The Propel Guide To EBT In Alaska: food stamp (SNAP) eligibility.
Food stamp eligibility is complicated, and the rules change often. This page is a good starting point, but the best way to find out if you’re eligible for food stamps is to apply for them.
If you have a question that we haven’t answered here, let us know.
Do I qualify for SNAP (food stamps)?
To figure out if you qualify for food stamps, Alaska needs to know your:
- Household size: How many people you live and buy/make food with.
- Income: How much money your household makes. This includes both earned income (the money you make from jobs) and unearned income (cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support, etc.).
- Assets: How much you have in the bank, not including retirement savings or your most recent tax returns. Some states also include real estate, trusts, investments, and vehicles as assets.
Who counts as a member of my household?
Anyone you live and buy/make food with counts a member of your household.
You may live with people who don’t count as household members, like tenants who are renting a room, or adult children (22+) who buy/make their own food.
Children (under 22) always count as household members, even if they buy/make their own food.
Elderly (60+) and disabled people count as household members if you buy/make food for them, or you buy/make food together. If they live with you but buy/make food separately, they do not count as household members.
What’s the income limit for SNAP (food stamps)?
The best way to determine whether you’re eligible is to start the application process.
How much money/property can I have and still get SNAP (food stamps)?
Alaska’s asset limit is $2,250. This limit goes up to $3,250 if your household includes at least one elderly (60+) or disabled person. This doesn’t include at least 1 vehicle.
Can I get SNAP (food stamps) if I’m unemployed?
Yes, as long as you aren’t leaving a job or reducing your hours specifically so that you’ll qualify. Visit your local office or call the Alaska SNAP hotline to learn more: 1-800-478-7778.
Can I get SNAP (food stamps) if I have a drug felony conviction?
If you were convicted of a drug felony after 8/22/96, you may be permanently ineligible for SNAP benefits in Alaska unless you meet one or more of the following conditions for each of your felony convictions:
- You’re serving or have completed a period of probation or parole.
- You’re serving or have completed mandatory participation in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
- You’re meeting the requirements of your re-entry plan.
Call your local office or the Alaska SNAP hotline to learn more: 1-800-478-7778.
Can I get SNAP (food stamps) if I’m not a citizen?
Non-citizens who have qualified alien immigration status are eligible for food stamps.
Qualified aliens include refugees, victims of trafficking, Cuban and Haitian immigrants, Iraqi and Afghan immigrants with special status, and more.
Can I get SNAP (food stamps) if I’m homeless?
Yes. You do not need a mailing address or housing to apply for food stamps. If you’re currently living in a shelter that gives you free meals, you can still apply for food stamps.
Can I get more SNAP (food stamps) if I’m pregnant or a new parent?
Once your child is born, your household size will increase. More household members = more benefits.
While you are pregnant, you can’t get more food stamps, but you can apply for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.
WIC provides food and resources for pregnant women, new parents, and children up to 5 years old.
Am I eligible for other benefits?
Check out this benefit finder tool and find out.
This page was written based on official government sources, and has been edited for simplicity.
We work hard to ensure this information is accurate, helpful, and up-to-date. We welcome any corrections or feedback here.