The purpose of the Seneca Nation Financial Assistance Program is to provide a one-time payment of $1,000 in economic assistance to enrolled Senecas of the Seneca Nation who have experienced economic harm caused or made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding of this program is made available by the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARP”) legislation and is non-taxable as a General Welfare assistance program . Consistent with the ARP’s Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund requirements, this program is intended to respond to and address such economic harm by providing financial assistance to Nation members to cover necessary expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
If you or your family have experienced economic harm that was caused by or made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, please fill out and submit this application. Consistent with Treasury’s guidance, the Nation may provide this economic assistance payment only to cover COVID-19 related costs incurred on or after March 1, 2020.
All enrolled Senecas 18 years or over must fill out their own applications. Please see the next page regarding enrolled minor children. You may only submit one application per enrolled member for this General Financial Assistance Program. Enrolled Senecas must also have completed their regular registration requirements with the Clerk’s Office in accordance with other Seneca Nation direct benefit programs.
Submission and Payment Dates:
• If your application is received by August 2, 2021 and you are registered with the Clerk’s office in accordance with established deadlines, a payment dated August 25, 2021 will be processed.
• If your application is received between August 3, 2021 and August 31, 2021 and you are registered with the Clerk’s Office in accordance with established deadlines, a payment dated September 29, 2021 will be processed.
• If your application is received after August 31, 2021 or you are not registered with the Clerk’s office in accordance with established deadlines or no application is received, NO PAYMENT WILL BE PROCESSED.
Please note that there is only one payment of $1,000 to enrolled Senecas either in August OR September (not both months) depending on when your application is received per the dates above. Again, applications received after August 31, 2021 will not be processed for payment under this program.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL THE CLERKS OFFICE WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS AT CATTARAUGUS 716-532-4900 OR ALLEGANY 716-945-1790.
