A judge in Anchorage has ruled that the state of Alaska is violating its regulations by failing to provide timely assistance to low-income elderly and disabled Alaskans. This ruling highlights the severity of the Alaska assistance backlog.
The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by the Alaska civil rights firm Northern Justice Project, alleges that the state’s Department of Health has failed to process multiple applications to Alaska’s adult public assistance program within the required 30 days.
Data provided by the state shows that this requirement has been violated for years. Recent data indicates that the state is still behind on processing applications.
The backlog has resulted in thousands of Alaskans being deprived of vital cash assistance. Nick Feronti, the plaintiff’s lead attorney, stated that the state’s systemic and unlawful delays have caused significant harm to Alaska’s most vulnerable citizens.
A trial is scheduled to begin. During this, state officials will be expected to explain the factors that contributed to the ongoing backlog. The state has attributed the backlog to significant leadership and staff turnover. Moreover, the pandemic-era emergency rules waived certain eligibility determination requirements.
The plaintiffs are seeking improvement benchmarks for the state to meet, as well as the appointment of a special master to advise the state.
Furthermore, the state’s Division of Public Assistance has addressed the application processing backlog. However, attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that these efforts have been insufficient.
The trial will determine whether the state will be required to take additional steps to resolve the backlog. The Alaska Assistance Backlog remains a pressing concern for the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
This news story was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
