STATE OF ALASKA

Department of Health and Social Services

Division of Public Assistance 

TRANSMITTAL NUMBER:   2020-03

MANUAL:   Alaska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

DATE:   December 1, 2020

This year the Social Security Administration announced a Cost of Living Allowance ( COLA ) increase effective January 2021, which increased the payee fee that can be excluded as unearned income.

Highlights of these and other policy revisions are described below. If you have any questions, please contact the Policy & Program Development team at dpapolicy@alaska.gov.

OVERVIEW OF CHANGES

MS 601           Application Process

• Clarified that in order to determine eligibility for SNAP, an interview must be conducted by a DPA caseworker or contracted fee agent. A NFAP interview cannot be used as an interview for SNAP.

MS 601-4       Verification

• Clarified that an eligibility determination cannot be based solely on the information provided on an application or recertification. The caseworker must confirm that the household is ineligible before the application or recertification can be denied. Verbal confirmation of ineligibility is sufficient.
• Clarified that verification of shelter costs are required.
• Added information regarding the Instant Eligibility Verification System (IEVS).
• Changed in child support interface name from NSTAR to WINSTAR .

MS 602-1(C)       Identity

• Clarified there is no requirement that the document used to verify identity include a current address.
• Added SOLQ as an acceptable verification source for identity.
• Clarified that existing records retained in ILINX can continue to be used as verification of identity.

MS 602-1(F)       Work Requirements

• Revised to include the new E&T providers "My House" and "Covenant House".

MS 602-3(B)       Unearned Income

• Updated payee fees to reflect COLA change.

MS 602-4(E)      Shelter Deduction

• Clarified verification of shelter costs are required.

MS 604-2(E)       Recertification

• Changed child support interface name from NSTAR to WINSTAR .
• Added information regarding the Instant Eligibility Verification System (IEVS).

MS 605-1(D)       Institutions

• Clarified residents of FNS or State Approved treatment centers can only participate in SNAP using the authorized representative designated by the center.
• Added link to the SNAP Authorized Representative EBT Card job aid.

Addendum 1      SNAP Program City and Village Classification

• Added Marshall in Rural II as it is not currently listed.