Member programs services 2016

Redding Rancheria is a sovereign nation where pride in tribal culture, history and identity is evident internally and in the larger community. We are a leader in the development of our people within our traditional homelands.

The strength of our Tribe lies in honoring our elders, building healthy families and promoting self-reliance in our members. We invest in our youth and adults, knowing that they will create the future with the strength of our ancestors. We empower them with knowledge and skills for a changing world.

We lead by example in community development and stewardship of the land. Economic development and diversity provide a secure future for the tribe and contribute to a vibrant economy.

We preserve and celebrate our culture and live the traditions of our ancestors while building a brighter world for generations to come.

Index Childcare Assistance Page 1 Student Clothing Assistance Page 1-2 Private School Assistance Page 2 Education Incentive Programs for Youth

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Report Card Incentive Page 2-3

Activities Incentive Page 3 Graduation Incentive Awards Page 3 Student Tutoring Assistance Program Page 4 Education Scholarship Program Page 4 Tribal Member Youth Employment Program

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Tribal Member Youth Mentorship Program Page Member Health Care Programs Page 6 Health Care Safety Net Program Page 6 Supplemental Health Program Page 6-7 Member Travel Program Page 8 Financial Advisor/Planning Assistance Page 8-9 Home Equity I & II Programs Page 9 Small Business Grants Program Page 9-10 Life Insurance Program Page 10-11 Member Retention and Self-Determination Program

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Elder Appreciation Dinners Page 11 Elders’ Pension Program Page 12 Burial Assistance Program Page 12

Childcare Assistance The Childcare Assistance Program provides financial support to families to ensure that member children of the Redding Rancheria receive quality care when parents or legal guardians are working, attending school, or are temporarily unable to care for their children.

You are eligible if you are a single parent who is attending school, working or temporarily unable to care for your children. Two-parent households are also eligible if both parents are working, attending school or unable to care for their children.

The amount of support available to you depends on the ages of the children:

Ages 0-4 $350 a month per child

Ages 5-8 $250 a month per child

Ages 9-12 $150 a month per child These amounts double for ages 5-12 for the months of June, July and August.

In addition, children with documented special needs can receive up to $250 a month for documented extra expenses.

How the Program Works:

The Tribe sends you a monthly check for childcare assistance. In order to demonstrate employment, pay stubs must be submitted monthly to the Education Director. For those members who are self-employed, documentation is required quarterly. It is your responsibility to pay your private childcare providers. If the childcare provider is the Redding Rancheria Head Start/Childcare Program, the monthly check may be sent directly to the program.

How to Apply:

You will need to complete an application and show proof of employment (for example, a pay stub) and/or school registration. You will also need to provide documentation for any children with special needs. Applications are available in the Education Directors office.

For more information, contact the Education Director at (530) 242-4582.

Student Clothing Assistance Tribal member students, ages 3-18, can receive assistance for clothing for school, youth activities, and/or employment.

Assistance Amount:

Ages 3-9 years: $300 per year per student

Ages 10-13 years: $400 per year per student

Ages 14-18 years: $600 per year per student

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How The Program Works:

In most cases, parents receive a stipend for clothing for their children ages 3-14 (3-or 4-year-olds must be enrolled in school). Students who are 14-18 receive a clothing stipend directly. Stipends are available to eligible members with the July per- capita distribution each year.

How to Apply:

There is no need to apply unless you have a 3-or 4-year-old. You must bring in proof that this child is enrolled in preschool.

For more information, contact the Education Director at (530) 242-4582.

Private School Assistance Tribal members who have children attending or planning to attend private school can receive assistance to pay for school tuition.

The amount of support available to you depends on the grade level of the child: 1-4th $2,500 5-8th $3,500 9-12th $4,500

How the Program Works:

The Education Department pays the school directly, up to the maximum annual amount of assistance. The remaining balance of the tuition cost is the responsibility of the parent.

How to Apply:

Notify the Education Department that you intend to enroll your child in private school. The school you choose must meet the state standard curriculum. You will need proof of enrollment in the school to receive assistance.

