Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act

This law makes it easier for some Alaska Natives to qualify for need-based help. For five years after it takes effect, cash or benefits paid from an Alaska Native Settlement Trust to a person who is aged, blind, or disabled will not be counted when deciding if they qualify for certain federal assistance programs, like food benefits. This means people can get help from their community trust without losing access to programs they rely on to meet basic needs .

Key points:

• Who is affected: Alaska Natives and descendants who are aged, blind, or disabled.
• What changes: Settlement Trust payments and benefits won’t count against eligibility for certain need-based federal programs (for example, SNAP).
• When: This protection lasts for five years starting on the date the law takes effect.