The Osage Nation Financial Assistance Department is now offering a disability assistance program designed to provide up to $1,000 annually to Osages who are disabled.
This assistance opportunity is the result of a $50,000 appropriation bill (ONCA 15-107 sponsored by Congresswoman Alice Buffalohead) passed by the Fourth ON Congress during its Hun-Kah Session in April. After the bill’s passage, the Executive Branch was charged with establishing criteria and procedures for accepting and reviewing applications and awarding approved applicants.
According to a news release, policies, procedures, and an application were launched on June 15. Financial Assistance Director Jodie Revard has been working with her staff to develop an efficient and fair process for the new program. She said so far, 19 applications have been processed including one infant, 12 elders, and five veterans in 11 business days.
In April, Buffalohead said she sought the bill to help Osages who may not have the financial resources or health benefit card funds to pay for disabled costs including handicap equipment and training classes for disabled living.
For more information about the ON Financial Assistance Department and the Disability Assistance Program call (918) 287-5326 or visit them online at www.osagenation-nsn.gov/financial-assistance and download an application.
*UPDATE* On July 13, the Financial Assistance Department informed the Osage News that funding for this disability assistance program have been depleted and no more applications are being accepted.
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2016-07-13 00:00:00
