Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)
Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)
What is ATAP?
The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) is a state program that gives cash and work services to low-income families with children. The purpose of the program is to help with basic needs while the family works toward becoming able to support itself.
How can I find out if I am eligible?
To be eligible for assistance, a family must have less than $2,000 in countable resources. This does not include a family’s home, household goods, personal property, or most vehicles. Income is the primary factor in determining if your family is eligible for the program and how much help you can get.
How can I get help from the ATAP program?
If you think you may be eligible for ATAP, contact your local Public Assistance Office. These offices are located in most large communities in Alaska, including Anchorage, Homer, Eagle River, Juneau, Fairbanks, Bethel, Ketchikan, Kotzebue, Kodiak, Nome, Wasilla, and Sitka.
What should I do to continue receiving assistance?
The ATAP program can help a family for 60 months. The goal of the program is to encourage families to find jobs and be able to support themselves. The program uses the “Work First” approach, which is based on the idea that the best way to succeed in the labor market is to get a job. You can advance to better jobs as you develop more skills and good work habits. Therefore, if you receive help from the program, you must look for paid work. If you cannot immediately find paid work, you must participate in activities that will help you learn skills and get experience that will help you get a job. These activities include community work, job and life skills training, adult basic education, and GED preparation. If you have health problems or other hardships, you might be excused from the requirement to get a job or participate in employment-related activities. If you think you may qualify for an exception, you should ask the Division of Public Assistance.