Kiowa Social Services

The goal of the Kiowa Tribe Social Services Program is to assist tribal members to achieve self sufficiency through community resources and/or programs under the social services program.  
 

The liheap program is divided into 3 parts (heating, crisis, and cooling).  This objective of the  energy assistance program is to assist tribal members in paying high energy bills.  The requirements are as follow:  income verification, copy of household social security cards, cdib’s (for adults), completed no income form (if applicable) and vendor information.  These are requirements by the liheap federal funding agency.   If the applicant, age 18 years of older, does not have any income they are required to complete a no income form.  The only exception to this requirement is if the 18 year old is still attending high school.
 

The emergency assistance program is a one time only per year.  The funding year begins july 1st and ends on june 30th the following year.  It is one per household (residence) and up to $250.  This assistance is for medical, utility, or rent.   A payment is made directly to the vendor.  There is some exceptions for emergency assistance and determination is case by case by consulting with the tribal member.  Also, if the bill is over the $250, the tribal member has to pay the balance.
 

Just to mention other programs under the social service umbrella…
 

the domestic family violence program has funding to assist anyone involved in domestic violence that reside in caddo and kiowa counties.  Our first goal is to ensure the safety of the client and their family.   The beginning process is a face to face interview with the social service staff to develop a case plan.  At that time, the social service staff will determine what type of assistance is needed and whether  funding and/or community resources is required to meet the needs of the client.  The clients case will be assigned a corresponding number and all client documentation will be assigned a case number.  This practice will ensure client confidentiality.  A release is signed by the client if additional resources is needed; this ensures the tribe does not dual serve with other domestic violence programs.
 
The tribal burial application is on the website and the authorizing person (family member) must complete the form along with the acknowledgement form.  If the family wants the walmart card, the authorizing person must come in and pick up the wal mart cards or send a designated person.  The wal mart card will not be mailed.  That is a risk sending the card through the mail.  Once the tribe receives the completed application, cdib, funeral home bill, and death certificate; social service staff will prepare the documentation for finance.  The amount the tribe will pay is up to $5000 and anything over that amount will be the authorizing person(s) responsibility.