STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health

Division of Public Assistance

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER: 2026-04

MANUAL: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

DATE: October 1, 2026

This update includes a small revision to the allowable SUD amount for the South Central region, as well as a correction to remove contradictory language from the manual.

Highlights of this policy revision are described below. If you have any questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development team at hss.dpa.policy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 602-4(E)      SHELTER DEDUCTION

• Removed language indicating that expenses covered by LIHEAPLow Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program or similar Energy Assistance payments are always allowable expenses. Expenses covered by LIHEAPLow Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program or similar Energy Assistance payments are only allowable when the household includes an elderly or disabled member.

Addendum 4      PROGRAM STANDARDS AND MAXIMUM ALLOTMENTS

• Updated FFY 2027 South Central SUDStandard Utility Deduction amount from $611 to $612 to align with FNAFood and Nutrition Administration revision.