The Education Department will complete a services contract with the school.

Report Card Incentive How the Program Works:

Students can earn “point” awards, which can be redeemed for gift cards or a check. Points can be earned for: • Grades: grade improvement, grade point averages of at least 2.0 and grade point average improvements • Attendance and attendance improvement • Extra curricular participation: sports, clubs, music, and other extra-curricular activities • Special awards, certificates, or other recognition given by the school or youth organization

How to Apply:

Turn in copies of report cards, attendance records and award certificates to the Education Department. You will also need to sign an authorization form and report card incentive request form that tells the Department how the points should be redeemed.

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Activities Incentive Each Tribal member youth can receive assistance in paying for participation fees, equipment, supplies, uniforms and other costs related to organized youth activities. These activities may include youth camps, clubs, organized sports, school projects, enrichment programs and other similar activities. Maximum annual amounts are based on age: Ages 3-8 $ 600 Ages 9-13 $ 800 Ages 14-18 $1,000 Students can also receive assistance each year to pay for educational school trips. Maximum assistance amounts: 6-8th Grade $2,000 High school $3,500

How to Apply:

For advance payment directly to the vendor: Complete the Activity Registration Form available at the Education Department.

For reimbursement of costs already paid by the member:

Submit copies of receipts or other documents showing proof of payment for activity fees, sports

clothing, equipment, etc. to the Education Department.

What You Will Need:

You will need copies of enrollment forms, invoices, receipts and other material showing proof of participation in school or youth activities.

Graduation Incentive Awards Students who graduate from a state-accredited school program are eligible for graduation awards. The amount of the award depends on the graduation level:

Junior High School Graduation (8th or 9th Grade) $500 G.E.D Certificate $1,000

California State High School Proficiency Test $1,000 High School Graduation $1,500 Associates degree: $2,000 Bachelors degree $4,000 Masters degree $6,000 Doctorate degree $8,000

How to Apply:

Provide a copy of the graduation diploma to the Education Department. The Department will then send the appropriate incentive award to the member. Limited to one incentive per degree per member.

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Student Tutoring Assistance Program Students who are enrolled in grades K-12 are eligible for tutoring assistance up to $2,500 per year. If needed, parents can get help from the Education Program in finding and selecting a tutor. Tutors can be students, educational aides, teachers or volunteer mentors.

How the Program Works:

Parents select the tutor. The Education Department can help you find a tutor, if needed. The tutor signs a contract with the Tribe to provide tutoring services, and the Tribe pays the tutor directly for the services.

How to Apply:

Contact the Education Program to discuss your child's tutoring assistance needs. A signed contract between the tutor and the Tribe must be in place before tutoring services start.

Education Scholarship Program This program provides financial support to Tribal members for costs related to higher education.

How the Program Works:

Members who are at least 18 years old (or who are under 18 but have graduated from high school) can receive assistance with the cost of education, including: • Tuition and fees for accredited high school, college, vocational programs and certificate programs • Required books, supplies and equipment • Transportation costs, including parking fees or public transportation • Internet service provider fees up to $45 if you are taking online courses • Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate for education travel that is required • Moving costs up to $1,500 if you must relocate to attend school • GED test administration fees • A living allowance of $75 per credit for college students who are enrolled in 6 or more credits each term in classes that are required for degree completion If you are enrolled in a full-time college or vocational school program that is one year or more in length, you may also receive up to $2,000 for a computer and peripheral equipment. You can request up to $2,000 every two years to replace this computer equipment as long as you remain a full-time student.

If you are receiving scholarship assistance, you must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA). Registration forms and transcripts are required to show proof of attendance and completion.

Full time students must complete at least 24 semester units (36 quarter units) or the equivalent each year. If you withdraw from school, fail to complete your classes, or fall below a 2.0 GPA, you will be required to repay some of assistance you have received. Repayment is taken through deductions from monthly per capita distributions.

How to Apply:

Complete and submit a contract/agreement form, available in the Education Department. Students who are under 18 must have proof of graduation from high school.

