The Cherokee Nation recently announced a $9 million Disability Assistance Program to help Cherokees with disabilities with food, supplies or other expenses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 6.
The online application is available at www.cherokee.org under the green Respond, Recover and Rebuild Disability Assistance Program tab.
Funding for the disability assistance is part of the Cherokee Nation’s COVID-19 Respond, Recover and Rebuild spending plan announced by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in May.
“For the past seven months at the Cherokee Nation, we’ve continued to roll up our sleeves and get to work helping our Cherokee citizens through the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve assisted our most vulnerable citizens with direct financial assistance. From assisting our elders with utilities to helping Cherokee students with stipends for distance learning, these programs have been extremely successful, deploying more than $35 million and helping more than 108,000 of our tribal citizens,” said Chief Hoskin. “Now, I am pleased to announce direct assistance to citizens on our reservation with disabilities, so they too can get the help they need through this difficult health crisis.”
As part of the disability assistance program, the tribe is providing a $300 stipend to disabled Cherokee Nation citizens living within the Cherokee Nation reservation boundaries, regardless of age and regardless of income.
Applicants must provide documentation through either Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Veterans Affairs, or through Cherokee Nation’s vocational rehabilitation or disability employment initiative as verification of disability.
“Earlier this month, Chief Hoskin and I declared October as Disability Awareness Month in the Cherokee Nation, so it is very appropriate that we offer this direct assistance to our citizens with disabilities,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “Also, as November and Veterans Day approach us, it is important that we make sure our Cherokee veterans with disabilities know about this program so they can apply for this funding as well. We revere and honor our veterans and want to see they are safe, secure and taken care of, as well as all Cherokees living with disabilities. If you qualify for this assistance, please sign up as soon as possible, as funding is limited on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Applications for the disability assistance program must be received before 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 6.
Those who need assistance with the online application process or who need additional information can email disabilityservices@cherokee.org or call 918-453-5555.
