322-2         ABSENCE FROM THE STATE OF ALASKA

 Individuals who leave Alaska are not eligible for Senior Benefits during their absence unless the individual absence is temporary and is for one of the following reasons:

A. MEDICAL TREATMENT

• To receive medical treatment for the individual;
   
• To accompany the individual’s family member who is receiving medical treatment outside the state.  A family member means a person who is legally related to the individual through marriage or guardianship; or is the eligible individual’s sibling, parent, grandparent, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, or first cousin.

B. OTHER REASONS

• For a vacation, business, trip, or other absence of less than 30 consecutive days.  An extension may be allowed for special circumstances beyond the individual’s control if the individual has applied for and received a time extension from the Senior Benefits Office.  The Senior Benefits worker will use his or her prudent judgment when determining whether special circumstances exist.  For example, special circumstances might exist if a senior is prevented from returning to Alaska within 30 days because of a short-term illness, but intends to return immediately once the illness ends.

An individual who expects to be absent from the state more than 30 days:

1. Must notify the department of the reason for the extended absence;
    
2. Must provide a written statement from a physician that the medical treatment requires an absence from the state of 30 days or more;
    
3. May not establish residency outside the state; and
    
4. Must demonstrate to the department’s satisfaction that the individual intends to return to the state once the medical treatment is completed.