Indian Social Services Welfare Assistance
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To provide financial assistance for basic needs for eligible American Indians who reside on or near reservations, including those American Indians living under Bureau of Indian Affairs service area jurisdictions. IA assistance is provided when such assistance is not available from State or local public agencies.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Federally recognized tribes
- Individuals / families
- Minority groups
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.
Beneficiaries
- 36
- 61
American Indians who are members of federally recognized Indian Tribes.
How to Apply
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.
Generally within 10 days depending upon applicants needs and the extent of investigation required. Decisions will take no longer than 45 days.
Program details & compliance
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
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.
Required Documentation
Proof of American Indian status, residency, and income/resources available must be provided by applicant.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles