Deb Etheridge
Director

Lobby hours:
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
VCC/Phone hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Check for office closures

Phone: 800-478-7778
Fax: 888-269-6520
hss.dpa.offices@alaska.gov

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For non-clinical questions related to the COVID-19 outbreak, please contact 2-1-1.
Alaska 2-1-1: Get connected. Get answers.

 

Division of Public Assistance

Public assistance promotes self-sufficiency and provides basic living expenses to Alaskans in need. Read more…

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News & Updates

 
Tips when calling the DPA's Virtual Contact Center (VCC)
Use these tips to get the fastest service possible with the VCC.
  • New iconJanuary 11, 2023 – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    SNAP requires most households receiving benefits to demonstrate that they continue to meet program eligibility criteria every six months. This process is called recertification. As part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the requirement for recertification was suspended. In July 2022, this requirement was reinstated, and DPA must request that SNAP households provide documentation to review eligibility. To better address questions the public may have about processing these recertifications, DPA has compiled some answers to these Frequently Asked Questions. 
  • New iconJanuary 11, 2023 - SNAP recertification application timelines:
    • Filed on or before the 15th of the last month of the current certification period, uninterrupted SNAP benefits.
    • Filed after the 15th but before the end of the certification period, within 30 days.
    • Applications filed during the month following the expiration of the certification period are considered initial applications and follow timeframes for regular and expedited SNAP applications.
    We will continue to improve our systems and processes to give Alaskans the fastest possible service.

  • October 3, 2022 - Language Interpretation Services
    Did you know that DPA offers no-cost language interpretation services for people when they interact with the department? Callers can reach the division’s Virtual Contact Center in their preferred language, by using the numbers provided for commonly spoken languages that are listed on our Foreign Language Support page.

  • October 3, 2022 - Tips when calling the VCC
    Timelines for service – What you can Expect
    • MAGI Medicaid ~ 45 days
    • Disability-based Medicaid ~ 90 days
    • All other programs ~ 30 days
    • SNAP expedited service ~ 7 days
    • Heating Assistance and General Relief Assistance ~ Emergency based
    We will continue to improve our systems and processes to give Alaskans the fastest possible service. Please use these tips for contacting our VCC to address any questions you may have.

  • September 13, 2022: The Virtual Contact Center (VCC) is limiting options for callers on Wednesdays. Read more about our newWednesday Service Schedule to know what to expect and how to find the right queue.

  • July 1, 2022: Don’t risk a gap in your Medicaid coverage!
    No one knows yet when the Public Health Emergency will end, but the Divsion of Public Assistance wants you to be aware of these upcoming changes so you can be prepared and prevent any disruption of benefits.
  • June 30, 2022: Director’s letter about changes to supplements for SNAP recipients
  • June 24, 2022: Director's message regarding 2022 WIC service changes

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