More than 1,100 elderly Alaskans previously excluded from the Longevity Bonus program are among 7,200 seniors who are now receiving monthly checks of $120 under the new Alaska Senior Assistance Program, established by Governor Frank H. Murkowski.
The governor directed the needs-based program be established to take the place of the bonus program, which was terminated effective this past August. Under the previous program, 18,000 of the state's estimated 44,000 seniors received a monthly check of between $100 and $250. However, the other 26,000 over the age of 65 did not recive any bonus payment. The previous program was based on date of birth criteria only, and did not take into account the personal wealth of an individual.