Direct Assistance

Quechan Direct Assistance Program
Program Overview

The Quechan Direct Assistance Program is part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Financial Assistance and Social Services (FASS) programs, which include Direct Assistance, General Assistance, Child Assistance, Burial Assistance, Emergency Assistance, and Adult Care Assistance. The program provides financial assistance to American Indians and Alaska Natives who do not have access to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), do not meet TANF eligibility criteria, or have exceeded the TANF lifetime limit.

The program is designed to support eligible individuals and families in meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and utilities while working toward self-sufficiency through the Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP).
For direct guidance please resort to https://www.bia.gov/bia/ois/dhs/financial-assistance
The BIA Social Service Financial Assistance is based off of the CFR § 20.300 https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/dup/assets/bia/ots/pdf/idc-018737.pdf

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
•    Complete the BIA Financial Assistance and Social Service application 
•    Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.
•    Reside within the designated Quechan service area.
•    Submit financial need and inability to meet basic living requirements.
•    Apply for and exhaust all other available resources before receiving assistance.
•    Comply with the steps and goals outlined in their ISP.
Quechan Direct Assistance Process

Step 1:
• Client completes and submits the application.
• The application is reviewed based on the documents requested on the application cover sheet.
• An interview appointment is scheduled.
• The Data Entry Clerk reviews the application for completeness and forwards it to the Eligibility Worker (EW).
• The EW reviews eligibility under the Code of Federal Regulations 25 CFR Part 20 and meets with the client.

Step 2:
• During the interview, the client provides any missing documents.
• The EW reviews the application, establishes the client’s goals, and completes the intake process.
• The EW identifies any missing documents or further steps required and informs the client.

Step 3:
• While the application is pending, the client applies for other available resources and works toward the goals set in the ISP.
• The EW provides referrals and follows up on the status of these steps with the client.
• A follow-up appointment is scheduled to review progress on goals and financial eligibility.

Step 4:
• During the follow-up interview, the EW and client reassess the intake and financial eligibility with any new information gathered.
• The EW determines eligibility, and the client reviews and updates their goals.

Direct Assistance Application