No.13-04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Activates Contingency Plans Following Computer System Outage

May 30, 2013, Juneau, AK – A major service interruption over the weekend impacted State of Alaska computer systems, delaying the issuance of some payments and warrants and triggering the use of contingency plans.

“We regret the inconvenience that this outage has caused,’ said Becky Hultberg, commissioner of the Department of Administration. “State technicians and contractors are working around the clock to restore systems. The affected agencies have initiated contingency plans to ensure that delayed payments are processed as soon as possible.’

No time frame has been set for completion of repairs.

Some agencies will begin releasing payments and checks starting Friday, although time frames for resumption of payments differ among agencies and programs. Alaskans experiencing a disruption in payment should check with the issuing agency for more information.

Major affected programs and their phone numbers are listed below. Minor delays in other programs have been resolved with contingency plans.

Medicaid Provider Payments*
Payments are tentatively expected to process on Thursday for electronic direct deposit by Monday. For questions and updates dial 1-800-770-5650, option 1, 1.

Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP), Adult Public Assistance & Interim Assistance (APA), Senior Benefits Program (SBP), General Relief Assistance (GRA)*
Payments are tentatively expected to process on Thursday for electronic direct deposit by Monday. Checks that are mailed will take a few days longer.

Anchorage District Office: 1-888-876-2477
Coastal Field Office: 1-888-478-4372, 1-888-478-4364
Bethel District Office: 1-800-478-2686
Kodiak District Office: 1-888-480-3783, 1-888-281-3116
Kenai Peninsula Job Center: 1-800-478-9032
Homer District Office: 1-877-235-2421
Muldoon District Office: 1-907-269-0001
Mat-Su District Office: 1-800-478-7778
Fairbanks District Office: 1-800-478-2850
Juneau District Office: 1-800-478-3537
Ketchikan District Office: 1-800-478-2135
Kotzebue District Office: 1-800-478-3451
Nome District Office: 1-800-478-2236
Sitka District Office: 1-800-478-8234

Subsidized Adoption Payments, Foster Care Payments*
Payments are tentatively expected to process on Thursday for electronic direct deposit by Monday. For questions and updates contact 1-877-465-2215

Child Support Payments and Case Information
Customers may access their account balance through myAlaska or contact the Customer Service Center at (907) 269-6900. This information is only current through Saturday, May 25, 2013. Customers who owe child support should continue to make their payments using their preferred method. The Customer Service Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Unemployment Insurance Benefit Payments*
Payments are tentatively expected to process on Thursday for electronic direct deposit by Monday. To check on a payment, claimants can call the UI program�s telephonic filing system (VICTOR) and select option 2, or go on-line through myAlaska and choose �UI Claim Status� from the claimant menu.

Vendor Payments*
Payments are tentatively expected to process on Thursday for electronic direct deposit by Monday. Checks that are mailed will take a few days longer.

* Please note that timing of direct deposit is dependent on the financial institution.

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