For more information on any of the Education programs, contact the Education Department at (530)242-4582.

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Tribal Member Youth Employment Program In an effort to help Tribal member youth develop work skills that will help them be self sufficient throughout their lives, the Tribe offers the Tribal Youth Employment Program. Funds are budgeted each year to pay the wages of youth, ages 14 to Senior year of High School, who wish to work for the Tribe or one of its entities.

How the Program Works:

This program helps youth to understand and become involved in the operations of tribal government. Each year, parents of youth are notified about the youth employment program. The Human Resources Department works with young members to find a placement in the youth’s area of interest. The Department also works to coordinate placements for departments that request a youth worker. Youth who work are paid the Tribe’s wage rate for temporary employees (currently $12 per hour).

How to Apply:

Application for employment can be made through the Human Resources Department. Youth will need to obtain a work permit from their school before they begin working.

For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at (530) 242-4564.

Tribal Youth Mentorship Program The Tribal Youth Mentorship Program is an opportunity for tribal youth to explore career opportunities within Redding Rancheria, Redding Rancheria’s entities and the community. By being exposed to new positions and fields the mentorship program can help lead the youth into a field of study that is right for them and possibly avoid the youth entering into career that they don’t really enjoy. Youth ages 14 to 20 may participate in the mentorship program two times a year.

How the Program Works:

The mentor will provide a positive learning environment while demonstrating and discussing their position.

Their main goal is to help answer any and all questions the youth may have about their field of study as well as teach them important aspects of their job. The mentorship experience will then be summarized in a 1-page essay that youth will turn into Tracy Edwards, our CEO, in order to receive a $250 stipend.

How to Apply:

Youth will need to contact the Redding Rancheria Human Resources Department and provide a half page introduction letter with a photo of themselves.

For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at (530) 242-4564.

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Member Health Care Programs Member healthcare programs are intended to ensure the highest quality of medical and other health care for members, spouses and dependents for their benefit and the long-term benefit of the Tribe.

The programs provide basic medical coverage for Tribal members and their families who have no medical insurance, provide reimbursement of premiums for those who have their own insurance, and provide supplemental coverage for members who are eligible for Medicare.

The programs also provide assistance with health care expenses that are not provided through the Redding Rancheria Tribal Clinic, Contract Health Services or insurance.

Health Care Safety Net Program This program provides basic medical and dental insurance coverage for members and their families who do not have health insurance and are not eligible for Medicare. It also provides for payment of any premium costs that the member must pay for those who have health insurance through their employers.

How the Program Works:

Members can enroll in the Redding Rancheria Tribal Member health insurance through the Member Benefits Coordinator. This insurance will cover the member, member's spouse or domestic partner, and all dependents who live in the household.

For those members who have other health insurance through their employer, the program will pay the employee's premium cost for coverage of the member and the eligible members of the household.

For those members who are eligible for Medicare, the program will pay the cost of Medicare supplement insurance that is the equivalent of the Tribal member health insurance.

How to Apply:

In order to enroll in the Health Safety Net program, you must complete required paperwork through the Member Benefits Coordinator. Documentation such as a marriage license, domestic partnership registration or affidavit, or other evidence of eligibility may be required.

For more information on the Health Care Safety Net Program, contact the Member Benefits Coordinator at (530) 242-4509.

Supplemental Health Program This program provides funding for the payment of member healthcare costs that are not paid through another source, such as insurance, or provided by the Redding Rancheria Tribal Clinic. There is a maximum amount available each year, the amount is currently $5,000 per Tribal Member. The funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis until total budgeted funds for the year are expended.

These services may include medically necessary health services, equipment, prescription medicines and medical supplies.

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A complete list of reimbursable expenses is included in the Tribal Member Health Programs policy, which can be obtained from the Member Benefits Coordinator. Examples of some of the expenses for which you can be reimbursed include: Deductibles associated with medical, dental and vision care insurance plans.

Co-payments associated with medical, dental and vision care insurance plans, and prescription drugs.

