Benefits.gov recognizes the needs of American Indian and American Native individuals and families vary based on unique cultures, languages, and practices. Benefits.gov can help you find information on government services to get the assistance you need.
What Programs Can Help?
Check out these federal government benefits, services, and protections specifically for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, families, and communities.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Financial Assistance and Social Services provides cash assistance for food, clothing, shelter, childcare, and utilities. Additional services are available to help you find employment. Contact your BIA Regional Office to find a provider and apply for help.
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations and to Native American households in designated areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. FDPIR is an alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if you do not have easy access to SNAP offices or authorized food stores. Households cannot receive SNAP benefits and FDPIR in the same month. Contact the Food and Nutrition Service Regional Office in your area for application information.
- Housing Improvement Program provides home repair, renovation, and new housing grants to low-income individuals living in approved tribal service areas. Contact your BIA Regional Office to find a provider and apply for help.
- Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program provides loans for new construction, renovations, purchase of an existing home, or to refinance a mortgage. The loans can be used on and off native lands. Find participating states and counties across the U.S. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers tips to prepare for homeownership.
Where Can I Find More Help?
- The Indian Health Service (IHS) provides federal health services to American Indian and Alaska Natives. IHS offers programs that specialize in maternal and child health, mental health, substance abuse, home health care, and nutrition. To receive IHS health care benefits, contact your local IHS facility.
- IHS health topics feature information on heart health, physical activity, diabetes, substance abuse, coronavirus, and more. These topics are updated regularly and include helpful tips for American Indian and Alaska Natives.
- All American Indian and Alaska Natives that meet eligibility requirements can receive services provided by the state such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- Visit the American Indian and Alaska Native category of benefits to view more programs you may be eligible for.
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