with the SNAP Salmon Challenge!

2009 Food Stamp Accuracy Improvement Campaign

From: Mary Riggen-Ver, Chief, Program Integrity and Analysis

We’re now officially into a brand new federal fiscal year and looking to have some fun with our very serious challenge to boost our Food Stamp accuracy rate in FFY 2009. Our statewide payment accuracy rate for FFY 2008 currently stands at 93.8%. We have several offices that are performing at 95% accuracy or better, notably Bethel, Coastal Field Office, Nome, Sitka, Gambell, Mat-Su and Central APA. However, our statewide average of 93.8% is running significantly below the national average, which is hovering at 95.4%.

Winter is on its way and the Heating Assistance Program (HAP) is now accepting applications from elderly, seniors and disabled individuals. The Program will begin accepting all other applications effective October 1, 2008. If you receive an application in your office, please forward it to the Heating Assistance Program in Juneau, 400 Willoughby Ave, Suite 301, Juneau, AK 99801-1700. Applications may also be faxed to 465-3319 in Juneau or 1-888-282-3319 from all other areas in Alaska. Please note, if you fax the application to the HAP office, please mail the hardcopy application to the above address. The first benefit checks are scheduled to go out on November 3, 2008.

The Division of Public Assistance is now responsible for administering two heating programs; the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for residents with incomes up to 150% of the poverty income guidelines and the state-funded Alaska Heating Assistance Program (AKHAP). In May of 2008, the Governor signed the Alaska Heating Assistance Program into law and the legislature appropriated $10 million to fund the program. This program is open to eligible residents with incomes from 151% to 225% of the poverty income guidelines. Both programs use the same application and eligibility criteria.

I am pleased to announce that Susan Marshall, formerly with the Tanana Chiefs Conference, is our new Program Coordinator for the Heating Assistance Program. Susan worked for TCC as a Tribal TANF case manager and most recently was responsible for oversight and management of TCC’s tribal heating assistance program.

Last year’s final Food Stamp payment accuracy findings are in and Alaska rocks again ! For federal fiscal year 2007 (Oct. 1 2006 – Sept. 30, 2007) we ranked lucky #13 in the nation with an overall payment accuracy rate of 95.96% (4.04% error rate). The national average for payment accuracy was 94.36% (5.64% error rate).

I am pleased to announce that Mary Riggen-Ver has accepted our offer to become the Chief of Program Integrity and Analysis section. Mary will transfer to her new position effective June 16th. Many of you know Mary from her 17 years working for the Division of Public Assistance. Most recently Mary has been our Quality Assessment Program Officer.