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change in per capita payment is defined as a change in the frequency of the receipt of the per capita payment.
1. Applications
a. Count the per capita payment as unearned income for the month it is received. Count the payment when determining the first month of eligibility only.
b. If there is any remaining income after the month of receipt, count in reserve.
2. Ongoing
a. Count the per capita payment as unearned income for the month it is received. Because of the timely notice required, the payment will not affect the ongoing case as income.
b. If there is any remaining income after the month of receipt, count in reserve.
3. Payments to minors or incompetent adults are paid into trust funds administered by the tribe or fiscal agent. The trust funds are accessible only upon petition to the tribe, and if approved they are limited to medical or educational purposes.
a. Payments made directly into a trust are not counted.
b. Payments made to parents/guardians are countable when determining the child’s eligibility. Refer to VIII. for treatment of income from trusts.
4. Verification
a. Obtain a copy of the check, or
b. Obtain a copy of the award letter. c. Contact the source at the following address; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Post Office Box 455 Cherokee, North Carolina 28719 (828) 497-7040
5. Refusal to Receive Per Capita Payments