The Disability Assistance Program will help Cherokees with food, supplies or other expenses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the $9 million program, Cherokee Nation will provide a $300 stipend to tribal citizens with disabilities living on the Cherokee Nation reservation in northeast Oklahoma. This monetary aid, open to all Cherokees on the tribal reservation regardless of age or income, can help individuals and families get through this difficult health crisis.
“Our people have endured hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many Cherokees are navigating governmental assistance programs for the first time. Throughout this crisis, we at Cherokee Nation have worked hard to deliver aid to our citizens who need the most help. We’ve provided food boxes for all who need it, direct financial support and utilities assistance for our elders and distance learning stipends for students.” according to the release.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 6.
“The challenge is even greater for many of our citizens with disabilities. We know many Cherokees with disabilities are having trouble finding reliable services or home health care because of the pandemic. Many of our Cherokee elders and military veterans live with disabilities, and these community members can also be at the highest risk from COVID-19. We hope this increased support will help alleviate some of the economic burden, prevent disruptions to needed services and make sure Cherokees get through this difficult period and back to normal life.”
Funding for the disability assistance is part of Cherokee Nation’s COVID-19 Respond, Recover and Rebuild plan. Applicants must provide verification of disability through either Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Veterans Affairs, or Cherokee Nation’s vocational rehabilitation or disability employment initiative. 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 are available at www.cherokee.org.
