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

Alaska Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Alaska offers unique benefits for single mothers, including the highest SNAP benefits in the nation and the annual Permanent Fund Dividend. Emergency help available within 1-7 days. Key programs include food assistance up to $1,538/month for families in rural areas, cash assistance up to $923/month, and the 2025 PFD of $1,000 per person.


Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $1,538/month (rural areas), $991/month (urban areas) for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: ATAP up to $923/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Housing: GRA emergency assistance up to $120 per person
  • Annual Income: PFD pays $1,000 per person in 2025
  • Healthcare: Medicaid expansion covers families earning up to $46,023/year (family of 3)

If You Need Emergency Help

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:

  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding local food banks, emergency assistance, and crisis support
  2. Contact Food Bank of Alaska at (907) 272-3663 for emergency food delivery
  3. Apply for Emergency SNAP at Health-e-Arizona Plus – you can get benefits within 7 days

Crisis Support:

  • Alaska CareLine: (877) 266-4357 for mental health crisis support
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Main Points

Being a single mom in Alaska comes with unique challenges – from extreme weather to high living costs to isolation in rural areas. But Alaska also offers some benefits other states don’t have, including the Permanent Fund Dividend and higher SNAP benefits that can reach over $1,500 for a family of four in rural areas.

What you need to know:

  • Alaska is expensive: Basic living costs are 25-30% higher than other states, but benefit amounts are also higher
  • Geography matters: Rural areas get higher SNAP benefits, but have fewer services and longer travel times
  • Multiple programs exist: You can usually qualify for several programs at once
  • Applications take time: Most programs take 30-45 days to process, but emergency help is available faster
  • Winter planning is crucial: Stock up on food and fuel, as weather can disrupt services and transportation

Reality Check: According to the Alaska Beacon, Alaska became the 43rd state to expand access to federal food assistance, with major SNAP changes taking effect July 1, 2025 that will eliminate asset limits and raise income thresholds to 200% of poverty level.

Cash Assistance and Basic Needs

Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)

According to Alaska’s Department of Health, ATAP is Alaska’s jobs-focused program that helps families with basic needs while they work toward supporting themselves.

How much you can get:

  • Maximum payout for a one-parent household of three is $923/month
  • Amount depends on your family size, income, and shelter costs. Benefits are reduced for families with low shelter costs

Who qualifies:

  • Families with children under 18 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Countable resources of less than $2,000, or less than $3,000 if the family includes a person 60 or older
  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
  • Must live in Alaska
  • Income limit based on Alaska’s 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines

Alaska 2025 Poverty Guidelines (per HHS poverty guidelines):

Family Size 100% FPL (Annual) 130% FPL (Monthly)
1 person $19,550 $2,117
2 people $26,430 $2,863
3 people $33,310 $3,609
4 people $40,190 $4,354

Work requirements:

  • ATAP participants are required to look for paid jobs. Must participate in work activities or job training
  • Education and training programs count as work activities
  • Program has a lifetime limit of 60 months

How to apply:

  • Online: Alaska Connect Portal
  • Call: (907) 465-3347
  • Visit your local Division of Public Assistance office

Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)

The 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend amount was $1,702, but the 2025 PFD will be $1,000 per eligible resident, according to the final draft state budget approved by Alaska Legislature negotiators.

Who qualifies:

  • Must be Alaska resident for entire calendar year before applying
  • Application period is January 1 through March 31
  • Can’t be absent from Alaska for more than 180 days
  • Must intend to remain Alaska resident
  • Applications filed after March 31 will be denied as late applications

How to apply:

  • Online: PFD website
  • Apply for each family member separately
  • Parents must apply for children under 18

Important: The entire PFD payment is taxable for federal income tax purposes.

General Relief Assistance (GRA)

GRA is a state-funded program that meets basic needs like shelter, food, clothing, and utilities in emergency situations.

What it covers:

  • Up to $120 per household member
  • Emergency rent or utility payments
  • Food, clothing, transportation for emergencies
  • Medical care in urgent situations
  • Funds go directly to vendors, not to you

Who qualifies:

  • Must demonstrate emergency need in current month
  • Must have applied for all other available programs
  • Alaska residents who don’t qualify for other state programs

How to apply:

  • Call: (907) 465-3347
  • Must reapply each month if need continues

Food Assistance That Actually Helps

SNAP (Alaska Quest Card)

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.

Current benefit amounts (per 2025 USDA allotments with 2.5% COLA):

Family Size Urban Alaska Rural Zone 1 Rural Zone 2
1 person $377 $481 $586
2 people $692 $882 $1,074
3 people $991 $1,263 $1,538
4 people $1,258 $1,604 $1,953

Major Changes Coming July 1, 2025: Alaska became the 43rd state to expand access to federal food assistance. The law will increase the income threshold for food stamp applicants and allow them to have savings while using the program when it takes effect on July 1, 2025. There will be no cut off for the amount of savings or assets SNAP participants have and the income threshold will be twice the federal poverty level.

