Page Reviewed / Updated – Dec. 30, 2023

Program Description

Alaska’s Senior Benefits Program provides monthly cash assistance to elderly state residents who have low-to-moderate income levels, and is administered by Alaska’s Department of Health & Social Services’ Division of Public Assistance.

Unlike most state elderly assistance programs, it is not designed to provide assistance for any specific purpose, such as home care, adult day care, or home modifications. Instead, program participants are free to use the resources however they choose. It also differs from most elderly assistance programs in that the program is intended to help both frail and healthy seniors.

There is no requirement that beneficiaries live in their own home, only in the state of Alaska. Residents of assisted living communities in Alaska can also receive Senior Benefits. However, those residing in nursing homes or in Pioneer Homes (state subsidized assisted living) are not eligible.

Eligibility Guidelines

General Requirements

Age
Applicants must be at least 65 years of age.

Residency
Applicants must be legal Alaska residents with a Social Security number. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number, there must be documentation showing he or she has applied for one.  

Financial Requirements

Income Limits
The income limits are revised annually and are tied to the Alaska Federal Poverty Guidelines. The limit amounts, valid until March 31, 2024, are shown in the Benefits section below. Income is defined as any money coming in that one is able to use to live on. This includes Social Security payments, annuity payments, pension payments, disability benefits, veteran’s benefits, alimony, dividend stocks / bonds, etc.

Assets Limits
There are no asset limits.

Benefits and Services

The Senior Benefits Program provides payment directly to participating individuals. There are no restrictions on how the benefits may be spent. The table below shows the benefit amounts valid until March 31, 2024. They are tied to an individual’s annual income and change each year as the poverty levels change.

Alaska Senior Benefits Program 2023 Income Limits and Benefit Amounts (valid until March 31, 2024)
Individual Annual Income Limits Individual Monthly Benefit Amount Married Couple Income Limits Married Couple Monthly Benefit Amount
Under $13,658 $250 Under $18,480 $250
$13,659-$18,210 $175 $18,481-$24,640 $175
$18,211-$31,868 $76  $24,641-$43,120 $76

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How to Apply / Learn More

To apply for Alaska’s Senior Benefits, one can contact the Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778 to apply for benefits over the phone. Alternatively, an application can be downloaded here.

Program participants must file a renewal application annually, as both the applicant’s financial situation and the program’s income limits can change. More information is available on this webpage.