The Cherokee Nation is providing a onetime payment of $150 through its annual Children’s Clothing Assistance Program to income-eligible Cherokee children residing anywhere in the United States.

Cherokee Nation Human Services are now accepting applications through the tribe’s online Gadugi Portal at https://gadugiportal. cherokee.org. The deadline for the application is Tuesday, July 16 at 5 p.m.

At a special Council meeting in May, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin proposed, and the Council of the Cherokee Nation approved, a budget modification of about $4.5 million to fund the program this year.

“We know how tough this time of year can be on parents and we just hope that the Children’s Clothing Assistance Program will help with some of those costs,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “This one-time payment will help parents have a peace of mind in knowing that they will have extra funds for their children to get some new clothes, while they can focus on other back-to-school expenses. Cherokee Nation is always looking for ways to support and encourage our youngest citizens and this program is just one of those many ways we are doing that.”

To qualify, applicants must be a Cherokee citizen as of June 18, 2024, and must be under the age of 18 years old as of June 18, 2024. Household income must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines for household size.

Clothing assistance payments will be made electronically or by paper check after the application has been verified. The applicant’s Cherokee Nation citizenship number, name and date of birth must match Cherokee Nation Registration records.

“Cherokee Nation recognizes how stressful school costs can be and how fast they add up. That’s why we are so proud to offer this incredible program,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. “I’m extremely pleased that Cherokee Nation can offer this program to not only children within the reservation, but also Cherokee children who live across the country. I hope this payment will bring some relief to parents or guardians who will utilize these funds.”

For questions about the program, contact the Gadugi Portal Call Center at 918-453-5058 Monday-Friday or via email at support-gadugiportal@ cherokee.org. Last year, the program assisted 28,200 students.

“I’m proud that the Council and the Hoskin-Warner Administration are working together for the third year in a row to include low-income Cherokee Nation citizens in the clothing assistance program no matter where they live,” said At-Large Councilor Johnny Jack Kidwell.

The Children’s Clothing Assistance Program combines the tribe’s annual back-to-school payment and the annual fall/winter coat assistance payment into one program and a single application that provides eligible Cherokee children with a total of $150. This is the tribe’s second year to combine the funds into one payment.