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$158/month
in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Alaska pay for food.
If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card) called the Alaska Quest card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your EBT card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and farmers markets in Alaska to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.
In some Alaskan communities that lack access to retail stores (and secure much of their own food), you can even use SNAP to buy hunting and fishing equipment.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Alaska SNAP work?
- What is the SNAP application process like in Alaska?
- How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?
- How do I prepare to apply?
- How do I apply for SNAP in Alaska?
- What happens after I apply for SNAP in Alaska?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does Alaska SNAP work?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the Alaska Department of Health Division of Public Assistance (DPA). DPA offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of assistance.
SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.
What is the SNAP application process like in Alaska?
While the idea of applying for Alaska SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DPA case worker can assist you. Generally, here are the steps to apply for Alaska SNAP:
- Fill out an application: You can apply for Alaska SNAP online; over the phone; in person; or by fax, mail, or email. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Only your legal name, address, and signature are required to secure a benefit start date (the date DPA receives your application).
- Have an interview: You must have a phone interview once DPA receives your SNAP application.
- Wait for a decision: Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
- Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive an Alaska Quest card pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail.
How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?
To be eligible for Alaska SNAP, your household (defined as people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together) must meet certain guidelines:
- Each applicant must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or qualified non-citizen to get SNAP benefits. Even if you are not eligible for SNAP benefits, your dependents may be.
- All household members must have a Social Security number (or proof they applied for one).
- Most able-bodied household members between ages 16 and 59 must register for work, participate in the Employment & Training Program (E&T) if offered, and accept offers of employment.
- Applicants must meet specific income and asset limits.
The amount of money you will get in Alaska SNAP benefits depends on:
- How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
- How many people live with you
What are the Alaska SNAP income limits?
The following chart shows the maximum monthly income limits most people or families can earn and still get Alaska SNAP. Most households must have a gross income of less than 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households that have an older adult (age 60+) or a person with a disability must meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.
What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?
- Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
- Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.
These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’
| Family size | Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,568 |
| 2 | $2,129 |
| 3 | $2,690 |
| 4 | $3,250 |
| 5 | $3,811 |
| For each additional person, add: | +$561 |
Some household expenses may be subtracted from your total monthly income to help you meet the Alaska SNAP income limit; these are called deductions. A DPA case worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. They include:
- 20% earned income deduction
- Standard deduction ($338 for households with 1-5 members; $349 for 6+ members)
- Dependent care expenses
- Medical expenses (over $35 for SNAP household members who are age 60+ or who have a disability)
- Shelter/utility expenses (not to exceed $1,073 for most households; unlimited for households with an older adult or person with a disability)
What are the Alaska SNAP asset (resource) limits?
Resources (assets) include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate. The asset limit is $2,750 for most households and $4,250 for households with a member who has a disability or is age 60 or older.
How do I prepare to apply?
When applying for Alaska SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather the following information to make your application process easier:
- Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
- Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
- Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
- Child care or adult day health care costs
Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:
- Driver's license or other government-issued ID
- Birth certificate
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Social Security card
- Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
- Marriage license or divorce decree
If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.
How do I apply for SNAP in Alaska
The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP in Alaska is online through the Alaska Department of Health website. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.
Apply on Alaska Department of Health's Website
- Visit the Department of Health website and click ‘Apply for SNAP Benefits.’
- On the next screen, log in to your myAlaska account.
- If you don't have an account, click 'Register for a myAlaska account.' The system will walk you through the process of setting up a user ID and password. Creating an account will allow you to save your application and return later to complete it.
- Once you are logged in, click on ‘Services’ at the top of the page.
- Scroll down to 'Public Assistance - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Only Application' and click on the link.
- On the next page, click on ‘Complete the online SNAP application.’
- The system will walk you through completing and submitting your Alaska SNAP application. If you do not have all the documents you need, you can return and upload them at any time through the Secure Document Upload Portal.
Tips for success:
- Allow yourself 20 to 30 minutes to complete your Alaska SNAP application. Make sure to provide a current and accurate mailing address, phone number, and email address so you don’t miss out on any important communication. Fill out as much information as you can, since that can speed up your approval process.