Costs that exceed your insurance plan maximums for specific types of health care, such as mental health, chiropractic and physical therapy.

Other expenses not covered, not fully covered, by insurance or other benefit plans, including, but not limited to: Diabetic supplies

Dentures and related supplies Orthodontics (braces) Oxygen equipment Wheelchair, crutches Weight loss programs Prescription drugs Vaccinations, flu shots

Hearing Aids and related expenses

Dermatology and other skin treatment Chiropractors and osteopaths Some services and products are NOT eligible under this program, including, but not limited, to:

Cosmetic Surgery, such as breast enhancement Tattooing Illegally procured drugs

Special food and beverages

Cosmetics and hygiene products

How to Apply:

Enrolled members who have a current registration on file with the Redding Rancheria Tribal Health Center are eligible to participate in the Supplemental Health Program. If you live outside the Redding area, you must register with the Tribal Health Center to receive services provided by this program. You can register by mail, telephone or in person.

You must submit all requests for reimbursements within one year of the date the service was provided. If there are no more funds available for reimbursement in that year, you may be reimbursed the following year, if funding allows.

Requests for payment must be submitted on the appropriate form to the Member Benefits Coordinator. Forms can be obtained from the Coordinator.

What You Will Need:

In addition to the form, for the payment of medical services you will need original receipts that include the patient's name, date of service, type of service, amount and provider. For other expenses, such as the reimbursement of over-the-counter medications, an original receipt is required.

Whenever possible, Redding Rancheria will pay the provider or vendor directly. In cases where reimbursement or other payments must be made directly to you, you are required to provide receipts and other evidence of qualifying payments and expenditures.

Fore more information on the Supplemental Health Program, contact the Member Benefits Coordinator at (530) Page 7

242-4509.

Member Travel Program Enrolled members of the Redding Rancheria are eligible for travel assistance for one trip in each calendar year.

Travel assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis during the year, as long as budgeted funds are available. The Tribal Council supports member travel because it can contribute to family unity and member development.

Maximum amounts available to members for approved travel each year are:

0-1 Years $1,000 (airfare and meals only) 2-13 Years $2,000 14-17 Years $3,000

18 Years or older $3,500 In addition, you may receive fees for attendance at conferences or cultural events.

Cultural Events Up to $350 per year

Conferences Up to $600 per year

How the Program Works:

Payments are made directly to travel providers (hotels, airlines, car rental agencies, conference hosts, etc.) whenever possible. When not possible, an estimate of the expenses may be advanced to the member with receipts required to be submitted to the Travel Coordinator immediately following the trip. The member may also pay the expense directly and be reimbursed upon submission of appropriate receipts.

Travel assistance is paid for actual travel expenses of an approved trip. Expenses can include lodging, airfare, car rental, meals and other miscellaneous expenses, such as parking. Meal expenses and mileage reimbursement are paid at the current federal reimbursement rate.

How to Apply:

Complete a Travel Assistance Request Form available from the Travel Coordinator at least two weeks prior to your departure and before making any travel arrangements with a travel agent or tour company.

What You Will Need:

Save your travel receipts! After travel, members must provide receipts for lodging and travel expenses to the Travel Coordinator. You must have these receipts to show that the money you received in advance was used for approved travel expenses. Advanced money that is not substantiated with appropriate receipts must be repaid.

For those who members who paid for travel directly, you must also provide receipts to get reimbursed for travel expenses. Receipts are not needed for meal expenses as they are paid at the federal per diem rate.

For more information, contact the Travel Coordinator at (530) 242-4521.

Financial Advisor/Planning Assistance One goal of the Tribe is to help Tribal members increase their knowledge and financial security planning. This helps to assure self-determination for the Tribe and financial security for Tribal members.

How the Program Works:

With Prior approval from the Chief Financial Officer, Tribal Members can hire professionals to create financial plans, prepare wills and other services. Up to $1,000 of the cost can be paid through this program annually.

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Current year tax preparation is not allowed.

