The BIA General Assistance Program is a once-a-month financial assistance payment to the qualified applicant. The payment is a set rate based on household size and income. This program is for Members of Federally Recognized tribes who have little-to-no income. The program is intended for applicants who cannot work due to a physical or mental disability. Qualified applicants will be approved in 3-month cycles and the case will be reevaluated at the end of the 3 months. The applicant must fill out a General Assistance application and submit the following required documents;
- Proof of membership in a Federal Recognized Tribe
- Copy of California Driver’s License or ID
- Copy of Social Security Card
- Proof of Income
- Proof of Denial from County General Assistance
- Proof of Denial from Tribal General Assistance
- Proof of Denial from State Unemployment/SSI/Disability
- Proof of Medical or Mental Disability (if applicable)
The BIA Burial Assistance Program is a one-time payment of up to $2,500 towards burial/funeral expenses. Payments are made, on behalf of the deceased, directly to the mortuary. The BIA cannot reimburse family members for funeral expenses. The deceased must be a member of a federally recognized tribe. Immediate family members may fill out a Burial Assistance application and submit the following required documents for the deceased;
- Proof of membership in a Federally Recognized Tribe
- Copy of California Driver’s License or ID
- Copy of Social Security Card
- Proof of Income
- Proof of Denial from Tribal Burial Assistance
- Death Certificate
- Invoice from Mortuary
The BIA Emergency Assistance Program is an once-in-a-lifetime payment of up to $1,000 for approved applicants who have suffered a loss of their home due to a natural disaster, such as a flood or a wildfire. The Emergency Assistance Program does not cover any other emergency situations. One payment per family- the payment will be made to the head-of-household. Applicant must a member of a federally recognized tribe. The applicant can fill out an Emergency Assistant application and submit the following required documents;
- Proof of membership in a Federally Recognized Tribe
- Copy of California Driver's License or ID
- Copy of Social Security Card
- Proof of Emergency (fire report or flood damage report)
- Proof that flood is not covered by private insurance
- Proof of Denial from Tribal Emergency Assistance
All required documents must be turned in with the application. Incomplete applications will be denied until all documents are provided.
Send complete applications and supporting documents to;
Bureau of Indian Affairs
650 Capitol Mall, Suite 8-500
Sacramento, CA 95814
