Native American Financial Assistance and Benefits

Native Americans may qualify for financial assistance and other services through the federal government, tribal governments, and state programs. Assistance can include cash support, food, housing, child care, utilities, emergency assistance, and other essential services. ¹

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) provides Financial Assistance and Social Services to eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives who have limited access to other assistance programs. Federally recognized tribes also administer programs and services for their members. ²

BIA Financial Assistance and Social Services

The BIA Financial Assistance and Social Services (FASS) program provides assistance to eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives who cannot receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), do not meet TANF eligibility requirements, or have reached TANF time limits.

The program is intended to be secondary to other available assistance programs. Applicants may be required to apply for other federal, state, tribal, county, or local programs for which they may qualify. ²

BIA financial assistance includes:

Who can receive Native American assistance?

Eligibility depends on the program. Many federal and tribal programs are limited to members of federally recognized tribes or require the applicant to meet specific tribal, residency, income, or program requirements.

For BIA Financial Assistance and Social Services, applicants must meet the requirements of the specific assistance program and generally must first seek other assistance for which they may qualify.

You can use USA.gov’s list of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native entities  to find information about tribal governments and enrollment. ³

Food assistance for Native Americans

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides monthly food packages to eligible households. Eligibility is generally based on income, tribal membership, and where the household lives.

FDPIR is available through participating tribal organizations and state agencies. Eligible households may apply through their tribal organization or regional Food and Nutrition Service office. ⁴

Housing assistance for Native Americans

Native American individuals and families may qualify for housing assistance through programs administered by tribes and the federal government.

The Housing Improvement Program (HIP) provides home improvement and replacement assistance to eligible Native Americans with very low incomes who live in substandard housing on or near a reservation.

Other programs include the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program, which helps eligible Native American families and tribes obtain financing to buy or improve a home. Native Americans may also qualify for other federal housing programs. ⁵

Child care and family assistance

Native American families may have access to child care and family assistance through tribal programs, TANF, Head Start, and other federal or state programs.

TANF is administered by states, territories, and tribal governments. Each program sets its own eligibility requirements and benefit amounts.

Native American families may also qualify for child care assistance through tribal or state programs based on household income, family circumstances, and other eligibility requirements.

Utility and emergency assistance

Eligible Native American households may qualify for help with essential expenses such as utilities, food, and shelter through BIA assistance, tribal programs, LIHEAP, and other government programs.

BIA Emergency Assistance may help eligible individuals whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, or other calamities when other resources are unavailable. The program can provide assistance for essential needs such as food, shelter, and utilities. ²

Education assistance

Native American students may qualify for education grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance through tribal governments, colleges, federal programs, and private organizations.

Eligibility varies by program and may depend on tribal membership, academic requirements, financial need, residency, or enrollment in a qualifying school.

How to apply for Native American assistance

Application procedures depend on the program and who administers it.

For BIA Financial Assistance and Social Services, contact the appropriate BIA regional office or tribal social services office to determine whether the program is available in your area and what documentation is required.

For tribal programs, contact your tribal government or the appropriate tribal department.

For federal programs such as FDPIR and housing assistance, follow the application instructions provided by the responsible agency or tribal organization.

You can also use USA.gov’s Native American resources  to find federal programs and information about federally recognized tribes.

Other benefits you may qualify for

Being eligible for one Native American assistance program does not necessarily mean you are eligible for another. You may also qualify for programs available to low-income households generally, including:

• TANF for cash assistance and other family support
• SNAP for grocery benefits
• WIC for food, nutrition assistance, and related services
• Medicaid and CHIP for health coverage
• LIHEAP for help with home energy costs
• Child care assistance for eligible working or low-income families
• Head Start and Early Head Start for eligible children and families
• Housing assistance through Section 8, public housing, and other programs

Eligibility for these programs is determined separately from tribal eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Native Americans receive financial assistance from the government?

Some eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives may receive financial assistance through federal, tribal, and state programs. BIA Financial Assistance and Social Services can provide assistance for essential needs, child assistance, emergencies, burial expenses, and adult care to eligible individuals. ²

Can a single mother receive Native American financial assistance?

A single mother who is an eligible member of a federally recognized tribe may qualify for tribal or federal assistance depending on her income, household circumstances, location, and the requirements of the specific program.

Single mothers may also qualify for general assistance programs such as TANF, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Do you have to live on a reservation to receive Native American benefits?

Not necessarily. Eligibility and residency requirements vary by program. Some programs are specifically tied to reservations or designated service areas, while others may serve eligible tribal members living elsewhere.

How do I find my tribe’s assistance programs?

Contact your tribal government or tribal social services department to ask about available assistance. You can also use USA.gov’s directory of federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native entities  to find information about tribal governments.

Are Native American grants available for individuals?

Some programs provide financial assistance directly to eligible individuals, while other grants are awarded to tribes, tribal organizations, schools, or other organizations rather than individuals.

For individual assistance, look for programs described as financial assistance, benefits, welfare assistance, housing assistance, food assistance, or social services rather than assuming that every tribal grant is available directly to individuals.