The Red Lake Nation of Chippewa Indians chose to operate a Tribal TANF program beginning 1-1-15. Implementation to transfer authority and responsibility to Red Lake Tribal TANF began 9-1-15. Red Lake Nation’s program requires that there be at least 1 unit member who is a citizen of the Red Lake Nation of Chippewa Indians or is enrolled or eligible to be enrolled with another federally-recognized Tribal Nation residing within the boundaries of Red Lake Nation.

In September 2018, the Red Lake Nation of Chippewa expanded their service area to include Beltrami County. Red Lake Nation of Chippewa serves TANF eligible “family units” within Beltrami County. Eligibility for assistance is to all families who meet the TANF eligibility guidelines and have a family member that is a Citizen of the Red Lake Nation of Chippewa Indians or is either an American Indian enrolled or eligible to be enrolled with any federally-recognized Tribal Nation, except for members of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe which include Leech Lake Nation, White Earth Nation, Bois Forte, Grand Portage, Fond du Lac, and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

EXCEPT for the initial transfer of existing eligible MFIP cases from the covered service area to the Band, handle case transfers into and out of the Tribal TANF program in the same manner as transfers from county to county. See 0008.06.21 (Change in County of Residence). Minnesota counties and agencies receiving transfers from Red Lake Tribal TANF must review and reapprove MFIP for the participants for the next eligible month under MFIP policy.

Consult with the Red Lake Nation regarding sanctions or sanction policy specific to their Tribal TANF program. If a Tribal TANF participant leaves the Tribal service area and wants to continue getting MFIP, the Nation will remove all Tribal TANF specific sanctions before transferring the case.

People who are applying for ONLY SNAP, health care, child care, or child support services must apply at their county of residence unless they reside within the Red Lake Nation, then they may apply directly with Red Lake Nation.

The Tribal TANF program will conduct hearings for appeals related to cash issued or claimed under the Tribal TANF program. Appeals for SNAP, health care, or child support issues will be heard through regular appeals process. See 0027 (Appeals).

For general information on the Tribal TANF program. See 0029.06.24 (Tribal TANF Programs).