Grants and Financial Assistance for Single Mothers in Alaska (2025)

Last Updated on June 13, 2025 by Rachel

Key Takeaways

• Alaska’s Unique Advantage: Every eligible Alaska resident receives an annual Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) – in 2024, this was $1,702 per person, meaning a single mother with two children could receive over $5,100 annually.
• Higher Federal Benefits: Alaska receives higher federal poverty guidelines due to cost of living, meaning you qualify for benefits at higher income levels than the lower 48 states. For example, a family of three can earn up to $32,390 annually (versus $25,820 in other states) and still qualify for many programs.
• Geographic Reality Check: Rural Alaska faces unique challenges – limited program availability, higher costs for everything, and complex logistics for accessing services. Urban areas like Anchorage and Fairbanks have more resources but still face high living costs.
• Cash Assistance Reality: Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) provides up to $923 monthly for a single parent with two children, but requires immediate job search activities and has a 60-month lifetime limit.

• The Bottom Line: While Alaska offers some of the nation’s highest benefit amounts due to cost of living adjustments, it also has some of the highest expenses. Programs exist, but navigating them requires patience and persistence.

Alaska for Single Mothers

Alaska presents both opportunities and challenges for single mothers. While the state offers higher federal benefit amounts and the unique Permanent Fund Dividend, it also has the second-highest cost of living in the United States, with a cost of living index of 148.2 compared to the national average of 100. According to 2023 data, 10.4% of Alaskans live below the poverty line – lower than the national average but still representing thousands of families struggling to make ends meet. Children are particularly vulnerable, with poverty rates higher among children of single mothers compared to two-parent households.

The reality for single mothers varies dramatically by location. In Anchorage, resources are more accessible but housing costs average $300,000+ for homes. In rural Alaska, basic groceries can cost three times what they do in Anchorage, and transportation to access services can cost hundreds of dollars.

Alaska’s Signature Program: The Permanent Fund Dividend

The 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend amount was $1,702 per eligible resident, including a one-time energy relief payment of $298.17. This comes from Alaska’s oil revenues and represents the largest basic income program in the United States.

How It Works: Every Alaska resident who has lived in the state for a full calendar year (January 1 – December 31) and intends to remain an Alaska resident indefinitely is eligible. This means if you move to Alaska on January 2, your “calendar year” doesn’t start until the following January 1.

For Single Mothers: A single mother with two children who are all eligible could receive over $5,100 annually. The lowest individual dividend payout was $331.29 in 1984 and the highest was $3,284 in 2022.

Application Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by March 31 each year, with online applications due by 11:59 p.m. and mailed applications postmarked by March 31.

Tax Implications: The entire Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend payment is taxable for federal income tax purposes and should be reported as income on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 8g.

Apply online at Alaska PFD Application Portal or call 907-465-2326.

Government Assistance Programs

1. Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)

Current Benefit Amounts: In Alaska, the maximum benefit for a family with one parent and two children with no income is $923 per month. This is among the higher TANF benefits in the nation, though it must be balanced against Alaska’s high cost of living.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Countable resources of less than $2,000, or less than $3,000 if the family includes a person 60 or older
• Must have countable income below ATAP limits for family size
• Must be willing to seek employment or participate in work activities

Work Requirements: ATAP participants are required to look for paid employment or to participate in activities that focus on gaining skills and experience that lead directly to employment. Alaska uses a “Work First” approach believing job experience leads to better employment opportunities.

Time Limits: There is a maximum of 60 months of TANF assistance benefits within one’s lifetime.

Application Process: Apply online through the Alaska Connect Portal or download applications for mailing.

2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Alaska’s Higher Benefits: Maximum allotments for a family of four will range from $1,258 to $1,953 in Alaska, compared to $975 in the lower 48 states. This reflects Alaska’s significantly higher food costs.

Income Limits (2025): The gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level. There is no gross income limit in Alaska for households with a household member who is 60 or older or has a disability.

For Alaska, 130% of poverty means:

• 1 person: $2,542 monthly
• 2 people: $3,433 monthly
• 3 people: $4,324 monthly
• 4 people: $5,215 monthly

Asset Limits: The asset limit is $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households containing a member who is disabled or 60 years or older.

