Tribal members to receive second COVID-19 payments on Dec. 22

The long-lasting effects of COVID-19 remains among us. To ensure tribal members' needs are being met during the pandemic Kiowa Tribal Chairman Matthew Komalty said in a recent meeting that he wanted to see a plan in which members receive another direct payment by year-end or thereafter.

That plan is becoming a reality.

Kiowa Elders (62 and over) will receive a $500 payment from the Tribe, along with the ARPA payment, during the scheduled elder disbursement on Dec. 22. That means all Kiowa Enrolled Elders can look forward to receiving a total of $1,000.

With the payment, Komalty said he will continue serve all Tribal members to the best of his ability.

Komalty and the Kiowa Tribe Executive Branch agreed it is important to assist members as much as the tribe can as winter approaches.

“I know the winter months can be stressful, and with the ongoing pandemic, along with rising costs for household goods, our people could use the help.” Komalty stated.

After careful and strategic planning, the Kiowa Tribe and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Rescue Program will give Tribal Members another direct payment of $500, 18 years to 61 years of age.

These payments will be automatically processed according to the system that was set for the first direct payment from the Kiowa ARPA that was made available on July 3, 2021. That means if a member has previously applied for the $2,200 payment, they do not have to apply again.

If any tribal members have not applied, there is still time but they will need to complete the application process by the Dec. 15, 2021, deadline. Applications are available on the tribe’s website, www.kiowatribe.org, or they can contact the ARPA office at (580) 951-0365 or (580) 919-8387 to apply over the phone or for any questions or concerns. Hours of service are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Individuals who may have had an address change, should make the change by going to rescueact@kiowatribe.org.

The Caddo County pick-up site for members in the Carnegie/Anadarko are will be the Caddo County Fairgrounds in Anadarko. Payments may be picked up from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members will need to bring their government or state-issued picture identification or Kiowa Tribal picture ID to verify their records.