STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:   2013-01

MANUAL:   Alaska Food Stamp Program

DATE:   March 8, 2013

We are making several changes to clarify existing policy as a result of suggestions from the field.  We have also made changes to the self-employment annualization table based on changes in the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for Alaska. 

Other changes are either technical in nature or clarifications that are the results of policy questions or suggestions from the field.

Highlights of these and other policy revisions are described below.  If you have any questions, please contact the Policy and Program Development Team at (907)465-3328 or email: dpapolicy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 600- 2  Definitions

• Adds an "ice auger" to the list of approved items that can be purchased with Food Stamp benefits for Subsistence Equipment.

• Clarifies example 1 to include child under 21 with family that is added to parents Food Stamp case.
• Adds an example allowing a child under 21 to have their own Food Stamp case.
• Moved example 2 and Note under section (c).

• Clarifies that "good faith effort" sale listings include the use of Craigslist, online realtor, newspaper ads, etc.

MS 604 - 3 G  Adding a Member to the Household

• Adds an example for adding newborns when reported two months before birth.
• Adds an example for adding newborns when reported one month before birth.
• Adds an example for adding a household member under the age of 21.

• Updates self-employment annualization standards with release of Federal Poverty Guidelines for Alaska, effective March 1, 2013.