August 01, 2007
Wednesday

In a special session June 26, 2007, Alaska legislators passed the Senior Benefits Program, which begins August 1st, with payments ranging from $125 to $250 a month, depending on a senior's income level. Because of the short turnaround time required for implementing the program, current beneficiaries will continue to receive $125 a month, followed by supplemental payments to those seniors eligible for higher benefit levels under the new program as soon as applications can be processed.

The Department of Health and Social Services expects about 10,700 seniors will likely qualify for the new program. About 6,700 low-income seniors were enrolled in SeniorCare when the program ended June 30, 2007. To ensure a seamless transition for seniors already enrolled in SeniorCare, the department is working diligently to make sure they apply for the new benefit. New applicants are also encouraged to apply.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin signed Senate Bill 4 on July 28th to continue support for low-income older Alaskans by adopting the Senior Benefits Program.

"This program continues important assistance to Alaska seniors," Governor Palin said. "I promised that seniors would not go hungry, and we worked with the Alaska Legislature to address this critical need."

Seniors may apply by calling the Senior Benefits Office at 1-888-352-4150 statewide, or 352-4150 in Mat-Su, or seniors may apply using the application available online at www.seniorbenefits.alaska.gov

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

 

SitNews ©2007
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska