Food Stamp Efforts Pays Off - $205,389 in Federal Bonus

“Better Than Average” campaign revitalizes payment accuracy; DHSS gives $20,000 to Food Bank of Alaska to benefit programs to feed hungry kids this summer.

(Anchorage, Alaska) — U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Under Secretary Eric Bost recognized Alaska’s Food Stamp program as one of the three most improved in the nation today during an event held at the Food Bank of Alaska. Bost awarded the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services (DHSS ) $205,389 for its successful effort to improve payment accuracy. “This achievement is a result of decisive action and hard work. It is satisfying to receive national recognition for our efforts,” said DHSS Commissioner Joel Gilbertson.

Better than Average Payment Accuracy Campaign Update - June '05

On Thursday June 30th, Alaska will receive a performance bonus award of $205,000 from the USDA as the state with the most improved Food Stamp Program payment accuracy in the nation. This is a great accomplishment you've helped us achieve. When we started our Better than Average campaign in October 2003 we had the dubious distinction of the highest error rate in the nation. We set ambitious goals for work quality improvement, and you've reached them, earning Alaska positive recognition and financial reward. This is no small feat, for it is rare for a state to make such marked inprovement in a single year.

DPA Stars!

Congratulations to these stars who shine BRIGHTLY in the days of the Midnight Sun!

This awesome superstar was born and raised in Seward, Alaska however now makes her home in Wasilla. Her motto is: "you got to have love" and she spreads love and hugs wherever she goes. Friends and co-workers describe her as someone who has an absolutely contagious smile, laughter that spreads to everyone around, and the most positive attitude of anyone they have ever met. She genuinely loves people and you can see that in everything she does. She has a natural ability to bring people on opposite sides together. And is dedicated to our agency, customers, and her co-workers. Considered an expert by those around her, she is equally fun, organized, and cheerful. This mega star goes by the 11th letter of the alphabet twice: "KK" . Can you guess who she is?

Child Care a Focus in Welfare Overhaul

WASHINGTON -- As a hospice care worker, Aniya Witherspoon says her goal each day is to bring joy to people living out their final days.

"If I can make them smile, then I've done my job," said the certified nursing assistant and mother of two who lives in Charleston, W.Va.

To do her job, Witherspoon relies on the government to help pay for child care.

She now pays $4 a day. Without that federal assistance, her daily bill would run $36. And she only makes $64 each day.

Better than Average Payment Accuracy Campaign Update - May '05

You many have noticed the new Food Stamp Program payment accuracy figures are posted on DPAweb. Our accuracy rate improved, and now stands closer to our goal at 93.5%. And there's a good accompanying trend of progress, our accuracy rate for the latest four completed sample months is 95%! Good signs that our campaign goal of 94% is within reach.

The Food Stamp Program has expanded the performance measures to include cash bonuses for state's with the best Negative error rate. The Negative QC sample examines the correctness of our decisions on denied food stamp applications and case closures. Positively good news thus far - 100% accuracy. Keep it up and you'll have us in the hunt for that award.