The Osage Nation is announcing the rollout of its latest direct assistance available to enrolled Osages thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act funding recently distributed to the Nation.   

The Nation is providing up to $2,000 cash assistance to enrolled members who have experienced a negative economic impact because of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, according to an Aug. 4 news release. The cash assistance rollout comes after the Seventh ON Congress approved using $35 million in ARPA funds for the direct assistance availability on Aug. 2.  

Osage Nation values the health and wellbeing of its members and additional direct cash assistance through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provides an opportunity to recover from the negative impact due to the global pandemic, the release stated.  

The 12-member ON Congress passed bill ONCA 21-52 (sponsored by Congressman Joe Tillman) to provide the $35 million in direct assistance after a 10th Special Session that included discussion, debates and compromises among Congress members and the Executive Branch on several spending bills using more than $108 million in ARPA funding.   

“Since early 2021, the (Principal Chief Geoffrey) Standing Bear administration has been planning to continue our individual assistance program with ARPA funds,” said James Weigant, head of the Osage Nation’s COVID-19 Task Force. “It is proven that Indian Country is being hurt by COVID much worse than the rest of the U.S. population. That need is well defined. We have now developed a solid program to address that need, compliant with federal law and regulations, to continue to provide this much needed assistance to our Osage people during this global pandemic.”  

In order to be eligible for cash assistance, individuals must be an enrolled member of the Osage Nation; and attest to negative economic impact; and submit a completed and signed application. The application does not require a notary and is open starting Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021 until funds are no longer available.  

The Nation has selected RT Consulting LLC to administer the program under the direction of ON Financial Assistance Director Andrea Kemble.  

“The Osage ARP Cash Assistance program opens and offers assistance at a critical time, while some federal benefits are being discontinued,” said Kemble. “We hear the needs of our people and empathize with them during this challenging time. Our team is committed to providing access to any Osage in need, including in-person submission assistance at the Osage Nation Welcome Center.”  

Osage ARP Cash Assistance submission procedures include: 

Also, a step-by-step application information and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) sheet is available at www.osagenation-nsn.gov/cash-assistance-information   

RT Consulting LLC will process applications as received. Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation letter via email after 10 business days and, if approved, a paper check will be mailed to the address provided within the application within 30 calendar days of approval notice.