Payments from ANC Settlement Trusts will now be excluded from income when assessing eligibility for federal assistance programs
Alaska Native Elders (aged 65+), people with disabilities, and those who are blind will no longer have to make difficult decisions between receiving Alaska Native corporation (ANC) distributions and being eligible for programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or housing assistance.
House of Representatives (H.R.) 42, known as the Alaska Native Settlement Trust Eligibility Act, closes a longstanding gap in Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) provisions, ensuring that Settlement Trust payments from ANCs will not be counted as income when determining eligibility for certain federal assistance programs. H.R. 42 builds on a similar bill introduced by former Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola (Yup’ik) during her term in the U.S. House of Representatives (2023-2025).
Alaska Rep. Nick Begich introduced H.R. 42 on his first day of office in January. The House passed the bill in February, and in June, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski led the final push in the Senate, securing unanimous bipartisan consent. H.R. 42 was signed into law by the president on July 7.
The bill was championed by the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA), which represents the 12 land-based Alaska Native regional corporations, including CIRI.
“Many Elders depend on existing federal programs for housing, supplemental income and nutritional assistance, as well as dividends from their Native corporations and Elder Settlement Trusts,” ARA wrote in a letter to Alaska Sens. Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, dated March 4. “Counting these dividends and distributions as income for the purpose of federal benefits eligibility is an inaccurate reflection of how these funds are generated. … No Elder should be forced to make the choice between accepting the distributions to which they are entitled and still retaining access to medical care. They are the hearts and memories of our communities, and it is incumbent upon all of us to make sure they receive the care and benefits they deserve.”
CIRI President Tabetha Toloff (Athabascan) called the signing of the bill “a remarkable win for our Corporation and our Shareholders.”
“H.R. 42 ensures payments from CIRI and other ANCs can be placed into Settlement Trusts without jeopardizing eligibility for federal assistance programs,” she continued. “This provides Shareholders with greater financial security, protects important cultural and community investments, and strengthens our ability to support future generations.”
“This is a victory for some of Alaska’s most vulnerable: Elders, those living with disabilities and those who are blind,” Rep. Begich said. “H.R. 42 protects the benefits they have rightfully earned, allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity while continuing to receive the support of their Alaska Native corporations.”
H.R. 42 was signed into law at the same time as H.R. 43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025, which eliminates the requirement under ANCSA that Alaska Native village corporations convey land to the state to be held in trust for future municipalities. Approximately 11,500 acres of undeveloped land will instead be returned to the original village corporations. Sen. Murkowski introduced a Senate version of H.R. 43 in July 2023; Rep. Peltola introduced a House version in Nov. 2023.
“When leaders set politics aside and work across the aisle, real progress happens,” Tabetha said. “These bipartisan efforts restore what is rightfully owed to Alaska Native people.”
FAQs
When does H.R. 42 take effect?
The law took effect July 7, the same day it was signed into law. That means ANC Settlement Trust payments are already excluded from being counted as income for federal assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income, SNAP and housing aid for those eligible.
Do I need to be an original Elder to qualify for the exclusions outlined in H.R. 42?
No. An Alaska Native individual qualifies if he/she belongs to any of the three categories specified: blind, disabled or an Elder (aged 65+). Alaska Natives and descendants of Alaska Natives (i.e., voting Shareholders) are eligible.
I’m an Elder who receives federal assistance. Do I need to do anything now that H.R. 42 has passed?
No, you do not need to take any special action. Payments from ANC Settlement Trusts—including those from the CIRI Settlement Trust (CIRI Trust)—are now excluded from income when federal agencies determine eligibility for assistance programs.
Will these payments affect my federal benefits?
No. Settlement Trust payments, such as those from the CIRI Trust, will not reduce or disqualify you from programs such as Medicaid, SNAP or housing assistance.
Should I keep any records?
Yes, it’s a good idea to keep documentation that the payment came from a Settlement Trust, in case an agency staff member has questions.
What does the “five-year window” or “sunset” in H.R. 42 mean?
The bill includes a clause that limits how long the law will be in effect unless further action is taken. This is called a “sunset provision.” In this case, it means the law will automatically expire after five years unless Congress passes another law to extend it. It is currently scheduled to expire July 7, 2030. ANCs and supporters in Congress may advocate extending or making the law permanent as the expiration date draws closer.