Alaska-Specific Benefits: Alaska has special rules that allow for higher SNAP benefits in rural areas, and the use of benefits to purchase certain hunting and fishing subsistence supplies.

PFD Protection: PFD will not change the amount of SNAP benefits you receive. However, the PFD does change the form of your benefits. Through the PFD Hold Harmless program, benefits are provided to any person who would lose SNAP because they receive or keep PFD money.

Application Challenges: Many Alaskans are having their SNAP applications delayed by weeks or even months. If you haven’t heard back within 30 days, you can request a Fair Hearing.

Apply online at Alaska Connect Portal or call 1-800-478-7778.

3. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

Eligibility: Alaska WIC serves pregnant women, breastfeeding women up to one year postpartum, and children under age 5. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, Denali Kid Care, or Alaska Temporary Assistance Program, you automatically meet income requirements.

Benefits Include:

• Nutritious food packages
• Nutrition education and counseling
• Breastfeeding support
• Health care referrals

Application Process: Contact your local public health center. Alaska WIC offices are located in most communities with public health services.

Healthcare Coverage

Denali KidCare (Alaska’s Medicaid/CHIP)

For Children: If you are 18 or younger and your family’s income is at or under 208% of FPG ($6,967 per month for a family of four), you may qualify.

For Alaska in 2025, this means:

• 1 person: $3,394 monthly
• 2 people: $4,583 monthly
• 3 people: $5,773 monthly
• 4 people: $6,962 monthly

For Pregnant Women: If you are pregnant or gave birth within the last 12 months and your family’s income is at or under 230% of FPG ($7,704 per month for a family of four), you may qualify.

Coverage Details: For children, Denali KidCare is typically issued for 12 months at a time. There are no premiums for eligible children and pregnant women.

Application: Apply online at MyAlaska Portal or call the Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778.

Housing Assistance

Housing assistance in Alaska faces unique challenges due to remote locations, extreme weather, and limited housing stock. Many rural communities have waiting lists that stretch for years.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

Contact your local Public Housing Authority. Major offices are located in:

• Anchorage Housing Authority: 907-277-1516
• Fairbanks North Star Borough Housing Authority: 907-459-1500

Emergency Housing Resources

• Alaska Native Village Corporations: Many provide housing assistance to shareholders
• Salvation Army Alaska: Multiple locations provide emergency shelter and transitional housing
• United Way of Anchorage: Call 2-1-1 for emergency housing referrals

Utility and Energy Assistance

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Essential in Alaska where heating costs can exceed $500 monthly in winter. LIHEAP helps with:

• Heating bill payments
• Energy crisis assistance
• Weatherization services

Contact your regional Community Action Program (CAP) agency for applications.

Weatherization Assistance

Free home improvements to reduce energy costs, including:

• Insulation installation
• Window and door replacement
• Heating system improvements

Transportation Assistance

• Alaska Marine Highway System: Discounted travel for low-income families between coastal communities.
• Alaska Airlines: Emergency travel assistance programs for medical or family emergencies.
• Tribal Transportation Programs: Many Alaska Native Corporations provide transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential services.

Educational Support and Grants

• Alaska Performance Scholarship: Merit-based scholarships for Alaska high school graduates attending Alaska universities.
• Alaska Education Grant: Need-based grants for Alaska residents attending participating Alaska institutions.
• Federal Pell Grants: Maximum award for 2024-2025 is $7,395. Alaska students often qualify for higher amounts due to increased cost of attendance.

Actual Grant Opportunities

Alaska Community Foundation Grants: Provides grants to nonprofits serving Alaska families. While not direct grants to individuals, many funded programs serve single mothers.

Rasmuson Foundation: Alaska’s largest private foundation, funding programs that support families and children statewide.

