Archived News & Updates

News

• July 11, 2024 - New Online Change Reporting for Public Assistance Programs


Need to report a change for your Division of Public Assistance (DPA) case? 

Want to skip waiting in line or on hold?


Report your changes online using our secure form!! We are excited to offer this option for easier, faster service.

The “smart” form works for all DPA programs and helps you know if you need to report your change for the programs you are signed up for. Just check a box for the programs you need to report the change. Most people know they need to report changes to DPA within 10 days, such as a new address, job, or a change in household members.

Attach needed proof as you complete the form to avoid a possible delay in processing the change to your benefits.

Visit our website for more information about the form and changes that require reporting.

• April 9, 2024 - Scam Alert!
  SNAP scams are on the rise in Alaska. Protect your benefits by:

• Changing your card PIN on a regular basis,
• Never giving out your card or PIN number,
• Check the credit card machine at check out for skimming machines by gently tugging on the machine before inserting your card.


If you are a victim of benefit fraud, make a report to your local police department and then contact us. We may be able to replace benefits.

For more information on SNAP and what to do if you are a victim of SNAP fraud visit our SNAP webpage.

• March 13, 2024 - Better Than Email: DPA’s New Secure Document Portal
  
  The Division of Public Assistance (DPA) now has a portal where you can upload documents directly. The secure document upload portal should be used to send DPA all kinds of documents for all Public Assistance programs. It’s a quick way to send proof to DPA staff instantly when they ask for information. The portal takes a variety of file formats and works with different devices and browsers.
  
  We are excited to offer this new user-friendly option for Alaskans who use Public Assistance. Use of the portal is encouraged. More improvements are on the way as we modernize online services and improve customer service.
  

• February 27, 2024 - Visit the DPA Offices in Kenai and Homer!
  Residents of the Kenai and Homer areas can now receive same day service at their local DPA Office:
  

  DPA Kenai Open from Alaska DOH & DFCS on Vimeo.
• February 8, 2024 - Scam Alert!
  SNAP recipients continue to report calls from an 866 number that mimics the Public Assistance automated phone system and asks recipients to dial in their SNAP/EBT number. You should NEVER give out your SNAP/EBT number over the phone to unauthorized parties.
  
  If you receive this call, simply hang up. If you mistakenly provided information, you can contact the EBT HelpDesk using the number on your card. The State of Alaska is using all means available to address this matter with law enforcement agencies.
  
  
• January 31, 2024 - Scam Alert!
  Ignore calls from an 866 number asking for your EBT information. This is not a valid number for the State of Alaska. Please refer to official numbers on your public assistance documents or on our website as needed.
  
  
• January 31, 2024 - Pregnant Women Medicaid Changes
  In a significant step toward enhancing maternal healthcare access, the Alaska Department of Health (DOH) is implementing changes to coverage for “Pregnant Women Medicaid.” The income limit is being increased from 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to 225%, and postpartum coverage is being extended from 60 days after pregnancy to 12 months. For more information about the postpartum extension, see our Postpartum Coverage Extension FAQs.
  
  
• December 28, 2023 - New Online SNAP Application
  An online application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is now available on the DPA website. This application is optimized for use on any mobile device as well as desktop devices. The online application is a “smart form,” streamlining the process and the amount of time it takes to complete the form by only populating fields that the applicant needs based on their responses. All documents can be uploaded directly using a variety of formats including photos and scanned items. To learn more or to apply, click the green "Apply for SNAP Benefits" box.
  
  
• Division of Public Assistance (DPA) Service Changes – 11/8/23 - 11/12/23
  Starting at noon on Wednesday, November 8, DPA will have limited access its electronic filing system because of scheduled system maintenance. We apologize for any delays that might occur when workers need access to older documents to make decisions, or are checking the status of paperwork received by the division. Staff will make every effort to use other information to minimize the impact on clients. It is not necessary to resubmit paperwork sent before November 8 at noon.
  
  Regular service will resume on Monday, November 13. The division’s eligibility information systems will not be affected by this scheduled maintenance.
  
  
• September 28, 2003 - SNAP Interviews to Resume October 2nd
  During COVID, Alaska was able to work SNAP applications without the required interview. This ends on September 30th, and interviews are starting again for new applicants and recertifications on October 2nd. If your household is due, we will schedule an interview for you when we register your SNAP application or recertification. Reviews for other programs with no SNAP involvement will continue to be processed without requiring an interview.
  
  
• September 13, 2023 - Replacement of Electronically Stolen SNAP Benefits
  The Consolidated Appropriations Act included a temporary provision that allows for the replacement of electronically stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. States will only be able to replace SNAP benefits that were electronically stolen from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024. (Read More)
  
  
• June 20, 2023 - Interim Reports for SNAP recipients
  Starting June 1, 2023, the division requires SNAP households to complete and return a report halfway through their certification period to continue eligibility. For more information, see:
  
  • Director’s Letter on Interim SNAP Certification
  • Interim Report: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    
    
• April 20, 2023 - Public Health Emergency Ending
  The COVID-19 public health emergency is set to expire on May 11, 2023. This means that the flexibilities permitted during the PHE will end, but the end date will vary depending on the type of flexibility approved by CMS. Find out more on the Alaska Department of Health’s Public Health Emergency Ending website.

 

• UAA Project ECHO Pop-Up: Medicaid Renewals
April 4th, Noon-1pm

The Division of Public Assistance (DPA) will host a webinar about the return of annual Medicaid renewals on April 4th from noon to 1 p.m. This will be an excellent opportunity for Medicaid recipients, providers, advocacy groups, Tribal entities and media to learn more about the Medicaid renewal process, engage in two-way conversation, and ask questions about eligibility. The webinar will be hosted by UAA Project ECHO and a recording will be available after the event

 

• February 15, 2023 - Medicaid Renewals
  Alaska will return to the regular pre-pandemic process of Medicaid annual renewals beginning April 1, 2023. When it is your turn for renewal, we will recheck your eligibility to make sure you still qualify for coverage.
  
  
• January 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.
   
• January 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 20 - For Posting:Informational Flyer for SNAP Recipients and Retailers in Southwest Disaster Areas
  Now through Nov. 4, SNAP recipients living in disaster areas caused by Typhoon Merbok can use their Quest Card for “hot” and prepared foods.
  
  
• October 17 - Hot Foods for SNAP recipients in Southwest Disaster Areas: See our announcement about Special Disaster Rules for Accepting SNAP EBT Benefits for Hot Foods Purchases for details on how to use SNAP benefits, and a list of retailers who can participate (but are not required to do so.)
  
  
• 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 Division of Public Assistance wants you to be aware of these upcoming changes so you can be prepared and prevent any disruption of benefits.
• Letter to Medicaid Recipients
• Update your Contact Information flyer (Please share!)
  
  
• June 30, 2022: Director’s letter about changes to supplements for SNAP recipients
  
  
• June 24, 2022 Director's message regarding 2022 WIC service changes
  
  
• May 13, 2022: Director’s letter about supplements for Temporary Assistance recipients
  
  
• May 12, 2022:Director’s letter about supplements for Heating Assistance recipients