714-1          ALASKA RESIDENCY

This section explains the state residency requirements of ATAPAlaska Temporary Assistance Program.

714-1 A.      DEFINITION OF ALASKA RESIDENCY

For the purpose of ATAPAlaska Temporary Assistance Program, an Alaska resident is an individual who:

• Lives in Alaska voluntarily and has made a home in the state or has the intention of making a home in the state; and
• Is not in Alaska for a temporary reason such as a vacation or business trip.

If Alaska residency is already established and the individual is living in Alaska at the time of application, that individual's residency continues until he or she abandons it.

Children are considered residents of the state if their caretaker relative is a resident, even if they normally reside with another caretaker relative living outside of the State of Alaska for a portion, or even a majority of the year.

Note:

Some individuals, such as migrant workers, may enter the State because of a job commitment or to seek employment. These individuals are considered Alaska residents if they live in Alaska at the time of application and are not receiving public assistance or other benefits based on state residency from another state.

714-1 B.      TEMPORARY ABSENCE AND RESIDENTS RESIDING OUT OF THE STATE

TATemporary Assistance may not be denied or terminated because an individual is temporarily absent from the state for specific purposes (as defined below) if that individual intends to return to the state when the purpose of the absence has been accomplished, and does not intend to change residency.

A temporary absence is defined as an absence which lasts less than two full calendar months. Absences longer than this can be allowed as not affecting residence if the absence is verified as being for the purpose of:

1. Obtaining essential medical care not available in Alaska; or
2. Participating in an work activity, treatment, training, or educational activity approved by DPADivision of Public Assistance.

A temporary absence from the state before or after submitting an application, but before eligibility is determined, does not constitute abandonment of residency if the absence occurred for a specific purpose that did not involve an intent to change residence and the individual has a plan to return to Alaska at a future date.

Evaluate residency status when questionable. Consider the following:

• Reason for the absence;
• Duration and frequency of absence;
• Where personal and household possessions are kept;
• Where the individual votes or pays resident taxes;
• Place of employment; and
• Any other factors that would establish a place of residency.

For an individual who moves out of Alaska permanently, close the case with timely adverse action.

714-1 C.      VERIFICATION OF RESIDENCY

A verbal statement from the individual is sufficient to document his or her intent unless there is conflicting information. The caseworker may require applicants or recipients to provide proof of Alaska residency if there is reason to doubt their state residency. Items that can be used to prove state residency include, but are not limited to: rent receipts, utility bills, in-state school tuition, current driver's license, current voter's registration card, city directory, and statements from other individuals who are aware of the client's license, current voter's registration card, city directory, and statements from other individuals who are aware of the client's situation.