Juneau, Alaska – Legislation to extend a needs-based senior benefit program passed the Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday. House Bill 263, sponsored by Rep. Mike Hawker, extends the Senior Benefits Program through 2021, adding six years to its sunset.

“This needs based program truly makes a difference,” Hawker, R-Anchorage, said. “It has a very real benefit where it’s most needed: with an extremely vulnerable segment of our population, our low income seniors. I’m proud to carry on the Alaska tradition of caring for our elders and for each other.”

Hawker sponsored legislation in 2007 creating the Senior Benefits Payment Program. Beneficiaries have an average age of 75 (the oldest is 103), with household incomes of less than 175% of the federal poverty level for Alaska ($25,515 per year). “This year 11,000 of Alaska’s lowest income senior citizens can rest a little easier knowing that they have that extra payment to heat their homes, buy groceries or pay for their medication,” Hawker said.

HB263 now moves to the Alaska Senate for consideration.