SNAP and food help for older adults in Alaska

SNAP rules that help older adults

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In Alaska, DPA in the Department of Health runs it. Several rules are easier when someone in your household is 60 or older, or disabled.

What counts as income

DPA counts Social Security, SSI, pensions and Alaska Senior Benefits payments as income. Some things are not counted, such as loans and heating or energy assistance.

What counts as assets

Bank accounts and cash count. A vehicle usually does not count if it is used for an exempt reason or has little equity. Ask DPA about your own situation.

Medical costs to tell DPA about

Medical costs you pay yourself, above $35 a month, can raise your benefit. Tell DPA about them and keep your receipts and bills.

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

Who it is for

ESAP is for households:

• With no earned income (no paychecks or self-employment), and
• Where all adults are 60 or older or have a disability.

The project runs from December 1, 2024, through November 30, 2029.

How it helps

• 36-month certification instead of 24 months.
• No interim report. Other SNAP households must send a report halfway through. ESAP households do not.
• No interview to renew, unless questions come up.

Apply for SNAP the usual way and tell DPA your household's ages and income. Ask DPA whether your household fits ESAP.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Apply online through the Alaska Connect portal at alaskaconnect.ilinx.com/engage/dpa.
2. If you do not have an email address, use DPA's Application for Services form.
3. Need help? Call the DPA Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778 (TDD/Alaska Relay 7-1-1), or visit a local Public Assistance office.
4. Get your Quest card. Benefits go on your Alaska Quest card. You can use it at grocery stores and at farmers markets around the state.

After you are approved

• Report changes in money or household with the Change Report form, online through DPA's secure document upload, by phone at 800-478-7778, or at a local office.
• Renew on time. Without email, use the Eligibility Review form. Under ESAP, you renew every 36 months.
• Protect your card. DPA will never ask for your Quest card number or PIN by phone or text. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, or your balance looks wrong, call Quest Customer Service at 888-997-8111.
• If you disagree with a decision, call DPA at 800-478-7778 and ask how to request a fair hearing. Read your notice closely for the deadline.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program gives $55 per senior per season for fresh Alaska-grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs and Alaska honey at participating farmers markets, farms and roadside stands.

Who qualifies

• Alaska residents 60 or older,
• Household income below 185% of the federal poverty level, and
• Living in a participating community: Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Homer, Kenai, Palmer, Wasilla, Willow, Soldotna or Kodiak.

Season

The 2026 season started June 1, 2026. Benefits expire at midnight on October 31, 2026, and you can spend them down to the penny. Check the Senior Farmers Market page at health.alaska.gov in the spring for next season's sign-up.

How to sign up

• Online: Register in the Healthy Together app (app.healthytogether.co). Choose "Alaska" and then the Alaska Senior FMNP program for the season. A family member or other proxy can sign up for you.
• By phone or in person: Contact a senior distribution agency. You will get a QR code card to use at markets. If you sign up by phone, you must pick up the card at the agency.

What you cannot buy

Food grown outside Alaska, legumes, potted plants, and foods that are processed or have added ingredients.

Things people miss

• Not listing medical costs. Costs over $35 a month can raise your SNAP benefit.
• Thinking savings rule you out. The asset limit is higher when someone is 60 or older.
• Forgetting that Senior Benefits counts as income for SNAP. Report it.
• Letting farmers market benefits expire on October 31.

Free help

• DPA Virtual Contact Center: 800-478-7778.
• Alaska 211: 800-478-2221, for food banks and other local help.

See all benefits in Alaska for Senior Benefits, heating help and Medicaid. SSI and Social Security count as income for SNAP, but you may still qualify.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Alaska agencies

Check what you may qualify for