Announcing the Suquamish Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program

The Suquamish Human Services Department is celebrating a historic milestone with the launch of the Suquamish Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (STTP), a transformative initiative that will provide comprehensive support to tribal families while strengthening tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

“This is a monumental milestone for the Suquamish Tribe,” said Nehreen Ayub, Human Services Director. “By bringing these services to Suquamish, we can better meet the needs of Suquamish families while strengthening the Tribe’s sovereignty and its capacity to care for its people.”

After years of planning, negotiation, and advocacy, the STTP replaces the state-administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The new program is tribally operated and tailored specifically for Suquamish families, households, and descendants—a first for any Tribal TANF program in Washington State.

PROGRAM GOALS

  • Reduce Dependence on Government assistance
  • Promote Healthy Lifestyles among families
  • Strengthen Two-Parent Tribal Families
  • Empower Tribal Families towards self-reliance

TANF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial Assistance will primarily comprise of monthly cash benefits, cash incentives and emergency assistance as follows:

  • Monthly Cash Benefits – STTP will provide direct cash assistance to eligible families to help meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and utilities. Benefits will be determined based on family size, income, and specific needs assessments.
  • Cash Incentives – STTP may offer nominal cash incentives for students achieving good grades, participants who secure employment, and other accomplishments.

SERVICE AREA

The STTP will serve families within the geographic boundaries of the Suquamish Tribe’s service area as indicated below. The target population includes low-income Suquamish tribal families with children and expectant parents who meet eligibility requirements. All services will be coordinated through the Human Services offices located in Suquamish, WA.
To ensure that all eligible STTP families receive TANF assistance and services, the STTP will utilize multiple virtual platforms for those residing in the designated service area who may not have access to reliable transportation or are otherwise unable to physically come into the STTP offices. Virtual platforms may be utilized for monthly check-ins, compliance calls, work participation hours or other case management requirements on a case by case basis.
All enrolled Suquamish tribal members living on the Muckleshoot Reservation, Hoh Reservation, Puyallup Indian Reservation, Skokomish Reservation, and Squaxin Island Reservation are excluded from the respective service areas.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? 

  • You must be a tribal member of a federally recognized tribe
  • Families with dependent children under the age of 18, or up to age 19 if still in school and expectant parents within the geographic boundaries of the service area (Kitsap, King, Jefferson, Mason, Pierce).
    • Including Suquamish descendants and enrolled members of other federally recognized tribes.
  • Meets income eligibility with a gross household income not exceeding 50% of the most recent median income for Washington State.
    • Caretakers caring for a child that is not their biological child automatically satisfy financial eligibility requirements.
  • Households working towards achieving financial independence or self-sufficiently

HOW TO APPLY:
Families must complete an application for both financial assistance and supportive services. Documentation required may include proof of income, proof of residency, family composition, and identification.

VERIFICATION: 
Regular verification processes will be implemented to ensure ongoing eligibility, including periodic updates to income and family status.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: