Food Stamps Being Delayed In Alaska: Know Impact & More Details

The Alaska Department of Health is currently grappling with significant delays in processing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Food Stamps, applications.

These delays have affected thousands of residents, many of whom depend on this assistance for basic nutrition.

The issue, which has been ongoing for several years, stems from various systemic problems within Alaska’s Department of Public Assistance.

Long-Standing Backlog of Applications

According to data from a class-action lawsuit led by the Northern Justice Project, the backlog in processing applications for Food Stamps remains severe.

Nick Feronti, the attorney representing affected residents, pointed out that despite various efforts to resolve the issue, many applicants are still waiting for months to receive benefits.

This delay is not only impacting the well-being of individuals and families but is also undermining the integrity of Alaska’s SNAP system.

In September 2024, over 3,000 Alaskans had been waiting for more than a month for their applications to be processed.

State data shows a decline in the percentage of applications being processed on time, dropping from 87% in May to only 63% in September, a significant decrease compared to the goal of timely service.

Contributing Factors to Delays

Several factors contribute to these ongoing delays:

1. Staff Shortages: The Department of Public Assistance has struggled with staffing issues for years, which has been exacerbated by the increased demand for assistance.
2. Outdated Technology: The department’s outdated systems make it difficult to manage the growing volume of applications effectively, contributing to the processing delays.
3. Seasonal Increases in Applications: The current backlog is partly due to a seasonal surge in applications. Each year, as winter approaches, more Alaskans apply for Food Stamps to meet their nutritional needs.
4. Reintroduction of the Interview Process: The department has reintroduced the interview process for applicants to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud. While this is a necessary step, it adds another layer to the already slow process, further delaying approvals.

Impact on Alaskans

The delays in Food Stamps processing are especially concerning as they come at a critical time, with winter approaching.

This is the third consecutive year that Alaskans have faced significant delays in receiving their food assistance, forcing many to turn to alternative sources of support, such as food banks. However, even food banks are struggling to meet the increasing demand.

For those waiting, the delay means more than just postponed benefits—it can result in serious food insecurity, increased stress, and financial instability for families across the state.

Efforts to Address the Backlog

The current director of the Alaska Department of Public Assistance, Deb Etheridge, who was appointed in 2023, has acknowledged the issue.

Etheridge inherited a significant backlog of applications and has since worked to improve processing times.

In a recent statement, she expressed optimism that the department could return to its normal processing schedule within the next 30 days. The department has reactivated a dedicated team to manage delays, and steps are being taken to address the root causes.

Despite these efforts, attorney Nick Feronti argues that these temporary fixes are insufficient. He emphasizes the need for long-term solutions to address the systemic issues plaguing Alaska’s SNAP program, such as hiring more staff and updating the department’s outdated technology.

Lawsuit and Legal Action

The class-action lawsuit led by the Northern Justice Project aims to hold the state accountable for the delays. The lawsuit is pushing for strict oversight of the Alaska Department of Public Assistance until substantial improvements are made.

Feronti and his team are advocating for permanent changes to ensure that residents receive timely access to Food Stamps, which is their right under federal law.

The legal team hopes that court intervention will compel the state to implement more effective, long-term strategies for handling SNAP applications.

The persistent delays in Alaska’s Food Stamps program have caused widespread hardship for thousands of residents who rely on this assistance to meet their basic nutritional needs.

Despite some improvements, the system remains plagued by staffing shortages, outdated technology, and increased demand.

Legal efforts are underway to push the state to implement lasting solutions, but for now, many Alaskans are left waiting, especially as winter approaches.

FAQs