Seminole Nation Family Services Program Information

(Left to Right: Tilda Harjo, Ramona Noriega, Edwin Marshal)

Edwin Marshall
Director

Tilda Harjo
Accounting Tech

Ramona Noriega
Case Manager

Contact Information:
P.O. Box 1498
Wewoka OK 74884
Tel. (405) 257-7267
FAX (405) 257-7035

The Family Services Department is located in the North Suite of the OAP
Building at the Tribal Complex in Wewoka, OK.

The Seminole Nation Family Services Department was established to provide assistance to low income households or Tribal households experiencing temporary hardship utilizing both Federal and Tribal funds.

The Federally funded programs are the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Indian Community Services Block Grant (ICSBG). Emergency Tribal Assistance (ETA) is funded by the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.

For any of the programs, each household must complete an application and provide the necessary documentation. All payments are made *directly to the vendor on behalf of the household. Assistance is available to each eligible household **once per fiscal year (Oct.-Sept.).

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps meet heating costs during the winter months and cooling costs during the summer months. For heating purposes, assistance may be applied to either natural gas, propane, wood or electric (if the home is total electric). Assistance for cooling is applied to electric. Priority is given to the elderly, disabled and households with small children. Benefit amounts are based on a matrix.

Indian Community Services Block Grant (ICSBG)

ICSBG provides assistance households (who would otherwise be eligible for LIHEAP but do not fit into the priority category) with utility and housing assistance. Priority is given to households that have suffered a sudden change in income or man-made/natural disasters. Benefit amounts depend on the assistance required not to exceed $150 per individual and $200 per household.

LIHEAP and ICSBG are available only to eligible households in Seminole County.

Emergency Tribal Assistance (ETA)

ETA provides assistance to Seminole Nation Tribal members only. The funds are primarily designated (66.6%) for households situated outside the Tribal boundaries (the 76 other counties of Oklahoma and throughout the United States). The remaining 33.3% is designated for those within the Tribal boundaries. Income eligibility guidelines are relaxed to accommodate those who may experience a sudden or unforeseen circumstance or natural disaster. This program may provide emergency assistance for medical related costs, food, housing or utilities, employment related costs, natural disaster or unforeseen circumstances. Benefit amounts depend on the assistance required not to exceed $150 per individual and $200 per household.

* Reimbursement may be allowed for newly hired employees for travel costs.

** Benefit amounts of $75 and below in the ETA Program may be given an exception, however, the initial benefit will be deducted against any future maximum allowable benefit for that fiscal year.