WASHINGTON (KFOR) - The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has announced the increase of payment limits for certain Financial Assistance and Social Services programs which directly support American Indian and Alaska Native families and individuals.
The last time there was an increase to these payment amounts was in 2000, according to BIA's latest news release.
“These increases will have immediate impact on our Native relatives and families,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure Native people have the right to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives together as Tribal people in their Tribal homeland. These programs are a small part of that responsibility, providing essential resources to those most in need of our support and compassion.”
The programs with new, higher payment limits are:
Burial Assistance: This program provides funds to assist with the burial expenses of deceased indigent Indians whose estates do not have sufficient resources to meet funeral expenses. The program can now pay up to $3,500 per burial, an increase from $2,500.
Grieving families have been faced with rising costs of funerals, adding to the emotional toll in the grieving process. The updated payment amount will better support culturally dignified funeral and burial services.
Emergency Assistance: This assistance is provided directly to individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed by fire, flood or other calamities. It is used for the essential needs of food, shelter and utilities when other resources are not available. The program can now pay up to $1,500 per household, an increase from $1,000.
Child assistance for adoptions/guardianships: This subsidy provides assistance to a child in need of adoption or guardianship. The program may now pay up to the maximum basic foster care rate for the age group of the child in the state where the child resides. Previously, payments were limited to 75% of basic foster care rate in the state where the child resides.
This increased subsidy will reduce barriers to permanent homes for Native children. Permanency for youth is fundamental to a secure foundation that is safe, stable and secure by a loving family system to support them through childhood and beyond.
Families and individuals seeking more information on how to access these programs can contact (202) 513-7642 or by contacting a BIA regional office by visiting bia.gov/bia/ois/dhscontacts.
The Big Catch: Tacklebox is the hardest 3D platformer I've ever played, 8+ hours long, and a free to play 'prologue' to a bigger, better game on the way
Metaphor: ReFantazio's ReViews are in, and the Persona follow-up looks like 2024's unanimous RPG hit
I'm terrified for my free time after a few hours with the Dead Cells developer's new frantic co-op roguelike out this month
Epic Boss Tim Sweeney says Unreal Engine 6 will be a 'metaverse' joining Fortnite and other Unreal games, including an upcoming 'persistent universe' in development with Disney
Игорь Бутман о молодой супруге: «В какой-то момент я понял, что страшно влюбился… Меня колбасило»
Как Владимир Путин отреагировал на уход из жизни Добрынина
Сергей Жилин, Игорь Бутман и Алина Ростоцкая выступят на XIX Международном музыкальном фестивале «Джаз на Байкале» - Иркутская область. Официальный портал
В Москве и Минске состоялись концерты Молодежного Белорусско-Российского симфонического оркестра под управлением Юрия Башмета