Alaska looks to streamline SNAP approval process

The process of receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits has been clogged for some time in Alaska, with a state division dealing with a backlog of applications since inflation began troubling the economy.

A measure introduced in the Alaska House of Representatives would put the SNAP process at ease, according to reporting by Alaska Public Media. The bill would enact “broad-based categorical eligibility,” meaning that those who qualify for other benefits would automatically be eligible for SNAP. Alaska is one of six states which do not have that automatic process in place. 

Rep. Genevieve Mina (D-Anchorage) introduced the bill to the state House and admits it will not do much to alleviate the current backlog, but she says that removing clunky items from the application process, like the asset test, should streamline the operation moving forward. 

According to Mina, the state department of health could have implemented broad-based categorical eligibility back in 2019 and again in 2023.

The division which has been backlogged — the Division of Public Assistance — has already evaluated the broad-based categorical eligibility and stands “neutral” on Mina’s measure. The agency will wait and see what happens in the state legislature and at the governor’s office. 

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That same division has been making some headway at addressing the backlog of SNAP hopefuls, but staffing issues are preventing any kind of solution, according to reporting from Alaska Public Media. 

In 2021 over 100 jobs in that division were eliminated. 

The Alaska House bill would also increase the eligibility threshold of SNAP from 130% of the federal poverty line to 200%. This would prevent those who receive a modest increase in wages to lose SNAP benefits.