Current eligibility (through June 30, 2025):

  • Asset limit is $3,000 for most households and $4,500 for households containing a member who is disabled or 60 years or older
  • Income at or below 130% FPL (about $3,609/month for family of 3)

New eligibility (starting July 1, 2025):

  • No asset limits
  • Income at or below 200% FPL (about $5,552/month for family of 3)

Who qualifies:

  • Must be Alaska resident and U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
  • Work requirements for able-bodied adults 16-59
  • Felons convicted of drug-related offenses are not eligible for SNAP benefits unless they meet specific conditions

How to apply:

  • Online: Alaska Connect Portal
  • Call: (907) 465-3347
  • Processing time: Most applications processed within 30 days, with expedited processing available for urgent cases within 7 days

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC provides nutritious foods, information on healthy eating, and referrals to healthcare for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to five years old.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant women, new mothers, or breastfeeding women
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Alaska federal poverty level (about $5,135/month for family of 3)
  • If you get SNAP, Medicaid, or ATAP, you’re automatically financially eligible for WIC

What WIC provides:

  • Monthly food packages (milk, eggs, cereal, baby formula, fruits/vegetables)
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Health screenings and referrals

How to apply:

Food Bank of Alaska

Food Bank of Alaska helps more families than any other food program in Alaska.

Services available:

  • Emergency food boxes (3-day supply)
  • Fresh produce when available
  • Mobile food pantries in rural areas
  • SNAP application assistance

Contact:

  • Main number: (907) 272-3663
  • Find local food banks at 211 Alaska

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

Medicaid and Denali KidCare

Alaska expanded Medicaid, which means more single mothers can get health coverage.

Income limits based on 2025 Alaska FPL (138% for adults, 205% for children):

Household Size Adult Medicaid (138% FPL) Children’s Coverage (205% FPL)
1 person $2,248/month $3,339/month
2 people $3,039/month $4,516/month
3 people $3,831/month $5,693/month
4 people $4,622/month $6,869/month

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health services
  • Emergency room and hospital care
  • Pregnancy and childbirth care
  • Well-child checkups and immunizations
  • Postpartum coverage extended to full year (increased from 60 days in 2024)

How to apply:

Housing Help in Alaska

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation provides rental assistance programs in 16 locations statewide.

Programs available:

  • Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible Alaskans lease units in the private rental market
  • Public housing units owned by AHFC
  • Special purpose vouchers for specific needs

Eligibility:

  • Households with income at or below 80% of area median income
  • Must be Alaska resident
  • Background checks required

How to apply:

  • Contact AHFC: (800) 478-2432
  • Apply for waiting lists at multiple locations if eligible
  • Visit AHFC website for locations

Reality Check: Housing assistance has long waiting lists. Apply as soon as possible and consider multiple locations if you’re willing to move.

Emergency Rental Assistance

For immediate housing emergencies:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local emergency rental assistance programs
  • Contact local Community Action Programs
  • Some nonprofits and churches provide one-time emergency rent help

Child Support and Legal Help

Child Support Services

Don’t overlook child support – it can provide significant monthly income for your family.

What they do:

  • Locate absent parents using databases and employment records
  • Establish paternity if needed
  • Set up court-ordered support amounts
  • Collect and distribute payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment

How to apply:

  • Call Alaska Child Support Services: (907) 269-6900
  • No income requirements
  • $25 application fee (waived if you receive ATAP)

Free Legal Help

Alaska Legal Services Corporation:

  • Phone: (907) 272-9431
  • Statewide intake line: 1-888-478-2572
  • Help with housing, family law, benefits appeals

Special Considerations for Alaska

Rural vs. Urban Challenges

Rural areas:

  • Higher SNAP benefits with Rural Zone 2 providing up to $1,953 for family of 4
  • Limited transportation to services
  • Fewer healthcare providers
  • Subsistence hunting/fishing may supplement income with special SNAP rules allowing purchase of hunting and fishing supplies
  • Some services available by phone or video

Urban areas (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau):

  • More services available
  • Better transportation options
  • More job opportunities
  • Higher housing costs
  • Longer waiting lists for some programs

Winter Preparation

Stock up when possible:

  • Buy non-perishables when SNAP benefits renew
  • Apply for LIHEAP (heating assistance) early in fall
  • Have emergency supplies in case of power outages
  • Plan for higher heating costs

Heating assistance:

