Cherokee Nation is spending $9 million of federal coronavirus relief funds to provide direct assistance payments to tribal citizens with disabilities living on the reservation.
"The Disability Assistance Programwill offer our Cherokees with disabilities a $300 check that can be used for food, supplies or other expenses in responding to COVID-19," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in a video announcement. "The program is open to all Cherokees with disabilities living inside the tribal reservation, regardless of age or income.
Hoskin said applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, with a deadline of Nov. 6. Applicants are required to provide verification of disability from either the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or the Cherokee Nation Vocational Rehabilitation and/or Disability Employment Initiative.
Hoskin said outreach to disabled veterans will be critical to ensure they know about the program and how to apply.
"We revere and honor our veterans, and we want to see that they are safe, secure and taken care of," Hoskin said.
According to Hoskin, Cherokee Nation has allocated $35 million in direct assistance payments to various groups through its Respond, Recover, Rebuild COVID-19 plan.
More information on the disability direct assistance program is available here.
