Incentives & Rewards

Families must be enrolled in Jumpstart to be eligible for an incentive. Eligible participants can receive $3,000 up to $5,000, depending on their service Level to support education and employment goals. Level 1 families pay 50 percent or more of their income towards their shelter costs (rent and utilities), and Level 2 families pay less than 50 percent. Jumpstart incentives include:

Work Rewards

For eligible participants who are working less than 30 hours a week at Jumpstart enrollment (less than full time), and then after enrollment averages at least 30 or more hours a week of employment for the period below. Multiple adults in the household may receive these rewards.

  • Initial Employment (3 months): $250 for three consecutive months
  • Sustained Employment (9 months): $250 for nine months in a one-year period
  • Sustained Employment (18 months): $250 for 18 months in a two-year period

Educational Incentives & Rewards

For classes or training programs that support employment or career advancement.

  • Tuition Assistance: Level 1: Up to $5,000 and Level 2: Up to $3,000
  • Educational Rewards: Up to $500 upon class or training completion based on credit hour, cash awards are made for GED completion or class completion ($100 per credit)

Savings Match

In addition to enrolling in Jumpstart, families must successfully complete Alaska Housing's Financial Literacy Requirement before they are eligible for this incentive. Families may save up to $500 each year, for a maximum of $1,500. The savings match is paid once Alaska Housing has verified the savings and the family has ended their housing assistance.

Support Services

Up to $300 annually on a case by case basis to assist with other costs to secure and maintain long-term employment.

Limitation on Incentives & Rewards

Each family may receive a $3,000 (Level 2) or a $5,000 (Level 1) maximum in Jumpstart incentives during their participation in housing assistance. No Jumpstart incentives will be paid if a family has a past due balance with Alaska Housing or if the family is not in compliance with Alaska Housing program obligations.