Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

The Alaska Department of Health is introducing the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), designed to make it easier for older adults and people with disabilities to access SNAP (food assistance) benefits. ESAP will run from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2029.

What is ESAP?

ESAP simplifies SNAP for households where all adults are aged 60 or older or have a disability.

With ESAP:

• Certification lasts 36 months instead of 24.
• No interim report is required during the certification period.
• No interview is needed when recertifying unless questions arise

What needs to be reported?

Households must report changes that affect eligibility, such as:

• No longer having an older adult or disabled adult in the household.
• A household adult starts working.
• Receiving lottery/gambling winnings of $4,500 or more

How to report changes or learn more:

• Online: Use the change report form or secure document upload on the Division of Public Assistance webpage
• By phone: Call the Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778.
• In-person: Visit a local Division of Public Assistance office

Resources