A bill filed in the state assembly might make it simpler for Alaskans to apply for food stamps under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
At the conclusion of the legislative session in May, Democratic state representative Genevieve Mina submitted a bill that would simplify the SNAP application process and relax criteria.
Food Stamp Assistance Aims To Reduce Waiting For Alaska Beneficiaries
According to Alaska Public Media, persons who already qualify for some benefit programs would automatically qualify for benefits under the proposed legislation.
The official noted that even if the asset test were to be eliminated as a part of the application procedure, it would still make it easier for the DPA staff and eligibility technicians to process applications.
Broad-based category eligibility is this kind of eligibility, and only Alaska and a few other states do not employ it.
According to the federal Department of Agriculture, households that do not fit the standards for BBCE can apply for food stamps under the regular program guidelines in the 44 states and territories that do use it.
The Division of Public Assistance, which is responsible for managing benefit programs, is working hard to cut down on the number of Alaskans who have to wait a long time to receive their benefits.
Read more: Step-By-Step: Navigating The Online SNAP Benefits Recertification Process
SNAP Benefits Based On Household Size And Income
Director Deb Etheridge stated that there is not enough staff to handle all of the applications. Benefits for SNAP are determined on the size and income of the household.
The household income of the recipient must typically be at or below 130% of the poverty line. The poverty threshold for calculating SNAP benefits in fiscal 2023 is $1,920 per month.
A household of three can receive an average monthly SNAP benefit of $577 up to a maximum of $740.
For an eight-person household, the average payment is $1,150, while the highest payment is $1,691.
A maximum of $211 can be added to the calculation for each household larger than eight.
Read more: Highest Income For SNAP Benefits: Income Limit For Qualification