions and Property Tax Exemptions in Alaska. Find your assessor: Tax Jurisdictions directory. Expect 2–6 weeks for a decision after a complete application; ask your assessor about late‑filing waivers for “good cause.” (touchngo.com)
  • AHFC Veterans Mortgage Program + Interest Rate Preference
    Qualified veterans can access Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Veterans Mortgage Program and, for certain bank loans, a one‑percent interest rate preference on the first $50,000 of principal for new construction. Compare programs and current rates and ask lenders about veteran discounts: AHFC loan programs and current rates and Alaska OVA — Real Estate (Veterans Mortgage + preference). Call AHFC: 1‑800‑478‑2432. Verify rates the day you lock; rates change often. (ahfc.us)
  • Veterans Land Discount (25%) on state land
    Buying a state residential or recreational parcel? If you meet residency and service rules, Alaska gives a once‑in‑a‑lifetime 25% discount (excludes reimbursable development costs). Read eligibility and how price is calculated: DNR — Veteran’s Land Discount and see the statute: AS 38.05.940. This is separate from VA loans; ask your lender if the parcel type is financeable. (dnr.alaska.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you miss your tax‑exemption deadline, submit anyway and request “good cause” waiver; appeal assessor denials before the local board deadline. If you can’t qualify for a mortgage now, ask AHFC lenders about “Rural Owner‑Occupied,” “First Home,” or energy‑efficiency rate incentives, and revisit in 60–90 days.

—

Health Care, Maternity, and Mental Health — For Women Veterans in Alaska

  • Get into VA Alaska care
    Enroll by phone at 1‑877‑222‑8387 or online, then call VA Alaska at 1‑888‑353‑7574 to be registered for local clinics (Anchorage, Mat‑Su, Kenai/Soldotna, Homer, Fairbanks, Juneau). Start here: VA Alaska Health Care and the contact page: VA Alaska — contact us. Telehealth is widely used for long‑distance care. (va.gov)
  • Women’s health, maternity, and postpartum coordination
    The VA Alaska Women Veterans team can set up primary care, gynecology, maternity care, childbirth classes, and postpartum support. Message the Women Veterans Program Manager via the Alaska women’s care page: Women Veteran care — VA Alaska and keep the Women Veterans Call Center handy: WVCC 1‑855‑829‑6636. For urgent mental health or MST‑related care, ask for same‑day services. (va.gov)
  • Travel pay and rides
    Claim mileage at 41.5¢ per mile for eligible travel (deductibles apply). Use VA travel reimbursement. If you don’t have a car, ask about volunteer rides through DAV vans — VA Alaska and the national DAV Transportation Network. (va.gov)
  • Dental
    If you’re not eligible for VA dental, you can buy discounted plans through the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) (Delta Dental or MetLife) while enrolled in VA health or CHAMPVA. Review VA’s dental eligibility too: VA dental care overview. (va.gov)
  • Care through IHS/Tribal systems
    American Indian/Alaska Native veterans can get care at many IHS/Tribal facilities with VA reimbursing the clinic (no VA copays for eligible AI/AN veterans). See VA coverage at IHS/Tribal facilities and the reimbursement agreement renewal: HHS–VA announcement. (va.gov)
  • Reality check — child care during VA visits
    On‑site VA child care is not widely available. Ask the Women Veterans Call Center about any local options or community partners, and plan for mileage reimbursement or telehealth to reduce travel/child care costs: WVCC and VA Alaska appointments page.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your VA primary team for community care if the drive or wait is unsafe for pregnancy or mental health; for some services, VA authorizations run 12 months. Verify coverage before appointments. Use VA community care update. (news.va.gov)

—

Jobs, Training, and School — Veteran‑Priority Pathways

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the Job Center about apprenticeships and WIOA training while your VA decision is pending. Request a DVOP appointment if you have housing instability, a disability, long job gap, or low income. If school billing gets messy, escalate through the campus veterans office and call VA Education (888‑GI‑BILL‑1).

