Indian Social Services-Welfare Assistance (15.113)

 

Program

15.113 Indian Social Services-Welfare Assistance

 

Federal Agency

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

 

Authorization

Snyder Act of 1921, Public Law 67-85, 42 Stat. 208, 25 U.S.C. 13.

 

Program Number

15.113

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To provide financial assistance for basic needs of needy eligible American Indians who reside on or near reservations, including those American Indians living under Bureau of Indian Affairs service area jurisdictions, when such assistance is not available from State or local public agencies.

 

Types of Assistance

Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Provides cash payments to eligible American Indian individuals and families to meet basic needs (i.e., food, clothing, shelter, etc.). Provides extra monthly benefits to tribal members on general assistance who also work on tribal projects under the Tribal Work Experience Program. Provides monthly assistance for non-medical institutional or custodial care of adults who are not eligible for care from Indian Health Services, Social Security, or any other county, state or Federal program. Provides foster home care and appropriate institutional (non-medical) care for dependent, neglected, and handicapped American Indian children in need of protection. This program also pays the burial expenses of indigent American Indians whose estates do not have sufficient resources to meet funeral expenses and provides emergency assistance to prevent hardship caused by fire, flood or acts of nature.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

An American Indian who is a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe, who resides on or near a federally recognized Indian reservations, who is in need of financial assistance and who meets the eligibility criteria in 25 CFR Part 20.

Beneficiary Eligibility

American Indians who are members of federally recognized Indian Tribes.

Credentials/Documentation

Proof of American Indian status, residency, and income/resources available must be provided by applicant.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure

A verbal or written request for assistance to the Bureau of Indian Affairs agency or regional representative or designated tribal authority.

Award Procedure

Assistance is provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs agency or regional office or contracted tribal program.

Deadlines

None.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

An unsuccessful applicant may appeal a Bureau of Indian Affairs official's decision under the procedures contained in 25 CFR Part 20, Subpart D "Hearings and Appeals" and 25 CFR Part 2 "Appeals from Administrative Actions."

Renewals

Not applicable.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

The length of assistance is indefinite, depending on continued need and available resources. Assistance is usually provided monthly or as needed.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

None.

Audits

None.

Records

None.

 

Program Accomplishments

General assistance is provided to over 41,000 persons on a monthly basis. Indian Child Welfare Assistance is provided to an estimated 3,000 children on a monthly basis and Non- Medical Institutional or Custodial Care is provided monthly to about 1,100 disabled American Indian adults.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

14-2100-0-1-452.

Obligations

(Total program funds including direct payments) FY 02 $66,499,000; FY 03 est $64,591,000; and FY 04 est $63,585,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

May range from a few hundred to several hundred dollars monthly depending upon the assistance provided.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

25 CFR 20.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Information can be secured from the Agency Superintendents and from Regional Directors (see Catalog Appendix IV for addresses). Applications for general assistance are made at the local agency or tribal level.

Headquarters Office

Office of Tribal Services, Human Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, MS 4660 MIB, 1849 C St., NW, Washington, DC 20245. Contact: Larry R. Blair. Telephone: (202) 208- 2479. Use the same number for FTS.

Web Site Address

http://www.doi.gov/bia/childw~2.htm

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Individual financial assistance (welfare) grant to a single American Indian person or to an American Indian family of eight based upon public assistance standards of the State where recipients reside.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Must be an American Indian residing on or near a reservation as defined in 25 CFR 20 and must be in need as defined in 25 CFR Part 20. All eligible applicants will be funded subject to availability of funds.