A fourth stimulus check may never arrive, but there are a few groups that could get another stimulus payment. However, these groups won’t get another coronavirus stimulus check from the federal government, rather some Native American tribes will be sending the money to its members.
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Recently, the Choctaw Nation, a Native American tribe, announced that it would give $1,000 stimulus checks to all its members aged 18 and older. Moreover, these checks will go out annually for two years. Those below 18 would get $700 annually for two years.
The stimulus payment from the Choctaw Nation is not a one-time payment, rather an experiment with the concept of a universal basic income. So, the payment doesn’t target any specific group, rather it offers the same financial support to all the members. The program is estimated to cost $627 million over the next two years.
Such a program from the tribe aims to support the tribal members amid the coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, by giving aid to those below 18 years, the program ensures that they continue to have access to education and the internet.
“The plan centers around taking care of our elders and is available to all Choctaw tribal members living anywhere in the U.S. who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the tribe said in a press release.
To apply for the stimulus payment, as well as get more information on the program, members can visit https://www.choctawnation.com/covidrelief. The members may be asked to give proof that they were negatively impacted by the pandemic.
“You may also, upon request, be required to provide supporting evidence of this negative impact,” the Choctaw Nation website says.
Other Native American Tribes Also Planning Similar Programs
To give the stimulus payment, the tribe will be using the funds they got under the American Rescue Plan, which was approved in March. The stimulus package allotted $20 billion for tribal governments, including $1.1 billion to the Choctaw Nation.
Additionally, the tribe plans to create mobile grocery stores to ensure basic supplies to members who cannot travel. Already, the tribe gives its members aged 55 and older, as well as aged 18 to 54 with disabilities, a monthly grocery allowance of $200.
Three more Native American tribes have come up with similar programs to give stimulus checks to their members. Earlier this month, the Osage Nation revealed plans to give up to $2,000 to members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Business Insider, the Cherokee Nation also plans to send a one-time payment of $2,000 to all its members, irrespective of their age.