—

Transportation, Discounts, and Outdoor Access

What to do if this doesn’t work: If DAV rides aren’t available, ask your VA clinic for the Alaska Veterans Transportation Service contact and check local senior or borough transit. For ferries, if your pass isn’t issued yet, ask AMHS about buying at full fare and requesting an adjustment when your pass is approved.

—

Legal Help That Knows Veterans

  • VA claims and appeals
    Call the Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs at 1‑907‑334‑0874 to get routed to a VSO near you (American Legion, DAV, VFW, VVA). Find contacts and numbers by location: VSO directory — Alaska OVA and OVA Contacts. (veterans.alaska.gov)
  • Eviction, family law, consumer, and benefits issues
    Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) runs statewide intake and housing discrimination assistance. Call 1‑888‑478‑2572 (statewide) or the fair housing line 1‑855‑679‑3247. Use ALSC and ALSC Fair Housing Project. If you need a private attorney, use the Alaska Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1‑800‑770‑9999. See AK Dept. of Law — Consumer Resources. (alaskabar.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t get through by phone, submit ALSC’s online intake and call again at opening time. Ask your VSO to note urgent court dates on your VA letter so your landlord or judge can see you’re working with counsel.

—

Tables you can scan fast

VA Alaska women’s and general care — key contacts and options

Service Where to start What to ask Typical timeline
Women’s health, maternity, postpartum Women Veteran care — VA Alaska Ask to connect with the Women Veterans Program Manager and a maternity care coordinator Intake call within a few days; prenatal approvals often same week
Mental health / MST care Women Veterans Call Center Same‑day mental health, MST‑related counseling, or community care if needed Same‑day triage; therapy within days to weeks
Appointments/telehealth setup VA Alaska — Make an appointment Set phone/video visits to reduce travel and child‑care costs Immediate scheduling; visit in 1–3 weeks
Travel reimbursement VA travel reimbursement Mileage rate (41.5¢), deductibles, how to file in My HealtheVet Paid after claim approval; allow 7–14 days

Housing programs for veteran families

Program Who qualifies What it pays Where to apply
HUD‑VASH (voucher + VA case management) Homeless veterans by VA definition; income tested Monthly rent subsidy + VA case management AHFC — Homeless Veterans and Their Families; referral from VA Alaska
SSVF (prevention/rapid re‑housing) Very low income veteran households at risk or homeless Arrears, deposits, short‑term rent, utilities, case management CSS SSVF — Anchorage & Mat‑Su; elsewhere call 877‑424‑3838
Tribal HUD‑VASH / IHS partnerships Eligible AI/AN veterans Voucher + culturally‑competent services in tribal areas HUD — Tribal HUD‑VASH; ask VA Alaska to route

Money‑saving benefits you can claim

Benefit Key rules How to claim Tip
Property tax exemption 50%+ service‑connected disability; primary residence Apply with local assessor Deadlines vary by borough; file early. State Assessor — exemptions
DAV camping pass Disabled veterans (documentation required) Free state park camping pass (2 years) OVA — Recreational benefits
Alaska Marine Highway pass Service‑connected disability 50% off passenger fare (AK ports) AMHS veteran discount — OVA page

Education and campus contacts

Campus Veterans office Phone What they handle
University of Alaska Anchorage UAA MVSS 1‑907‑786‑6962 GI Bill certification, balances, holds, credit for military training
University of Alaska Fairbanks UAF Veterans/Military Services 1‑907‑474‑7400 Certifying official, VR&E coordination, admissions timing
University of Alaska Southeast UAS Military & Veteran Services 1‑907‑796‑6368 Enrollment steps, TA paperwork, career links

Veteran vehicle, license, and travel help

Item What it does Where to apply
Disabled Veteran plates (+ one free registration) No fee plates; one registration fee waived; add parking privileges with physician form AK DMV disability plates
Veteran designation on driver license Adds “Veteran” to your AK license/ID OVA — License & plates
DAV/VA rides to care Free volunteer rides to VA appointments DAV vans — VA Alaska

—

Local organizations and veteran‑friendly groups

  • Vet Centers (readjustment counseling)
    Confidential counseling for PTSD, MST, and transition. Anchorage (1‑907‑

🏛️More Alaska Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Alaska

Related Posts