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Chapter 45. Older Alaskans and Long-term Care Facility Residents. Article 1. Alaska Longevity Bonus. Sec. 47.45.010. Persons who may qualify for longevity bonus. (a) A person who is 65 years of age or over who resides in the state for at least one year immediately preceding application for a longevity bonus under AS 47.45.010 — 47.45.160 may apply to the commissioner of administration no later than December 31, 1996, for qualification to receive a monthly bonus of (1) $250, if the person's application was submitted before January 1, 1994; (2) $200, if the person's application was submitted on or after January 1, 1994, but before January 1, 1995; (3) $150, if the person's application was submitted on or after January 1, 1995, but before January 1, 1996; or (4) $100, if the person's application was submitted on or after January 1, 1996, but before January 1, 1997. (b) When the commissioner of health determines that an applicant qualifies under AS 47.45.010 — 47.45.160 the commissioner shall immediately begin payment of the bonus. (c) A person who otherwise qualifies to receive a bonus provided for in AS 47.45.010 — 47.45.160 may continue to do so only as long as that person continues to be a resident of the state. (d) [Repealed, § 62 ch 21 SLA 1991.] Sec. 47.45.020. Continuous eligibility procedures. After qualification, monthly applications for bonuses may be made in person to any office of the Department of Health. Mailed monthly applications shall also be considered by the department. In-person or mailed applications shall be made on forms provided by the department and shall conform to the conditions as provided by regulation. The commissioner of health may make exceptions for those residents who are isolated in rural areas and cannot mail a monthly application; however, they shall mail an application at least once every six months. Sec. 47.45.030. Absence from the state. (a) After qualification, a recipient shall notify the commissioner of health when the recipient expects to be absent from the state if the absence is for a continuous period that exceeds 60 days. After that notification, the recipient may no longer receive bonuses from the Department of Health after the last regularly approved monthly application. Upon returning to the state, the recipient may again make application for a bonus. Failure to notify the commissioner of an expected absence may be grounds for disqualification. (b) [Repealed, § 4 ch 78 SLA 2002.] (c) A recipient who has been absent from the state for a continuous period that exceeds three years is permanently disqualified from receiving bonuses.