Senior Benefits Bill Signed by Governor
May 02, 2011
Monday
(SitNews) - Governor Sean Parnell today signed legislation extending the Alaska Senior Benefits Program. The program provides monthly cash assistance to state residents age 65 years or older whose household income does not exceed 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for Alaska. House Bill 16, sponsored by Representative Mike Hawker, extends the program to June 30, 2015.
“The Alaska Senior Benefits Program continues important assistance to thousands of Alaska seniors,” Governor Parnell said. “I appreciate legislators approving the extension.”
The bill received unanimous support in the Legislature.
"The Alaska Senior Benefits Payment Program provides real comfort and financial stability to older Alaskans who most need it," said Representative Hawker. "My colleagues and I recognize the value of our seniors, and want them to have peace of mind knowing these benefit payments will continue to offset high costs of living."
Alaska lawmakers first approved a new monthly cash benefit program for elders 65 and older on limited incomes in June 2007, with the Senior Benefits Program starting Aug. 1, 2007.
Three benefit amounts from $125 to $250 are offered, based on gross annual income (before any deductions are taken for taxes, Medicare premiums, etc.). Assets, such as savings accounts, are not considered. Income limits are tied to the Federal Poverty guideline for Alaska and updated annually.
Senior
Household
Size |
Senior Benefits Program Gross Annual Income Limit
Effective: March 01, 2011
|
|
|
|
Individual |
$10,200
($850 per month) |
$13,600
($1,134 per month) |
$23,800
($1,984 per month) |
Married Couple |
$13,785
($1,149 per month) |
$18,380
($1,532 per month) |
$32,165
($2,680 per month) |
Seniors may apply for benefits by calling 1-888-352-4150 or by downloading the Senior Benefits Program Application.
Related:
2011 Federal HSS Poverty Guidelines
Persons
in Family |
48 Contiguous
States and D.C. |
Alaska |
Hawaii |
| 1 |
$10,890 |
$13,600 |
$12,540 |
| 2 |
14,710 |
18,380 |
16,930 |
| 3 |
18,530 |
23,160 |
21,320 |
| 4 |
22,350 |
27,940 |
25,710 |
| 5 |
26,170 |
32,720 |
30,100 |
| 6 |
29,990 |
37,500 |
34,490 |
| 7 |
33,810 |
42,280 |
38,880 |
| 8 |
37,630 |
47,060 |
43,270 |
For each additional
person, add |
3,820 |
4,780 |
4,390 |
SOURCE: Federal Register, Vol. 76, No. 13, January 20,
2011, pp. 3637-3638
On the Web:
Download the Senior Benefits Program Application
http://dpaweb.hss.state.ak.us/e-forms/pdf/gen152.pdf
Mail or fax your application to:
Senior Benefits Office
855 W. Commercial Drive,
Wasilla, AK 99654
Phone: 1-888-352-4150 or 352-4150;
Fax: 357-2561, toll-free 1-866-352-8539
Sources of News:
Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us
Senior Benefits Program
www.seniorbenefits.alaska.gov
Federal Register, Vol. 76, No. 13, January 20,
2011, pp. 3637-3638
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