The state of Alaska, the so-called Last Frontier, is on the verge of facilitating increased access to SNAP benefits, aiming to alleviate financial strains for residents. Senate Bill 149, unveiled on February 13, proposes a series of amendments to the eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the northernmost state of the United States.
The most noteworthy change suggested by SB 149 is the elevation of the household income requirement from 130 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty line. This move seeks to address the current limitations in the system and tackle the issue of the “benefits cliff” that often forces families to make difficult choices between sustenance, with the help of food stamps and accepting a salary increase.
More Families Now Accepted in SNAP Benefits in Alaska
Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized the importance of avoiding a situation where families must choose between relying on the program or achieving financial independence. Giessel believes that the proposed shift to broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) will prevent the “benefits cliff” and encourage families to pursue greater financial stability.
Giessel further noted that the bill includes provisions for the establishment of a new online application system and the removal of the SNAP asset test. These changes are expected to enhance the efficiency of processing applications, especially during peak demand periods, ultimately benefiting both applicants and program administrators.
Describing the bill as a “transformative step,” Giessel expressed confidence that aligning with modernization efforts would lead to a more self-reliant and prosperous future for Alaska and its residents. According to information provided in the sponsor letter, approximately one in eight Alaskans could potentially benefit from the proposed modifications.
The Food Bank of Alaska has voiced support for SB 149, emphasizing that the existing structure of SNAP administration discourages work. Ron Meehand, the director of government affairs at the non-profit organization, highlighted the importance of eliminating the benefits cliff, which currently hinders families from accepting raises or pursuing additional employment opportunities.
Maximum Food Stamps in Alaska in 2024
In the state of Alaska, SNAP benefits have three distinct value tables: urban, rural 1, and rural 2, depending on the geographic location of your residence within the territory. We are going to explain how many are the maximum amounts that beneficiary households can receive in each of these three groups.
For those in the urban group, the maximum amount for a single person is $374, for two people it is $686, for three people it is $983 and for a family of four it is $1,248. These amounts gradually rise to a maximum of $2,246 for a family of eight. From that number, each additional member can receive up to $281.
Households in rural group 1 can receive the corresponding amount of money as detailed below: 1 person up to $477, two people up to $875, three people a maximum of $1,253, a family of four can get up to $1,591, and the amount continues to rise up to eight people, who can receive $2,865 per month. Every additional member gets up to $358.
Those in rural group 2, who are those who live in areas where the cost of living is higher, can aspire to receive from the SNAP program: 1 person $581 per month, two people $1,065, three people $1,525, four people $1,937, and so on until they reach the number of 8 people, who can claim up to $3,487 per month. Every additional member gets up to $436. The complete list of values is here.