Suquamish Tribe Transitions to Direct Deposit System for Assistance Payments

New free reloadable debit card available to tribal members

The Suquamish Tribe is making a significant change to how it administers food and gas vouchers, transitioning from paper vouchers to a streamlined, electronic system. The change, outlined in a presentation by Finance Director Logan Green and Human Services Director Nehreen Ayub on Feb. 13 at the House of Awakened Culture, is designed to improve convenience for tribal members while reducing administrative workload on staff.

Beginning in May 2025, tribal members participating in the Basic Needs Program will no longer receive paper vouchers. Instead, assistance funds will be deposited directly into a bank account or loaded onto a new smiONE debit card. The transition will take place over the next few months, giving members time to sign up and prepare for the new system.

Why Is This Change Happening?

According to Green and Ayub, the switch is motivated by two primary factors:

  1. Increased Flexibility for Tribal Members
  • Paper vouchers were previously limited to use at specific locations, such as PME gas stations and Safeway.
  • The new system allows members to spend their assistance at any store that accepts Visa debit cards, including Costco, Winco, and Walmart.
  • Having the freedom and flexibility to use the funds anywhere, just like any other bank card, also eliminates the stigma often felt with paper vouchers.
  • Funds will no longer expire, offering greater financial flexibility.
  1. Reducing Administrative Burden
  • In 2024 alone, the Tribe issued over 11,000 paper vouchers, requiring extensive reconciliation with merchants.
  • Transitioning to an electronic system eliminates the need for staff to track and process paper vouchers manually.

How Will the New System Work?

Tribal members who currently receive food and gas vouchers through Human Services will need to choose one of two options:

  Option 1. Direct Deposit (Existing or New Bank Account)

  • If a member already receives tribal distributions or reimbursements via direct deposit, no additional setup is needed.
  • Members must still check in each month at Human Services to confirm their need for assistance.
  • Funds will be deposited into the existing direct deposit account by the 10th of the following month.

  Option 2. smiONE Prepaid Debit Card
This free Visa debit card functions like a standard bankcard. As with other direct deposit options:

  • Members must still check in each month at Human Services to confirm their need for assistance.
  • Funds will be deposited into the existing direct deposit account by the 10th of the following month.

How to Get an smiONE Card:

  • Tribal members must sign up by March 25, 2025.
  • Cards will be mailed in April.
  • Members must activate the card via the mobile app and register using the last four digits of their Social Security Number and card number.

Important Considerations

  • One Payment Account Per Tribal Member
  • The Finance Department maintains a single profile per person, meaning all tribal payments – including basic needs funds, distributions, child support paid through the government, and reimbursements –  will be sent to one account.
  • If a member chooses the smiONEcard, all payments will go there.
  • If a member sticks with direct deposit, all payments will continue going to that bank account.

The free smiOne card includes features such as:

  • A mobile app for account management.
  • Fraud protection with full reimbursement for unauthorized transactions.
  • Companion cards (up to five linked cards for family members).
  • Access to a network of 55,000 fee-free ATMs, including locations at:
    • Kingston Rite Aide
    • Poulsbo Rite Aid
    • Poulsbo CVS
    • Costco

Monthly Check-In Required for Gas and Food Vouchers

  • Regardless of the payment method, members must visit Human Services each month to complete a simple voucher request form.
  • If a request is made before the last day of the month, during normal business hours at Human Services, funds will be deposited by the 10th of the following month.
  • If a member misses the deadline, they must wait until the next month.

No Fees for Normal Use

  • The smiONE card does not have a monthly maintenance fee.
  • Fees only occur if:
    • A member uses an out-of-network ATM.
    • A replacement card is requested with overnight shipping (standard replacement is free).

Security & Fraud Protection

  • If an smiONEcard is lost or stolen, members can lock the card instantly in the app.
  • A new card number can be issued electronically, allowing immediate use via mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
  • In case of fraud, smiONE assumes full financial liability, ensuring that members are reimbursed for unauthorized transactions.

What About Special Circumstances?

  • Emergency Gas Vouchers – The four annual emergency gas vouchers will still be issued separately as paper vouchers.
  • Holiday Assistance – Holiday gift cards distributed for Thanksgiving and Christmas will remain unchanged.
  • Tribal Members Outside the Local Area – Members living outside the area can participate but must still check in at Human Services in person each month to confirm eligibility.

Next Steps: What Tribal Members Need to Do

For Those Already Using Direct Deposit

  • No new setup required.
  • Check in with Human Services between April 1-30 to complete the voucher request form.
  • Funds will be deposited before May 10.

For Those Who Want an smiONE Card

  • Sign up by March 25, 2025 at Human Services.
  • Receive the card by mail in April.
  • Activate the card and register in the smiONEmobile app.
  • Check in with Human Services between April 1-30 to confirm eligibility.

Final Notes and Future Updates

  • The Tribal Council requires in-person check-ins for the first few months to ensure proper implementation.
  • A second informational session will be held in March for additional questions.

For further details, contact Human Services or Finance. Staff will be available to assist members with direct deposit setup, card registration, and general questions.

  • Finance (360) 394-8432
  • Human Services (36) 394-8465

The transition to direct deposit and smiONE cards marks a major step forward in making tribal assistance programs more efficient and user-friendly. With increased flexibility, stronger security measures, and a reduced administrative burden, this change is expected to benefit both tribal members and staff.