Alaska Native Corporation Dividends and Grants: If you’re an Alaska Native shareholder:

• Annual dividends from your village and regional corporations
• Educational scholarships
• Emergency assistance programs
• Elder and youth support programs

Faith-Based and Community Grants

• Catholic Social Services Alaska: Emergency assistance grants
• Salvation Army Alaska: Emergency financial assistance
• Local churches and synagogues: Many provide emergency grants for rent, utilities, and basic needs

Rural Alaska: Special Considerations

Subsistence Rights and Programs

Legal rights to hunt and fish for subsistence can significantly reduce food costs. Alaska Department of Fish and Game provides information on subsistence regulations and permits.

Village Corporation Benefits

Alaska Native village and regional corporations often provide:

• Annual dividends
• Emergency assistance
• Educational scholarships
• Healthcare support
• Elder and youth programs

Transportation Challenges

Getting to services can cost hundreds of dollars. Some programs offer:

• Medical travel assistance through tribal health organizations
• Emergency travel vouchers through village corporations
• Telemedicine options for health and social services

Communication Barriers

Limited internet and phone service can complicate applications. Consider:

• Using public computers at schools or community centers
• Getting help from community health aides
• Asking family or friends in urban areas to assist with online applications

Application Realities: What to Expect

Documentation Requirements

Most programs require:

• Alaska ID or driver’s license
• Social Security cards for all household members
• Birth certificates for children
• Proof of income or unemployment
• Proof of Alaska residency
• Bank statements

Timeline Expectations

• SNAP: 30 days for processing, expedited available for emergency situations
• ATAP: 2-4 weeks if all documentation complete
• Denali KidCare: 30-45 days
• PFD: Apply by March 31, payments begin in October

Common Obstacles

Geographic Isolation: Rural applicants may need to travel hundreds of miles to complete interviews or submit paperwork. Some offices offer phone interviews, but internet connectivity issues can complicate online applications.

Seasonal Employment: Alaska’s economy includes significant seasonal work (fishing, tourism, construction). Income fluctuations can complicate benefit calculations and require frequent reporting.

High Cost of Living: Even with higher benefit amounts, Alaska’s costs can quickly exhaust assistance. Groceries in rural areas can cost 2-3 times urban prices.

Real Stories from Alaska

Case Study: Sarah from Anchorage

Sarah, a single mother of one, works part-time at a retail store earning $1,800 monthly. She receives:

• SNAP: $350 monthly
• Denali KidCare: Free health coverage for her child
• PFD: $3,404 annually for both ($1,702 each)
• Child care assistance: $400 monthly subsidy

Even with assistance, she struggles with Anchorage’s high housing costs, spending $1,400 monthly for a two-bedroom apartment.

Case Study: Maria from Bethel

Maria lives in rural western Alaska with her two children. Her husband works seasonally in fishing, earning $15,000 during summer months. During winter:

• ATAP: $650 monthly (reduced due to husband’s seasonal income)
• SNAP: $800 monthly (higher rural rate)
• Heating assistance: $800 for winter heating bills
• PFD: $5,106 annually for family of three

The PFD payment helps her family get through winter months when seasonal work ends, but groceries cost nearly double what they would in Anchorage.

Case Study: Jennifer from Fairbanks

Jennifer, a single mother of three, attends University of Alaska Fairbanks while working part-time. She receives:

• ATAP: $923 monthly
• SNAP: $700 monthly
• Denali KidCare: Full family coverage
• Child care assistance: $600 monthly
• Federal Pell Grant: $6,500 annually
• Alaska Education Grant: $2,000 annually

Her biggest challenge is finding reliable childcare during evening classes and study time.

Combining Resources for Maximum Support

Example Monthly Budget: Family of Three in Anchorage

Income Sources:

• Part-time work: $1,200
• ATAP: $650 (adjusted for work income)
• SNAP: $500
• Annual PFD: $425 monthly average ($5,106/12)
• Total Monthly Income: $2,775

Major Expenses:

• Housing: $1,500 (2-bedroom apartment)
• Utilities: $300 (including heating)
• Transportation: $200
• Remaining for other expenses: $775

This family would still struggle with Alaska’s high costs but has more resources than similar families in most other states.

