 Needs-based program begins in September & will be available for 10 months... June 27, 2003
"The new program treats all Alaskans over 65 equally and fairly," said Joel Gilbertson, DHSS Commissioner. "All seniors, whether they received the longevity bonus or not, can apply for the program." Under the current Alaska Longevity Bonus Program, only seniors who turned 65 before 1994 receive the full bonus of $250 monthly. Seniors who turned 65 after 1996 did not receive a longevity bonus, regardless of their financial need. The Department plans to mail applications to seniors and will publicize the new program beginning in August of this year. Together, the Departments of Health and Social Services and Law, are currently drafting emergency regulations to implement the program changes this fall. The new Alaska Senior Assistance Program is designed to provide a $120 monthly check to senior Alaskans with annual incomes of up to $15,134, or $20,439 for a couple, who have assets up to $4,000 per person, or $6,000 per couple. Excluded from the income and
asset calculations is the annual Permanent Fund Dividend check,
a home, automobiles, and other real property. Included in the
total assets are cash and financial investments, such as stocks
and bonds that can easily be converted to cash. "We will not need a new bureaucracy to administer the new program," Gilbertson said. "The application process will be as simple as we can make it. Funding is available from the federal government through the recently enacted tax relief bill that also includes financial assistance to hard-pressed state governments. Once the emergency regulations are drafted we will do everything possible to make all Alaskan seniors aware of the new initiative." The new program will be available
for 10 months, from September 2003 through June of 2004.
Source of News Release:
|
||