Alaska WIC and Energy Assistance for Kinship Caregivers

Alaska's cost of living hits hard in winter — heating fuel in rural communities can run hundreds of dollars a month, and groceries for a growing child add up fast. If you are a grandparent or relative raising a young child, two programs often get overlooked in the rush to apply for ATAP and SNAP: WIC for children under five, and heating assistance for the household.

WIC for Children Under Five

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals for children from birth through age four. The program covers milk, eggs, cereal, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula.

Kinship caregivers — including informal relative caretakers, foster parents, and legal guardians — can apply directly for a young child in their care. You do not need formal custody or a court order to apply. A grandparent raising a two-year-old grandchild can walk into a WIC clinic, show that the child lives with them, and complete the application.

To apply in Alaska:

1. Find a WIC clinic. Alaska lists WIC clinics by region, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla, Kenai, and rural communities. Use the state WIC clinic directory or call the state WIC office at 907-465-3100.
2. Bring identification for yourself and the child, proof of Alaska residency, and income documentation (paystubs, Social Security award letter, or pension statement).
3. Income limits are set at 185% of the federal poverty level. For July 2026 through June 2027, a two-person household qualifies with gross monthly income up to $4,171. Many kinship households where the caregiver lives on Social Security or a modest pension fall well within the limit.
4. Attend a certification appointment. WIC staff will assess the child's nutritional need and issue an eWIC card loaded with your monthly food benefits.

WIC benefits are separate from SNAP. You can receive both programs simultaneously — they cover different items and have different eligibility rules.

Heating Assistance Program (HAP) and LIHEAP

Alaska's Heating Assistance Programs help offset home heating costs. The federal LIHEAP component is federally funded; Alaska's Affordable Heating Program is funded by the state. Standard benefits are one-time payments credited to an approved heating fuel or electric vendor account.

Eligibility is based on household income and size. Because the program counts household income, the caregiver's income is included. For the 2026–2027 season, a two-person household's monthly income limit is $5,071. Federal LIHEAP covers households up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines; Alaska's Affordable Heating Program extends eligibility up to 225%.

How to apply:

• Online or by phone: Apply through Alaska Connect or call the Virtual Contact Center at 800-478-7778.
• In person: Visit your regional Division of Public Assistance office. Bring proof of identity, residency, household composition, income, and a recent heating bill or fuel delivery receipt.
• Timing matters. Standard Heating Assistance applications are accepted October 1 through April 30. Applications submitted in September may be processed, but payments are not issued before October 1.

Payments go directly to your utility company or fuel vendor, not to you. The amount depends on your income, household size, community heating-cost points, and primary fuel. Alaska's 2026 model assigns self-harvested wood or coal 50% of local oil cost points, purchased wood or coal 80%, and wood pellets 90%.

General Relief Assistance for Emergencies

If the heating bill cannot wait for HAP processing, Alaska's General Relief Assistance (GRA) program under AS 47.25.120–47.25.300 can provide emergency vendor payments for fuel, utilities, shelter, and basic needs for households facing immediate destitution. Processing takes up to 30 days, and the payments go directly to the vendor.

To qualify, an applicant must be an Alaska resident and a U.S. citizen or legal alien; an adult or eligible minor; have an immediate and specific need; have no access to other resources; and not be eligible for other programs that meet the need. DPA's current limits are $500 in countable resources and net monthly income below $300 for one person, $400 for two, $500 for three, plus $100 for each additional person.

Apply through Alaska Connect using the Application for Services (GEN 50C). You can apply for General Relief Assistance and other public assistance programs on the same application.

Stacking Benefits for a Kinship Household

A grandparent raising a toddler grandchild in Alaska could realistically receive:

• ATAP child-only cash for the child if DPA determines the caregiver's income and resources are not available to the child
• SNAP for the SNAP household. People who live together and customarily buy and prepare food together form one household. Alaska also counts parents and children 21 or younger who live together in the same household; a child under 18 living with and under the parental control of another adult household member must be included with that adult.
• WIC for the child under five (separate from SNAP)
• Denali KidCare health coverage for the child
• HAP/LIHEAP heating assistance for the household
• Free school meals through Direct Certification if receiving SNAP or ATAP

For a complete walkthrough of every program, the application process, and what documents to bring, see our Alaska Financial Help for Kinship Caregivers guide.

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