- Be ready to share details about the money you earn and the things you pay for/own.
- If you speak a language other than English, call the Virtual Contact Center at 1-800-478-7778. An interpreter will be provided to you at no cost.
To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you must first download and print the Alaska SNAP application. Once completed, you can:
- Drop off or mail your completed application to one of the local DPA offices. Find a location near you.
- Fax your application to DPA at 1-888-269-6520 .
- Email a digital copy of your application to hss.dpa.offices@alaska.gov or snap@foodbankofalaska.org.
What if I need food assistance right away?
You may be able to get Alaska SNAP “emergency” benefits within 7 days from the date on your application if your food needs are urgent. The following households qualify for expedited (faster) benefits:
- Households that have less than $100 in cash or money in the bank
- Households whose monthly gross income (before deductions) is less than $150
- Households whose costs for rent/mortgage/utilities are more than their monthly gross income, cash, or money in the bank.
Need food today? Visit the Food Bank of Alaska website to find resources in your area while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.
How can I get help with my application?
There are several ways to get help filling out your Alaska SNAP application. You can:
- Reach out to the Food Bank of Alaska.
- Call 1-907-222-3119.
- Email snap@foodbankofalaska.org.
- Text "SNAP" to 1-907-891-8913.
- Request an appointment for SNAP application help.
- Call the DPA Virtual Contact Center at 1-800-478-7778.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.
NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.
What happens after I apply for SNAP in Alaska?
It can take up to 30 days for DPA to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). You can check the status of your SNAP application in your online account or by calling 1-800-478-7778. If you have your case number, have it handy when you call. If you’re approved, benefits are based on the date your application is received.
After applying, you must have a phone interview with a DPA case worker. If you have appointed an Authorized Representative, they can accompany you or do the interview on your behalf.
What can I expect during my SNAP interview?
Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your case worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and even help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.
During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your monthly income?
- Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
- What other regular bills do you have?
It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your appointment, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.
DPA may request additional information from your household if the information you provided cannot be verified during the interview. You should receive a notice regarding your SNAP eligibility within 30 days. This notice will tell you whether or not your household is eligible for food assistance benefits.
What happens after I am approved for SNAP?
If you are approved for SNAP, the notice you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). That period is 6 months for most Alaska households.
Your certification period begins the first day of the month when you applied, but your benefits start the date your application was received by DPA. Your eligibility ends on the last day of the month of your certification period. For example: If you first applied on February 15 and were found eligible, your notice would state that February benefits are prorated from February 15 to February 28. Your certification period begins on February 1 and ends on July 30 (assuming you have a 6-month certification period).
After you’re approved for SNAP, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Benefits will be deposited into your account on the first calendar day of each month you are eligible. Any unused benefits carry over into the next month.
Other important tips to know
What if my Alaska SNAP application is denied?
If you do not agree with the reason for your SNAP denial, or you do not agree with your benefit amount, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days. Your denial notice should include instructions on how to do so.
How can I view my SNAP benefits information?
You can check the status of your SNAP application or view your benefits online in your myAlaska account or by calling the DPA Virtual Contact Center at 1-800-478-7778.
How do I use and manage my Alaska EBT card?
You can use your card at any retailer that accepts Quest. Call Quest Card Customer Service at 1-888-997-8111 (or the number on the back of your card) to set up your PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen EBT card. You can also manage your card online through ebtEDGE (you must create an account first).
Do I need to report changes to my household situation?
If your household only receives SNAP benefits, you need to report when:
- Your household’s total gross income goes over the income limit (130% FPL) for your household size.
- Someone in your household has lottery or gambling winnings of $3,500 or more in a single game.
- A household member’s work hours fall below 20 hours per week (if they are subject to the Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents/ABAWD time limit).
Changes must be reported within 10 days of when you know about the change. You may report changes to DPA by phone or in writing by completing a Change Report Form (GEN 55). Send the completed form to DPA by fax, email, or mail.
DPA also requires SNAP households to complete and return an Interim Report halfway through their certification period to continue receiving benefits. You will receive this form in the mail one month before it is due.
When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Alaska?
You must renew your Alaska SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.
Not sure if you should apply?
BenefitsCheckUp helps assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.
