If you are affected by the recent government shutdown, here are Alaska-based resources available to you now. This guide keeps things simple: handle cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep the heat and lights on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen Unemployment Insurance (UI) via myAlaska; certify weekly.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (ARIES), check WIC, and renew/apply for Medicaid (member portal & Virtual Contact Center).
- Keep the heat & lights on: Apply for Heating Assistance Program (HAP/LIHEAP) (Oct 1–Apr 30); use HAP-01 if needed.
- Housing stability: Check AHFC (Housing Choice Vouchers) and HUD Alaska resources.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 or use Alaska 2-1-1 online for statewide navigation.
- Free legal help: Alaska Legal Services Corporation (online intake + statewide line 1-888-478-2572).
Links & resources (Alaska)
Income & Jobs
- Alaska Unemployment Insurance — start here: https://www.labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/home.htm
- UI call centers & instructions (myAlaska): https://www.labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/call-centers.htm
- myAlaska sign-in: https://my-svc.state.ak.us/
Food Access
- SNAP (apply/overview): https://health.alaska.gov/en/services/division-of-public-assistance-dpa-services/snap-nutrition-assistance/
- WIC (state): https://health.alaska.gov/en/services/division-of-public-assistance-dpa-services/wic/
- WIC — how to apply (Anchorage steps): https://www.muni.org/departments/health/wic/pages/howtoapply.aspx
Health Coverage
- Alaska Medicaid — member portal & Virtual Contact Center (800-478-7778):
https://www.medicaidalaska.com/portals/wps/portal/enterprise/memberpublic/
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
- Heating Assistance Program (HAP / LIHEAP): https://health.alaska.gov/en/services/division-of-public-assistance-dpa-services/heating-assistance/
- HAP-01 application (PDF): https://dpaweb.hss.state.ak.us/e-forms/pdf/HAP-01.pdf
Housing
- AHFC — How to apply for Rental Assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers):
https://www.ahfc.us/tenants/how-to-apply-rental-assistance - HUD Alaska — state page & contacts: https://www.hud.gov/states/alaska
One-stop referrals
- Alaska 2-1-1 (United Way of Anchorage): https://alaska211.org/
Legal help
- Alaska Legal Services Corporation — online intake: https://www.alsc-law.org/intake/
- ALSC brochure (contacts & offices): https://alaskabar.org/wp-content/uploads/ALSC_Services_Brochure_FINAL_3-7-2016.pdf
“Crafted by jobsinmystate.com in support of fellow Americans.”