The Navajo Nation Office of the Controller, in coordination with the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Office, has announced the implementation of the 2026 Hardship Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to elderly Navajo Nation citizens.
The program is funded with a total of $7,954,605 allocated through Navajo Nation Council Resolution CD-54-24. Sponsored by Speaker Crystalyne Curley, the resolution allocated $5,623,603 in remaining unobligated Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Funds to the program through the Office of the Controller. An additional $2,331,002 was subsequently allocated, bringing total funding to nearly $8 million.
The Naabik’yati’ Committee worked with the Office of the Controller and the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Office to establish the program.
Eligibility and payments
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation; and
- Be at least 75 years old as of May 31, 2026.
Based on the current eligibility criteria, approximately 30,000 Navajo citizens may qualify for the program. Each eligible individual will receive a one-time $250 payment.
“The Hardship Assistance plan will prioritize elders, including those living in assisted living homes, as this was a recommendation from the Naabik’yati’ Committee,” Speaker Curley said. “The 25th Navajo Nation Council ensured that the Hardship Assistance Program would be implemented and we understand that our elders are in need of assistance.”
Applications and outreach
The Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Office will begin accepting paper applications during in-person outreach events starting Oct. 5, 2026. A public outreach tour will continue throughout October.
Applicants must provide a copy of either a valid Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or Navajo Nation Tribal ID Card, along with a valid form of identification, such as a state-issued identification card, driver’s license or passport.
Navajo elders who are unable to apply in person can email frfohardship@navajo-nsn.gov to schedule a teleconference with Fiscal Recovery Fund Office staff.
Applications must be submitted by Nov. 20, 2026.
Payment distribution
The Fiscal Recovery Fund Office plans to print Hardship Assistance checks throughout October, with payments distributed during October, November and December.
Check distribution will conclude Dec. 4, 2026, while the overall 2026 Hardship Program will conclude Dec. 11, 2026. Checks will either be distributed in person or mailed to eligible applicants.
Recipients will have 90 days to cash their checks. All checks will be voided after Dec. 31, 2026.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council said it will provide additional updates to the Navajo people as the program progresses.
For additional information about the program, applicants can contact the Navajo Nation Fiscal Recovery Fund Office at frfohardship@navajo-nsn.gov.
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