Osage Nation’s ARP Cash Assistance On Track with 30-Day Check Distribution Timeline

Press Release
Cash Assistance checks will begin being issues on Friday, Augst 27, 2021

Over 10,000 applications from Osage Nation Members have been approved with first check issued Friday, Aug. 27

OSAGE RESERVATION, OKLA. (Aug. 31, 2021) – Osage Nation’s ARP Cash Assistance program remains on track with a 30-day check distribution timeline. Enrolled members of the Osage Nation who submitted an ARP Cash Assistance application should continue to expect a check mailed within 30-days of the date on their approval email.

On Aug. 2, 2021, the Osage Nation Congress approved the request by Osage Nation Principal Chief Standing Bear for cash assistance to members of the Osage Nation who have experienced a negative economic impact due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The Osage Nation COVID Task Force launched the Osage ARP Cash Assistance Program application portal on Aug. 4, 2021. Osages are eligible for up to $2,000. The first cash assistance check was issued on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.

“This is remarkably fast work considering the funding was only approved this month,” said Chief Standing Bear.

Since program launch, 10,394 applications have been audited and approved by third party administrator RT Consulting LLC. RT Consulting LLC is a full-service benefits firm that has been administering the Osage Nation’s health benefit card for the past two years. The firm’s pre-established relationship with Osage Nation was critical to expedite the ARP Cash Assistance process.

“Our focus has been efficiency and accuracy,” said James Weigant, Osage Nation Task Force Coordinator. “Going through a hiring and training process would have significantly increased the distribution timeline. RT Consulting has a proven track record for timely service and have controls in place to prevent abuse of our programs.”

According to Vinnie Daboul, RT Consulting Managing Director, an important part of their work is auditing applications to make sure the information is accurate: “Of the 10,000-plus approved applications, one-third came in incomplete,” he said. “A big part of our job is to audit each application to make sure the correct individuals receive their checks at the correct address.”

Daboul said that 274 applications have been denied. Reasons for denial include unauthorized Osage Nation members who are minors (under 18 years old) and/or non-Osage tribal members submitting applications. Any Osage tribal member whose application has been denied has access to an appeals process.

The Osage ARP Cash Assistance program remains open for Osage Nation members who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Osage Nation has opened temporary membership for infants, which allows Osage families with newborns to apply. Information on both programs is below and remains open until funds are depleted.

OSAGE ARP CASH ASSISTANCE:

Osage ARP Cash Assistance submission procedures include:

Step-by-step application information and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) sheet are available at www.osagenation-nsn.gov/cash-assistance-information. RT Consulting LLC will process applications as received. Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation letter via email after ten business days and, if approved, a paper check will be mailed to the address provided within the application within 30 calendar days of approval notice.

TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP FOR INFANTS (TMFI) AND ARP CASH ASSISTANCE APPLICATION STEPS:

  1. Parents/guardians must submit a packet that includes an ARP paper application form and supporting documents to tempinfantsarp2@osagenation-nsn.gov. DO NOT submit the application to Osage ARP – RT Consulting LLC. Note: If Social Security is unavailable, please put “N/A.”
    • Forms are available by:
    • Supporting documents must include:
      • Front and back scanned original state issued birth certificate
      • If married at the time of the birth, a copy of marriage license
      • If not married, and the father is the Osage parent, a notarized paternity affidavit: https://s3.amazonaws.com/osagenation-nsn.gov/files/departments/cdib-mem…
      • If adopted:
        • Front and back scanned original state issued birth certificate after adoption
        • Final adoption decree that states the Osage parent as the biological parent
      • If Osage father is not on the birth certificate DNA is required and has to be filed in court and a judge must establish paternity before being verified.
  2. The TMFI Task Force will verify eligibility for temporary membership.

3. The TMFI Task Force will forward the application to Osage ARP – RT Consulting LLC for the application to be processed.
Submitting an ARP Cash Assistance application does not qualify individuals for a CDIB card or Membership Card. Parents/guardians are still required to follow the Membership and CDIB application guidelines and process. Membership and CDIB applications are available at https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/cdib-membership.

Questions regarding the Osage ARP Temporary Membership for Infants can be emailed to tempinfantsarp2@osagenation-nsn.gov.