  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating bills
  • Apply through local Community Action Programs
  • Priority given to households with children under 6, elderly, or disabled members

Alaska Native and Tribal Services

Many Alaska Native tribes operate their own assistance programs:

  • Tribal TANF provides time limited cash assistance similar to ATAP
  • At least one member of the household must be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe
  • A tribal member may be eligible for ATAP or for tribal TANF, but not for both
  • Contact your tribal government for specific programs and eligibility

Indian Health Service:

  • Healthcare for enrolled tribal members
  • Available regardless of income
  • Contact your tribal health clinic

How to Apply: Your 4-Week Action Plan

Week 1: Emergency Needs

  1. Call 2-1-1 for immediate crisis resources
  2. Apply for emergency SNAP – can get benefits within 7 days
  3. Contact Food Bank of Alaska: (907) 272-3663
  4. Apply for GRA if facing immediate emergencies: (907) 465-3347

Week 2: Basic Programs

  1. Apply for regular SNAP if not already done
  2. Apply for Medicaid/Denali KidCare (often same application as SNAP)
  3. Apply for WIC if you have children under 5 or are pregnant
  4. Apply for ATAP cash assistance

Week 3: Housing and Support

  1. Apply for housing assistance through AHFC
  2. Contact child support services: (907) 269-6900
  3. Apply for PFD (if during January-March application period)

Week 4: Long-term Planning

  1. Follow up on all applications
  2. Gather additional documents if requested
  3. Plan for recertification dates
  4. Connect with local support services

Documents You’ll Need

Keep copies ready for all applications:

  • Alaska driver’s license or state ID
  • Social Security cards for all family members
  • Birth certificates for children
  • Pay stubs from last 30 days
  • Bank statements
  • Rent receipts or lease
  • Utility bills
  • Immigration documents (if applicable)

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most Alaska programs allow working families to qualify. Starting July 1, 2025, SNAP income limits increase to 200% of poverty level ($5,552/month for family of 3), and Medicaid covers families making up to $3,831/month for a family of three.

Q: How long do applications take? A: Processing times vary:

  • Emergency SNAP: 7 days
  • Regular SNAP: 30 days
  • ATAP: 30-45 days
  • Medicaid: Usually 30 days
  • Housing vouchers: Can be years due to waiting lists

Q: What if I live in a small village? A: Many programs now offer phone interviews and remote services. Call 2-1-1 to find services in your area. Alaska has special rules for rural areas including mobile food pantries and higher SNAP benefits.

Q: Can I get benefits if I have a criminal record? A: Most programs are still available. Felons convicted of drug-related offenses are not eligible for SNAP benefits unless they meet specific conditions, but you can still qualify for Medicaid, WIC, housing assistance, and many other programs.

Q: What about the Permanent Fund Dividend if I receive benefits? A: You can receive PFD along with other benefits. Special rules apply to Alaska Permanent Fund Dividends for SNAP calculations, but it doesn’t disqualify you from programs.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, PFD
  • May require repayment: If you don’t report income changes and receive too much, you may owe the difference back

Emergency Resources and Crisis Numbers

Immediate Crisis Help

Food emergency:

  • Food Bank of Alaska: (907) 272-3663
  • 2-1-1: Find local food pantries and soup kitchens
  • Emergency SNAP: Apply at Alaska Connect Portal or call (907) 465-3347

Housing emergency (eviction/homelessness):

  • 2-1-1: Emergency shelter and rental assistance
  • Local Community Action Programs: Emergency assistance

Utilities shut-off:

  • LIHEAP Emergency: Contact local CAP office
  • Utility company hardship programs: Call your utility provider directly

Medical emergency:

  • 911: Life-threatening emergencies
  • Emergency Medicaid: Available regardless of immigration status

Crisis and Mental Health Support

  • Alaska CareLine: (877) 266-4357 (mental health crisis)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Emergency Numbers

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral (24/7)
  • Alaska CareLine: (877) 266-4357 (mental health crisis)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Government Assistance

  • Division of Public Assistance: (907) 465-3347
  • Food Bank of Alaska: (907) 272-3663
  • Alaska Housing Finance Corporation: (800) 478-2432
  • Child Support Services: (907) 269-6900
  • WIC Program: Contact local clinic

Legal Help

  • Alaska Legal Services: (907) 272-9431
  • Statewide legal intake: 1-888-478-2572

Useful Websites

Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates. All information in this guide was compiled using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Your Rights:

  • You have the right to apply for any program you believe you’re eligible for
  • You have the right to appeal any denial
  • You have the right to receive assistance in your preferred language
  • You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Alaska guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Alaska Department of Health, USDA, HHS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Alaska Department of Health, USDA, HHS, and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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