Last Updated on April 27, 2022 by Anne-Sophie Reinhardt
Several assistance programs throughout the United States seek to give financial assistance to Native American women. Therefore, they can succeed in being financially self-sufficient or assisting in times of need.
This article will show you some of the most notable programs available below.
Financial Assistance for Native American Women
Cash Assistance
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has a Financial Aid and Social Services program. They can provide funding for utilities, lodging, clothes, and food supplies to American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Individuals who obtain assistance must develop and sign an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan, which helps individuals achieve independence. Visit the nearest BIA regional office, go to the Division of Human Services website, or call the office at 202-513-7622 to apply for the program.
Help With Food
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations may support households living on Indian reservations. They also accept American Indians living in areas near reservations who meet specific income criteria. Visit the program’s application page for more details on the program and its eligibility criteria. Your local Indian Tribal Organization or State Department will be able to decide whether you are eligible for benefits. You can find your nearest agency on the FDP contact list or by calling the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479.
Help With Shelter and Housing
The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act are administered by ONAP (Office of Native American Programs). They assist Indian tribes through the Indian Housing Block Grant. This means that tribes can design, create, and maintain their low-cost housing on Indian reservations as well as within Native communities. Take a look at the ONAP Funding Page or call the office at 202-708-1455 for more details on how you will profit from the six main ONAP programs.
Help With Energy and Utilities
LIHEAP is a federally sponsored initiative that offers energy assistance to low-income households. Bill aid and emergency electric supplies are also part of the project. Call the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at 202-401-9351 or visit their website for more details and see whether you are eligible for assistance.
Help With Telephone and Internet Bills
The Tribal Lands Lifeline Program will assist people residing on tribal lands with their phone bills. The software will save you up to $34.25 on your monthly service fees – it’s a $25 increase on the standard low-income subscriber discount. Call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 or visit their website for more information or apply for the Tribal Lands Lifeline service.
Help With Childcare
The Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides childcare and employment assistance. Only Native American Indians who are unemployed or retrenched and are members of a federally recognized tribe or village are eligible for this program. Visit the Health and Human Services’ Contacts page for a directory of TANF departments or the Tribal section of the web for more information on particular TANF programs.
Help With Medical and Dental Care
The Health Insurance Marketplace has a policy for American Indians and Alaskan Natives that provides subsidized health care coverage. Individuals have the option of purchasing a private insurance plan via the Marketplace or, in the case of children, Medicaid or CHIP. The Marketplace Call Center, which you can contact at 1-855-889-43225 or 1-800-318-2596, can answer any questions.
Help With Legal Matters
The Native America Rights Fund will help Indian tribes and groups that need legal advice or representation (NARF). NARF has offices in Washington, D.C., Anchorage, Alaska, and a home base in Boulder, Colorado. Call the main office at 303-447-8760 for more information on their programs, or go to their website.
Help From Other Groups
Suppose you are a member of a federally recognized Native American tribe. In that case, you may be eligible for grants and scholarships from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Sources of Financial Aid Available to American Indian Students is a booklet available from the Indian Resource Development at New Mexico State University (free for New Mexico students). A USDA Agricultural Scholarship is also available for Native American students studying agriculture, computer science, or statistics. Call the office at 1-505-646-1347 or contact ird@nmsu.edu for more information on the program.
As you can see, there are many opportunities to assist Native Americans in being financially self-sufficient and free. However, for general financial assistance for women, feel free to follow this link.