How to Apply:

Tribal Members should contact the Member Benefits Coordinator or Finance staff to access this program

Home Equity I & II Programs Because home ownership can be an important part of self-sufficiency, Redding Rancheria provides two programs to help Tribal Members purchase, improve or increase equity in a home. These programs provide housing assistance loans of up to $100,000 to eligible Tribal members when they turn 25 years old and an additional $100,000 to eligible members when turning 30 years old subject to availability of funds. Loans may be used for purchasing, building, remodeling or doing major repairs to a home that is your primary residence. They may also be used for some real estate investments.

Repayment of the loans is deferred and, as long as the member complies with the program requirements, the loans are forgiven at a rate of $5,000 per year. In other words, over a 20-year-period, the entire $100,000 loan may be forgiven if the member continues to comply with the program.

How to Apply:

You must complete all required paperwork, including a loan application. Real estate transactions can be complicated processes, so requirements will vary depending upon the circumstances. Staff in the Tribal Attorney's office can assist you with completing the Home Equity I & Home Equity II application process.

What You Will Need:

You will first need to confirm that your proposed use of the funds meets the program requirements. Then, you will need to provide adequate documentation regarding the property being purchased or improved, existing loans on the property, and the value of the property. Again, staff can provide guidance as to what specific information and documentation you will need.

For more information, contact the Tribal Attorney's office at 242-1124 or 242-1198.

Small Business Grants Program The purpose of the Small Business Grants Program is to encourage Tribal members to develop or purchase small businesses as one option for employment and obtaining self-sufficiency. The skills that you can gain through selfemployment will benefit you and can also serve the interests of the Tribe. Members who own and manage small businesses provide economic diversity for the Tribe and set examples of self-reliance and business success for other Tribal Members.

This program helps members by providing up to $10,000 in grants that reduce the amount of personal funds that you have to borrow or put at risk in your business venture. The grant can help you to put together the resources you need to develop and operate your business venture. Because it is a grant, the money does not need to be repaid, as long as program requirements are met. Related business receipts must be turned in one year after recipient receives the grant otherwise the payback provision will apply. Such reimbursement shall be enforceable under the laws of the Redding Rancheria and paid back in full in no less than four months, including offset of any payments owed to the member by the Redding Rancheria, including per capita payments.

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How the Program Works:

Each year, a letter is sent to Tribal members inviting proposals for Small Business Grants. Tribal members who are at least 18 years old are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $10,000. Grants will be made each year as long as there are budgeted funds available. Funds for this program are subject to budget approval each year. There are 5 first year & 5 second year grants. You may only get 2 grants in consecutive years in a lifetime. If 2nd grant is not consecutive to the initial grant, there is a 10 year waiting period.

How to Apply:

During the application period, you must submit a cover letter including a description of how funds will be used and amount requested along with a business plan that shall include, as applicable: The particulars of member ownership, i.e. joint ownership, partners, etc.

Form of business organization Narrative description of the business Qualifications of the owner of the business Operating plans to include but not limited to: Operating cash and 3 year profit projections Detailed plans of use of program funds First year's budget.

A description of how the proposed business would have a positive long-term impact on the Redding Rancheria (through the attainment of self-determination, self-sufficiency, diversification and reduced reliance of gaming, membership skills, employment or otherwise).

For more information, contact the Member Benefits Coordinator at (530) 242-4509.

Life Insurance Program Beginning at the age of 1 year, every Tribal member has a life insurance policy. This policy provides a benefit to the surviving family members of a deceased Tribal member.

Coverage for members 18 years and younger:

Newborn to age 1 no coverage

Age 1 to 18 years $20,000

Coverage for adult members: Age 18 to 65 years Age 65 to 69 years Age 70 to 74 years Age 75 years or older

How the Program Works:

$200,000 $130,000 (65% of benefit) $84,500 (42% of benefit) $55,000 (27.5% of benefit)

Members are automatically enrolled in the program, but you should complete and sign a beneficiary form. This form tells the Tribe who you want to receive the life insurance proceeds upon your death. If you do not provide this form, the Tribe will distribute the money to your spouse. If your spouse does not survive you, your children will receive the money in equal shares. If there are no surviving children, the money will be distributed to your estate.

