Special SNAP Services in Alaska

Alaska offers special SNAP services for residents facing urgent needs or disasters. These programs include expedited benefits for immediate hunger, disaster relief, and simplified applications for seniors and disabled individuals.

Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)

This program provides food assistance within seven days to households facing immediate hunger with little to no cash. It allows families to buy groceries without delay during a crisis.

Eligibility is based on financial hardship. A household may qualify if it has under $100 in cash, a monthly gross income under $150, or housing and utility costs that exceed its available income and cash.

To apply, submit a standard SNAP application. The DPA screens every application for emergency criteria and will automatically issue expedited benefits if the household qualifies. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP offers temporary food aid to households affected by a federally declared disaster. It helps survivors replace lost food and cover new expenses, even if they don't normally qualify for SNAP.

To be eligible, you must live in an approved disaster area and have suffered income loss, property damage, or other disaster-related costs that impact your ability to buy food.

After a disaster declaration, the DPA will announce application dates and locations. Applicants must provide a photo ID and proof of address or disaster costs. Approved benefits are issued on an EBT card within three days. More program details are available online.

Replacement SNAP Benefits For Food Lost In A Disaster

Current SNAP households can replace food purchased with their benefits if it was destroyed in an event like a power outage, flood, or storm. This service prevents additional hardship after a disaster.

Any household in Alaska receiving SNAP that loses food in a disaster is eligible. The standard 10-day reporting deadline may be waived by the USDA for widespread events.

To receive aid, you must report the loss to the DPA and submit a replacement benefit form by the specified deadline. The value of the lost food, up to your prior month’s benefit, is added to your EBT card. Find more disaster nutrition assistance information online.

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

The Elderly Simplified Application Project, or ESAP, streamlines the SNAP process for older adults and people with disabilities. It reduces paperwork and makes it easier to maintain benefits.

This project is for households where every adult is aged 60 or older or has a disability, and no one has earned income. Alaska’s ESAP is scheduled to run from December 2024 through November 2029.

Eligible households are automatically placed in ESAP after filing a standard SNAP application. They receive a 36-month certification period and do not need to file interim reports or complete a recertification interview unless questions arise. Details are available from the DPA.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Alaska

Once approved for SNAP, you need to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. It works like a debit card. The card is loaded with your monthly food assistance funds, which you can then use to purchase groceries at authorized stores.

At checkout, you swipe or insert your EBT card into the point-of-sale terminal and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance. This process is similar to using a standard bank card for payment.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items to prepare at home. This helps families put nutritious meals on the table. Eligible items generally include most groceries that form a healthy diet.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Non-alcoholic beverages

However, there are restrictions on what you can buy. Benefits cannot be used for non-food items, prepared hot meals, or certain substances. This ensures funds are used for essential food supplies.

• Alcohol, beer, wine, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot foods ready to eat

• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, or cosmetics

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, and corner stores across Alaska. Look for the Quest or SNAP logo at the store entrance or checkout lane to confirm they take EBT payments for eligible food items.

You can also use your benefits to buy fresh, local produce at participating farmers’ markets. This is a great way to support local agriculture while purchasing healthy food. Check with your local market to see if they accept EBT.

For convenience, some online retailers accept EBT for grocery orders in Alaska. Major companies like Amazon and Walmart allow you to purchase eligible food items online and pay with your SNAP benefits, making grocery shopping more accessible.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can stretch your budget by earning cash back on your regular spending. Get money back on groceries from stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. You can also earn from services you use, including Uber and Lyft, helping you save on essentials.

Download Benny for free, connect your EBT card, and start earning cashback on your shopping.