Omaha Tribal TANF/ General Assistance

The assessment will obtain information on basic educational skills, vocational interests, and work experience, and identify and document employment barriers. The assessment process will be the basis for developing an Employment Development Plan of Service for the clients enrolled in activities outside of supportive services. To determine eligibility the applicant must complete the following:

• Complete the Intake Packet (provided by Tribal TANF Program)
• Provide Identification for all members requesting TANF services
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Cards (required)
  • School, State or Tribal ID
• Proof of Residency
  • Utility Bill
  • U.S. Postal Mail
  • Statement from Head of Household
  • Housing/Home Lease
  • Residency within the Service Area for Thirty (30) days prior to date on the TANF Application.
• Verification of Federally Recognized Native American/Alaska Native status
  • Tribal ID
  • CDIB Letter or Card
• Income Verification
  • Unemployed
  • Letter from State DOL
  • Proof of termination/resignation from last employment (3 months)
• Underemployed
  • Less than 155% of the Poverty Level
  • Working less than full time
  • No advancement in current employment
• Pre-Screening Drug Testing (Provided by Tribal TANF Program)

Direct Assistance Requirement(s)

Individuals and families may apply for Bureau of Indian Affairs Financial Assistance or Social Services by completing the application and supplying the needed documentation to the General Assistance Case Manager. Individual applicants must be at least 18 years of age and live independently. One and two-parent households must apply as a family unit. The only exception to this requirement is for those applicants who are the primary adult or elderly care providers. When applying as a family, the applicant must be the head of the household and must apply for services on behalf of the entire household. The head of household must be at least 18 years of age. Families with dependent children under the age of 18 must apply for TANF first.

To be eligible for assistance or services under these programs, an applicant must meet all the following criteria and requirements according to 25 CFR section 20.300:

• Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized Tribe.
• The Welfare Assistance program will exclude Winnebago Tribal members only from program services
• Provide the following identification requirements for the applicant and each household member
  1. Certificate of Indian Blood
  2. Social Security card
  3. Reside on the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska Service Area (Omaha Reservation) Verification
• Not have sufficient resources to meet the essential needs (25CFR 20.100). Defined by the Bureau standard of assistance (25 CFR 20.100) for those Bureau programs providing financial payment.
• Reside within the interior boundaries of the Omaha Reservation Service Area includes the counties of Thurston, Burt, and Cumming in the State of Nebraska and the county of Monona in the State of Iowa.
  a. Proof of residency requirements
  i. Current housing, utility billing statement, housing agreement, or statement of temporary housing arrangement showing the applicant’s name and physical address.
  1. The statement of temporary housing arrangement must show the applicant’s share of shelter costs and must be signed by the homeowner or leaser.
  2. Unless an applicant is an adult or elderly care provider, all applicants with temporary housing arrangements are required to show proof of application for single or family housing when applying for general assistance, and within 30 days the applicant must show proof that the homeowner/renter has added them to their housing agreement.
• Meet the additional eligibility criteria for each of the specific programs of financial assistance or social services.
• Failure to meet all eligibility criteria and requirements will result in a suspension of financial assistance and services.
• The staff of Omaha Social Service is bound by professional ethical standards and the Omaha culture to respect and provide quality services to all. Notwithstanding this responsibility, staff is not required to provide services when faced with inappropriate behavior. Any person who displays abusive behavior or is under the influence of illegal substances and/or alcohol will be refused services and immediately suspended from services.