Seasonal Strategies

Winter Preparation

• Apply for heating assistance early (applications often open in August)
• Stock up on non-perishables when food costs are lower
• Ensure adequate winter clothing through clothing assistance programs

Summer Opportunities

• Many communities offer summer food programs for children
• Seasonal work opportunities may provide income but could affect benefit eligibility
• Summer is the best time for accessing services in rural communities

Getting Help with Applications

Community Resources

• Alaska 2-1-1: Call 2-1-1 for referrals to local assistance programs
• Community Health Aides: In rural areas, often help with applications
• Senior Centers: Even if you’re not a senior, they often have staff who help with applications
• Libraries: Free internet access and sometimes application assistance

Advocacy Organizations

• Alaska Legal Services: Free legal help with benefit denials or problems
• Food Bank of Alaska: Helps with SNAP applications – call (907) 222-3119
• Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP): Assistance with multiple programs

Tribal Resources and Alaska Native Programs

If You’re Alaska Native

Check with your village and regional corporations for:

• Annual dividends
• Educational scholarships
• Emergency assistance funds
• Healthcare benefits
• Elder and youth support programs

Tribal Organizations

• Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC): Northern Alaska
• Chugach Alaska Corporation: Southcentral Alaska
• Doyon Limited: Interior Alaska
• Sealaska Corporation: Southeast Alaska

Tribal Health Organizations

Provide healthcare and social services:

• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
• Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC)
• Chugach Alaska Corporation
• Southcentral Foundation

Each provides medical travel assistance, behavioral health services, and often emergency assistance programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Permanent Fund Dividend work if I move to Alaska mid-year?

A: You must live in Alaska for a full calendar year (January 1-December 31) before you’re eligible. If you move to Alaska in March 2025, you’d first be eligible for the 2026 dividend paid in late 2026.

Q: Can I receive both ATAP and work income?

A: Yes, but ATAP benefits are reduced based on your earnings. Alaska uses work disregards, meaning they don’t count all of your earnings when calculating benefits. The more you earn, the less ATAP you receive, but you should always have more total income when working.

Q: What happens to my benefits if I receive a large PFD payment?

A: SNAP has special “hold harmless” provisions for PFD recipients. You won’t lose SNAP benefits due to receiving your PFD, though if you keep the money for more than 4 months, it becomes a countable resource.

Q: Are benefits available in rural Alaska villages?

A: Yes, but access can be challenging. Most programs can be accessed remotely through phone interviews and mailed applications. Some villages have community health aides who can help with applications.

Q: How do I apply for multiple programs at once?

A: The Alaska Connect Portal allows you to apply for several programs simultaneously, including SNAP, ATAP, and Medicaid. You’ll complete one application that’s used for multiple program determinations.

Q: What if I’m denied benefits?

A: You have the right to appeal any denial. Contact Alaska Legal Services at 1-888-478-2572 for free legal help with appeals.

Q: Can I get emergency assistance while waiting for regular benefits?

A: Yes. SNAP has expedited processing (within 7 days) for households with very low income and resources. Many communities also have emergency assistance programs through churches, nonprofits, and tribal organizations.

Q: How does seasonal work affect my benefits?

A: Report all income changes promptly. During fishing or other seasonal work, your benefits may be reduced or stopped, but they can be reinstated when the seasonal work ends. Keep all documentation of when work starts and stops.

Q: What transportation help is available for medical appointments?

A: Tribal health organizations often provide medical travel assistance. If you’re Alaska Native, check with your tribal health organization. Some communities have volunteer driver programs, and emergency medical travel may be available through village corporations.

Q: Are there special programs for teen mothers?

A: Yes. Teen parents may be eligible for special provisions under ATAP, including continued education requirements rather than immediate work requirements. Denali KidCare covers pregnant teens, and WIC provides nutrition support.

Q: What child care assistance is available?

A: Alaska’s Parents as Scholars (PASS) program provides child care assistance for families transitioning from ATAP or pursuing education/training. Contact your local Division of Public Assistance office for information.

Q: How do I get help with heating bills in winter?

A: Apply for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) through your local Community Action Program agency. Applications typically open in August for the upcoming winter. Emergency assistance may be available during heating crises.