BIA General Assistance Program

BIA General Assistance Program

The BIA General Assistance Program is a secondary resource to help Native Americans who have not had income in the last 60 days become more self-sufficient. The program provides cash assistance to citizens who are enrolled with a federally recognized tribe. All applicants must complete their Case Plan (CP) and Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP) in order to receive assistance. Self-Sufficiency activities are required and include, but are not limited to, applying for TANF, job searches, filing for unemployment benefits, applying for SNAP or commodities, other tribal programs, etc. The amount of assistance varies by the number of eligible household members, shelter expenses, available resources, and the day the application is made. Applicant must live in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation service area. Check is payable to the applicant for general living expenses.

The General Assistance Program is subject to annual Congressional appropriations, pursuant to 25 C.F.R. §20.102 (c). Should funds become unavailable, applications will continue to be processed and payments will be made retroactive to the application date once funds become available. Additional information may be submitted for redetermination for eligibility.

The applicant must contact the office so eligibility can be determined not an emergency program. Applicants must complete all required tasks by the due date.

Social Services Application & Checklist

Homeless Statement

Current Landlord Statement

Job Searches

Medical Status Report

W-9 Form

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant/Household must be an enrolled member with a federally recognized tribe.
   1. Household members who are non-Native household members or not a member of a Federally Recognized Tribe, will not be considered in the payment, but they must comply with the program.
2. Applicant must live in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation service area.
3. Must meet income guidelines.
4. Must not have had income in the last 60 days.
5. Must meet guidelines under the Priority Plan. The Social Services Department has developed priority categories for its General Assistance Program. These categories are listed in order of importance:
   1. Medical
   2. Families
   3. Individuals

Required Documentation

1. Copy of citizenship cards for all household members or a printout from a tribal Citizenship Office. Copy of birth certificate and/or driver licenses for non-Native household members.
2. Copy of social security cards for all household members.
3. Resident verification. Mail must have been received and postmarked 30 days prior to application.
4. Shelter Costs.
   1. Shelter Costs – For homeowners, proof of home ownership must be provided. For renters, a current lease agreement or landlord form must be provided.
   2. Without Shelter Costs – For homeless applicants, a Homeless Statement must be provided.
5. All tasks/activities listed on the Case Plan.
   1. If the applicant does not comply with the CP and ISP, an ineligibility period of 60-90 days will be imposed.
6. In accordance to Subpart C-Direct Assistance Eligibility for Direct Assistance at 25 CFR §20.300-§20.319, applicants/recipients must:
   1. Actively seek employment and accept local and seasonal employment. If unable to work, applicant needs to have the Medical Status Report completed.
   2. Report any changes which may affect eligibility. These changes include, but are not limited to, residence, employment, income/resources (earned and unearned), and household members.
   3. Provide information to the social worker in the development of the CP and ISP and sign the document.
   4. Perform all tasks defined in the CP and ISP.
   5. Participate successfully in treatment and counseling services identified in the CP and ISP.
   6. Participate in evaluation of job readiness and/or other testing required for employment purposes.
7. W9 completed by applicant.
8. Additional information will be required to determine eligibility.

Assistance

Payments are prorated based on the application date. Applicants who come to the office towards the end of the month are encouraged to wait and apply at the beginning of the next month.