Money Assistance Alaska – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more

Even though Alaska has one of the lowest poverty level rates at just over 9 percent, there are plenty of options available for individuals and families in need of financial assistance. If you are struggling to pay your bills every month, you could qualify for help with utilities, food, and rent, medical or educational expenses.

Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Alaska. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Alaska.

Loan Help: In instances where you may need a cash injection, there are a range of low income loans available through non-profits, banks and credit unions – Learn more here

Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Alaska collecting Social Security may qualify for more financial assistance through SSI. For those whose only income is Social Security and you are in need of a loan, there may be specialist lenders who will assist. Learn more about SSI and other social security loan options here.

Assistance with utilities: With Alaska winters dipping between 5 and 30 degrees in the winter, having working utilities is essential. If you need helping paying for heating, the Heating Assistance Program offers assistance with utility deposits for individuals living in subsidized housing. Additionally, heating assistance helps individuals pay some of their heating expenses from October through April. You can begin applying for assistance October 1. Disabled applicants can submit applications beginning September 1.

Food Assistance: If your monthly income falls within 130 percent of the national poverty level, you may qualify for assistance with your food budget through the food stamps program. The Division of Public Assistance provides federally-funded assistance for qualified families. Alaska regulations regarding food stamps are unique in that some areas allow for higher benefits in rural areas as well as the ability to purchase hunting and fishing supplies in some communities. A family of four must bring home $2485 or less per month and can qualify for up to $1178 per month in food assistance, depending on where they live.

Rent and Mortgage: Qualifying residents may be able to receive assistance with housing costs through the Alaska Housing Program. This program provides specialty loans designed for single-family homes, first time home buyers and veterans. Reduced rates are available if you meet certain income limits as well as possible tax exemptions. Residents can also apply for assistance through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Emergency assistance as well as subsidized housing units are available.

Medical Assistance: Residents who need help covering medical bills can apply for Medicaid or Medicare. These federally funded programs provide varying levels of assistance with medical expenses. Additionally, the CAMA program (Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance) provides assistance to needy individuals who have been diagnosed with qualifying illnesses. You must not qualify for Medicaid, have limited income and have little or no health insurance. Illnesses covered include terminal diseases, cancer, chronic diabetes, chronic seizure disorders, chronic mental illness and chronic hypertension.

Educational Assistance: In additional to the Federal Pell Grant program, students in Alaska can receive financial assistance to help cover education costs through the AlaskaAdvantage Education Grant and the Alaska Performance Scholarship. The scholarship helps students who earn at least a 2.5 GPA and successfully completes a college preparation test. AlaskaAdvantage offers grants up to $3,000 per year for students with a financial need.

Community Action Centers: The Alaska Community Action Program provides access to various programs and resources including Head Start programs, Energy Wise, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation, Affordable Housing, Homeward Bound, Homeless Outreach, Safe Harbor and the Weatherization program. Any resident can access these resources to provide volunteer services or to see if they qualify for help.

Charities: Alaska has over 400 charity organizations that provide assistance and service to various communities. Some of the most accessible charities in the state include The Salvation Army, Advocates for Victims of Violence Inc., Ahtna Heritage Foundation, Akeela Inc and Kawerak Inc.

Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Alaska, including: Free clothes, furniture, car, school accessories, help with fines, seasonal items & more!
The below services are in general and may not be available in Alaska. However, if not available, many may have partnerships with other organizations through out the state that they can connect you with.

Free Hotel or Motel Vouchers for the Homeless or Emergencies
Those experiencing hardship and are without a roof over their head can access different types of short and possibly longer term accommodation throughout Alaska. Learn more about accommodation assistance in here.

Dealing with tickets or fines
If you have unpaid tickers or fines, avoiding them will only create further financial and credit problems. Learn about ways to get assistance with dealing with fines in Alaska, from requesting a waiver or challenging inaccurate fines. Get the information you need to tackle fines here.

How to get a free laptop or computer
Low income families have a range of organizations that provide free technology assistance such as computers and laptops throughout the country including Alaska. Learn about what free computers and laptop organizations are near you and how to apply here.

Getting a free or low cost car
At any given time there are different organizations that assist low income earners with transportation. Across the country and in Alaska there are different services that assist people with getting a vehicle. Learn more about free cars, how to get one and where to apply.

How to get free gas for emergencies
Gas prices in Alaska like most of the country are extremely high. This can put serious strain on the family budget. For those dealing with cashflow issues and finding it hard to put fuel in the car, there is help. Learn how to get free gas for emergencies through free gas vouchers.