Some Native American tribes will be receiving a fourth stimulus checks.
One tribe, the Choctaw Nation, is using money from the American Rescue Plan they received to give its members another check.
Three other tribes are doing the same thing.
This is an experiment of universal basic income. Instead of focusing on programs that serve specific members, like unemployment, they are giving everyone the same financial support across the board.
Every Choctaw member 18+ is going to be entitled to $1,000 a month for two years.
Everyone younger is entitled to $700 for two years.
Members need to apply and show they suffered hardship from the pandemic.
Members that already began getting money were members over the age of 55 or age 18-54 that have disabilities. They started getting a monthly income of $200 in August.
The March stimulus package put $20 billion toward tribal governments. The Choctaw Nation received $1.1 billion. The total amount for the plan for the next two years is $627 million.
The Osage Nation is sending $2,000 to members impacted by the pandemic.
The Cherokee Nation is giving member $2,000 one time no matter age or situation.
Studies show the biggest issue helped by the payments were food insecurity and financial instability.
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