2022 Kuskokwim Subsistence Fishery Disaster Relief – Applications Open
Photo by Della Tinker.
Applications are open for 2022 Kuskokwim fishery disaster relief funds!
INFORMATION
WHAT: The Secretary of Commerce declared a disaster for 2022 Kuskokwim River Chinook, chum, and coho salmon fisheries, and worked with the State of Alaska – with feedback from KRITFC and the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) – to allocate $298,728 for disaster relief checks to subsistence fishing households and commercial permit holders*.
Applications for subsistence relief funds are now available. Learn more about how to apply in this post.
*Eligible commercial permit holders were mailed application notices, containing the website and a unique ID required to apply online. Permit holder applications will be open from Monday, November 16 through February 15, 2027 and late applications will NOT be accepted. Please allow time for USPS delivery and wait until applications open on November 16 before reaching out if you have not received your notice in the mail. Questions may be emailed to dfg.com.fisheriesdisasters@alaska.gov.
WHEN: Applications for subsistence relief funds opened October 26 and are due February 23, 2027, at 11:59pm Alaska time. Late applications will not be accepted.
HOW: One application can be submitted per eligible Kuskokwim Area household, by an eligible applicant. Applications must be submitted online with a valid email address; no paper or faxed applications are being accepted. Multiple applications may be submitted using the same address (for example, if a Tribal office submits applications on behalf of residents), and each application will be given its own number.
Eligible households are households in the Kuskokwim River drainage that can attest to being negatively impacted by the 2022 fishery disaster, either directly or indirectly.
Eligible applicants must be:
Alaska residents in 2022, with verification from a (1) 2022 PFD, (2) 2022 resident sport fishing license, or (3) 2022 subsistence permit for the Kuskokwim Area.
At least 18 years of age.
Allowed to receive federal funds, and NOT on the federal government’s “Do Not Pay” list.
Able to attest that at least one person in their household took part in subsistence fishing in the Kuskokwim Area in at least 2 years between 2017 and 2021.
Able to attest that their household was negatively affected in their ability to access subsistence salmon fishing because of the 2022 fishery disaster, either directly or indirectly.
Eligible applicants submit an application for their entire 2022 household, meaning for all those who were born before 12/31/2022 and living in the household in 2022. If the 2022 household had more than 12 members, contact AKFishDisaster@psmfc.org.
To apply, you will need:
A valid email address that you check regularly, or that can be checked on your behalf.
An account with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (you can make a new one when you apply).
A phone number.
The full legal name, Social Security Number, and residency verification option for yourself and all members of your 2022 household.
To verify you and your household are eligible to receive these funds.
Applications can be submitted at https://short.psmfc.org/22kuskokwim-subsistence.
Additional information can be found at https://relief.psmfc.org/2022-kuskokwim-river-salmon/.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is giving out these funds?
Fishery disaster relief funds for Alaska are administered by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. KRITFC does NOT administer these funds, but can help individuals apply for them.
How much funding is dedicated for each household?
This depends on a) the number of accepted applications, and b) the sizes of the households. There are $298,728 available to be divided into shares, and each qualifying individual is eligible for one share. Household payments will be based on the number of eligible individuals in that household relative to the total number of eligible individuals in all households that apply.
Do I have to apply online?
Yes. Paper, mailed, and faxed applications are not accepted this time, and may result in disqualification.
What if I don’t have an email address?
Someone else can use their email address to submit your application. A unique result number for your application will be sent to that email. If there are any issues with your application or amendments to be made, and email will be sent to the email on file, so make sure to keep in touch with that person. Make sure to check your spam/junk folder!
When are applications due?
Applications are due online by 11:59pm AKST on February 23, 2027. Late applications will not be accepted.
What if there is an error with my application?
A representative from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission will reach out via email correct it with you.
I submitted my application. Now what?
You will receive a confirmation email from noresply@fs2.formsite.com with a result number once your application is successfully submitted. If you don’t receive this email, check your spam/junk folder, ensure your email was entered correctly, and ensure your application was fully submitted.
After receiving this confirmation email and result number, you will only be contacted if there is an issue with your application. If you are not contacted, no further action is required.
When will funds be dispersed?
TBD. This depends on how many applications are received and how many errors need to be corrected. It may be a year or more before funds are dispersed. Please check relief.psmfc.org for the latest information on relief payments.
Additional questions can be directed to:
ADF&G
Email: dfg.com.fisheriesdisasters@alaska.gov
Phone: (907) 267-2593
PSMFC
Email: AKFishDisaster@psmfc.org
Phone: (888) 517-7262
Note
Email is the fastest way to reach help and is best for clear communication. Representatives will also respond to phone inquiries in the order received.
KRITFC encourages all eligible households to apply for these disaster relief funds. Reach out to our office at 907-545-7388 or info@kritfc.org for additional support.