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For those members 65 years and up, the Tribe provides a Supplemental Life Insurance program that provides a benefit between the reduced Life Insurance schedule above and the $200,000 benefit for which adults under 65 years are eligible. This supplemental benefit is paid within 10 days of the distribution of life insurance proceeds and is paid to the same beneficiaries in the same proportion. The supplemental benefit, unlike life insurance, is taxable and required tax withholdings are made prior to distribution.

For more information, contact Member Benefits Coordinator at (530) 242-4509.

Member Retention and Self-Determination Program The Redding Rancheria encourages its members to work for the Tribe and its various entities through its Member Retention and Self-Determination Program.

This program provides a financial incentive to those Tribal members who work for the Tribe for more than 10 years. This benefit is intended to encourage Tribal members to stay involved in the operation of Tribal organizations and businesses.

How the Program Works:

You are eligible for the incentive if you have worked at least 10 years for the Redding Rancheria or one of its entities (such as Win-River Casino, RREDCO, Tribal hotel, etc.). Years in more than one of these organizations may be combined for eligibility. You are eligible at the time of your separation from employment, if you do not plan to return to work for the Tribe again for at least one year. This benefit is not related to your employment contract or compensation package. Members who are convicted of theft from the Rancheria are not eligible for the incentive. The current incentive is $5,000 for each year that you have worked for the Rancheria or one of its entities.

How to Apply:

Upon separation from employment, you will need to complete an application for Member Retention benefits.

In the application, you will be asked to provide a history of your employment with the Tribe. You will also need a signed letter of resignation or retirement from your current position. Once the application is complete, verification of your employment history will be completed and, upon verification of years of service, the benefit will be paid.

For more information contact the Human Resources Director at (530) 242-4564.

Elder Appreciation Dinners One of the Tribe's fundamental values is to honor its elders. One way this is accomplished is through the monthly Elder Appreciation Dinner, in which elders meet at a local restaurant for food and fellowship.

How the Program Works:

Dinners are held on the last Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. In the case that a holiday or general membership meeting falls on the last Monday of the month, dinner will be held on the following Tuesday.

Reservations are made at a local restaurant by the Member Benefits Coordinator and all Tribal elders are welcome to attend and bring one guest. The Tribe pays the cost of food and beverages.

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How to Apply:

Once you have reached the age of 50, you will automatically receive notices of the dinners. No pre-registration is required.

Elders' Pension Program Tribal members who have reached the age of 50 are eligible to receive the Tribal Elders' Pension benefit. Tribal Elders' Pension Program provides financial assistance to support a higher quality of life for Tribal elders, and to enhance comfort and financial security during later years of life.

The current monthly benefit amount is $2,000. Half of the pension benefit is paid as Household General Assistance which is intended as a tax free benefit assuming the Elder has qualifying expenses. You may begin receiving the benefit beginning the first month after you reach the age of 50 and will continue to receive it through the rest of your lifetime.

How the Program Works:

The ages of Tribal members are tracked on a monthly basis by the Tribal organization. Once you have reached the age of 50, you will automatically be enrolled in the pension program. You should begin receiving your pension check in the first month following your 50th birthday. For example, if your birthday is in June, you should receive your first check in July.

For more information, contact the Senior Director of Community Services at (530) 242-4501.

Burial Assistance Program This program provides up to $8,000 in financial support for funeral and burial expenses at the time of death of a Tribal member, or the spouse of a Tribal member. Costs for traditional and cultural services are included as a part of this benefit.

How the Program Works:

Payment for expenses can be made directly to the funeral home or reimbursed to the family upon presentation of proper receipts.

How to Apply:

To apply for funeral and burial expenses, contact the Member Benefits Coordinator. You will need an original death certificate and copies of invoices or estimates for funeral services. You may include costs for cultural and traditional ceremonies used in the services.

For more information contact the Member Benefits Coordinator at (530) 242-4509.

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