Native American and Alaska Native
Banking and building credit far from a branch: Native CDFIs and credit unions
Native American and Alaska Native families often face real barriers to banking and credit, including long distances to branches and thin credit files. This guide explains practical options, including Native CDFIs and credit unions, and shows you how to build credit safely from wherever you live.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeIIM accounts, land income and what happens to trust land when you die
If you own an interest in trust land or receive money through an Individual Indian Money (IIM) account, federal rules — not state rules — control what happens to those assets when you die. This guide explains how IIM accounts work, why fractionation matters, and what you can do now to protect your family.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeTaxes for tribal citizens: what's exempt and what isn't
Native American and Alaska Native tribal members pay federal income tax on most income, including wages and gaming per-capita payments. A few narrow exemptions exist — and knowing the difference can save you money and help you avoid mistakes.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeTurning 18 with a minor's trust payout: a plan for sudden money
When you turn 18, your tribe may release money held in a minor's trust on your behalf. This guide helps you understand what that money is, how taxes and benefits can be affected, and how to make a thoughtful plan before you spend a single dollar.
Read Native American and Alaska NativePer-capita payments: taxes, benefits and making the money last
Per-capita payments from your tribal nation can affect your taxes and public benefits in ways that most general financial advice never covers. This guide explains the main types of payments, how federal tax law treats each one, what to tell benefit offices, and how to make the money work for you.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeTribal TANF, LIHEAP and BIA General Assistance: who runs what
Tribal TANF, LIHEAP, and BIA General Assistance are three separate programs that help Native American and Alaska Native families with cash, energy bills, and essential needs — and knowing who runs each one can help you get help faster.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeFDPIR or SNAP: choosing food help when you can't have both
FDPIR and SNAP are both federal food programs, but your household can only use one in any given month. This guide helps Native American and Alaska Native families understand the difference, compare their options, and make the switch smoothly if needed.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeIHS referred care bills: when you don't owe and how to stop collections
If the Indian Health Service or your tribal health program authorized outside care through Purchased/Referred Care (PRC), federal law says you do not owe that bill — and this guide shows you exactly what to do if a provider or debt collector comes after you anyway.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeTribal housing help: NAHASDA programs, home repair and Tribal HUD-VASH
Native American and Alaska Native families may be able to get housing help through their own tribal nation — including rental units, home repair grants, and veteran housing vouchers — thanks to federal programs that send money directly to tribes. This guide explains how those programs work and how to find out what your tribe offers.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeTrust land, fee land and leaseholds: what you can do with your land
Land held in trust by the federal government works very differently from ordinary land ownership, and those differences shape what you can do with your property, your home, and your money. This guide explains the four main types of land status and what each one means for financing, leasing, taxes, and your future.
Read Native American and Alaska NativeSection 184 home loans: buying a home on or off the reservation
The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is a federal program that helps enrolled tribal members and Alaska Natives buy, build, or improve a home — on or off tribal land — with flexible lending rules designed for Native borrowers.
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