(SitNews) - The state Division of Public Assistance will receive two bonus awards totaling $710,531 for outstanding performance in administering the food stamp program during federal fiscal year 2012.

“Given the range of challenges that DPA staff deals with on a daily basis, this is a fabulous achievement,” Health and Social Services Commissioner William J. Streur said. “It speaks volumes to the expertise, dedication, and professionalism of the division’s excellent eligibility technicians and outstanding quality assessment team.”

The food stamp program, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), served an average 93,123 low-income Alaskans monthly during the award period. Alaska placed second in the nation for both the payment error rate and the case and procedural error rate. The national average for the payment error rate was 3.42 percent; Alaska’s error rate was 1.07 percent.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2012 population estimate for Alaska was 731,449 which would indicate that approximately 8% of Alaskans receive food stamps monthly.

“The awards validate many of the changes in our business processes and are also a clear demonstration of the effective teamwork and collaboration in this division,” Division Director Ron Kreher said.

The division plans to use the bonus funds to improve the administration and operation of Alaska’s food stamp program. “We want to enhance our support for this critical nutrition assistance program, add more value to the services we provide needy individual and families,” Kreher said.

The Alaska Food Stamp Program provides food benefits to low-income households. The federal government funds 100% of the Food Stamp benefit. The State pays half the costs of operating the Food Stamp Program in Alaska.

The Division of Public Assistance issues Food Stamp benefits via the Alaska Quest card. The amount a household receives each month depends on the household's countable income and size of the household.

To receive Food Stamp benefits, most able-bodied people between 16 and 59 years old must register for work, participate in the Employment & Training Program if offered, accept offers of employment, and cannot quit a job.

The asset limit is $2,000 for most households and $3,250 for households containing a member who is disabled or 60 years or older.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News: 

Alaska Department of Health & Social Services
dhss.alaska.gov

U.S. Census Bureau

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