Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (Cash Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
The Alaska Temporary Assistance Program, ATAP, is the state's TANF program. It gives monthly cash and work help to low-income families with children. The idea is that the cash steadies the household while a parent works toward a job. You can apply online through the Alaska Connect portal, or by phone through the Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778 (TDD or Alaska Relay 7-1-1).
ATAP is for families with children who have low income and limited resources. To qualify, your countable resources must be less than $2,000, or less than $3,000 if the family includes a person who is 60 or older. Things like a small amount of savings count here, so ask what is included before you assume you have too much.
The clock is the fact to plan around. Help is limited to 60 months of assistance over a lifetime. That is a lifetime cap, not a yearly one, so treat each month you use as spent for good. If you are close to the limit, ask your case manager how many months you have left.
ATAP uses a 'Work First' approach. Most adults must look for paid work or take part in set activities, such as community work experience, job and life skills training, adult basic education, or GED preparation. You build a plan with a case manager and follow it to keep your cash coming.
The cash amount is not a flat figure. The program sets the amount based on your family's size, income, and housing costs, and it is reduced for families with low shelter costs. Because the amount can be modest, the real value is often what comes with it. Getting ATAP connects you to work services and makes it easy to apply for SNAP and Medicaid at the same office.
Stack the help you can. Alaska expanded Medicaid, so the adults in the home may get coverage, WIC covers young children and pregnant parents, and 2-1-1 tracks local emergency funds. Keep your address and phone number current so the office can reach you about your plan and any reviews.
Phone 800-478-7778
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Families with children who are Alaska residents, with countable resources under $2,000 (or $3,000 if someone in the home is 60 or older) and income below the ATAP limit for your family size
- Most adults take part in Work First activities, and help is limited to 60 months of assistance over a lifetime
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the Alaska Connect portal, or by phone at 800-478-7778.
- 2
Show that your family has a child in the home and that you are an Alaska resident.
- 3
Gather proof of income and resources; the resource limit is under $2,000, or under $3,000 if a member is 60 or older.
- 4
Meet with a case manager to build your Work First plan of job search, training, or work experience.
- 5
Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC at the same time to make the most of one visit.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the family
- Proof of income and Alaska residency
- Proof that a child lives in your home. The office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who can get ATAP?
Families with children who are Alaska residents, have countable resources under $2,000 (or under $3,000 with a member 60 or older), and have low income.
How long can I get help?
Up to 60 months of assistance over a lifetime. It is a lifetime cap, so each month you use counts against it for good.
Do I have to work?
Most adults do. ATAP uses a Work First approach: you look for work or join activities like training, work experience, adult basic education, or GED prep.
How much cash does it pay?
The program sets the amount based on your family's size, income, and housing costs. It is reduced for families with low shelter costs.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Alaska programs →Free · Private · No account needed