(a) An individual is eligible for a cash assistance benefit under the program if the individual
(1) is 65 years of age or older;
(2) is a resident of the state;
(3) is a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien under 8 U.S.C. 1613 and 1641;
(4) has a household income that does not exceed 175 percent of the annual federal poverty line for Alaska, as determined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and revised under 42 U.S.C. 9902(2);
(5) has not received a longevity bonus payment under AS 47.45.010 – 47.45.160 for the same period; and
(6) applies in the format prescribed by the department; the department may use an abbreviated form for an individual who received a payment under an assistance program for seniors that paid $120 a month and was administered by the department on or before July 29, 2007; the department shall establish an electronic application for a cash assistance benefit and allow an applicant to submit an application in electronic format or in other formats required by state and federal law; the electronic application must inform an applicant that a false statement made on the application will be investigated and is punishable under AS 11.56.210; in this paragraph, “electronic application” means an application for benefits or renewal of benefits, whether the department exclusively administers the benefits or administers the benefits in coordination with another state agency or federal agency, electronically completed and submitted through the department’s Internet website.
(b) An eligible individual shall receive a monthly cash assistance payment beginning on August 1, 2007, as follows:
(1) $250 if the individual’s household income does not exceed 75 percent of the federal poverty line for Alaska;
(2) $175 if the individual’s household income does not exceed 100 percent but is above 75 percent of the federal poverty line for Alaska;
(3) $125 if the individual’s household income does not exceed 175 percent but is above 100 percent of the federal poverty line for Alaska.
(c) Cash assistance provided under this section is subject to appropriation.