We are living in the age of technology, yet the State of Alaska Division of Public Assistance (DPA) still requires individuals to sign documents with a wet signature in order to receive benefits. Why can we file for the Permanent Fund Dividend, unemployment benefits, fishing licenses, and even hunting tags with an electronic signature, yet low income families cannot apply for basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare with an electronic signature?

Due the pandemic, DPA offices are closed to the public and applicants already have a barrier to enrolling in DPA programs. On top of that, many applicants rely on timely mail services in order to meet important application deadlines. Often times, mail is not delivered timely, especially in parts of Alaska where mail delivery is weather-dependent. The application process is extremely rigorous and time-consuming, although signing one's name should not be a challenge. There are obvious barriers for our fellow Alaskans getting the services they need but there is a solution: DPA can simply update their policy.

You can make a positive impact on your community. Please sign this petition to encourage the Alaska Division of Public Assistance to update their policy to allow electronic signatures for our fellow Alaskans in need.