It's Going To Be A Long Cold Winter. Here's How To Get Help Paying For Heat, SNAP Benefits & More

NEED HELP MAKING IT 
THROUGH THE WINTER? 

Alaska Has A New Web Link To Help You Renew SNAP, Medicaid & Other Benefits 

Copper River winter and spring. (All photos, Journal archives)

You Can Use Either Online Or Paper Forms, Not Both

Eligible Alaskans Can Apply Online To Help Pay Heating Costs This Winter 

 CLICK BELOW TO APPLY 

STATE PRESS RELEASE: 

October 9, 2026, Anchorage, Alaska — The Alaska Department of Health (DOH) has added two online forms to the Alaska Connect client portal, making it easier for Alaskans to renew public assistance benefits and apply for Heating Assistance. The new services are part of the Division of Public Assistance’s (DPA) multiyear modernization plan to improve access and application timeliness while streamlining processing.

The new online Eligibility Review form allows Alaskans to renew benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Alaska Temporary Assistance, Adult Public Assistance, Medicaid, Long Term Care and Senior Benefits. Recipients will continue to receive renewal forms by mail but can now complete them online and securely upload supporting documents from a mobile device or desktop computer, such as pay stubs and rent or utility bills. This service builds on previously launched online options for applying for benefits, reporting changes and submitting SNAP Interim Reports.

To be clear, an applicant should only complete either the online or paper form, not both. It is faster to complete the online forms.

“Modernizing our systems is about making it easier for Alaskans to get the help they need while giving our staff better tools to process cases efficiently,” said Deb Etheridge, director of the Division of Public Assistance. “Each new online service moves us closer to that goal. We remain on track with our modernization plan and will continue improving processes and provide more timely, reliable service.”

The new Heating Assistance application allows eligible Alaskans to apply online for a one-time benefit to help with heating costs. The 2026-27 application season is underway and runs through April 30, 2027. 

Both forms are available through Alaska Connect, a mobile-friendly portal that allows users to securely upload documents and receive submission confirmations by email or text. Paper forms and other existing service options remain available for Alaskans who need or prefer them.

Access the New Forms on the Alaska Connect Portal