The Ho-Chunk Nation Legislature passed Resolution 06-12-26 H, titled ‘2026-2027 General Welfare Payment for Ho-Chunk Tribal Member Adults and Minors,’ which establishes the program for General Welfare Payments during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The resolution passed by an affirmative vote of eleven members, with zero opposed and zero abstaining, on June 12, 2026.

     Per this resolution, “Adults shall receive a July and August payment, but must submit a General Welfare Program Application by August 15, 2026, in order to continue to receive monthly payments on the first of the month.”

     The purpose of the program is “to promote the general welfare and provide a social benefit to all Tribal Members so as to ensure appropriate access to food, clothing, housing/shelter, utilities, transportation, fuel, healthcare, elder and disabled care, and assistance to promote self-sufficiency.”

     The resolution states that the General Welfare Payment is $1,000 per month for adult members. Minor members will receive $1,000 monthly as a trust account distribution, except for the August, November, February, and May payments, which will be $750 as a trust account distribution and $250 as a personal check.

     Tribal Members may opt out of the General Welfare payments by indicating their preference to the Ho-Chunk Nation Treasurer before the August 15, 2026 deadline.

     The 2026-2027 General Welfare Program Application is available online and in paper format. The online application is https://gwea.ho-chunk.com/. Paper copies can be obtained at the Tribal Office Building or Branch Offices, or requested by calling 800-294-9343, extension 11245, or emailing tribalmembersupport@ho-chunk.com.

     Completed paper applications can be returned in person, by U.S. Mail, by FAX, or by email to the Treasury Department at the Tribal Office Building. The FAX number is 715-284-7887. The email address is tribalmembersupport@ho-chunk.com. The mailing address is Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Treasury, General Welfare, P.O. Box 640, Black River Falls, WI 54615.

     The resolution explains, “if a General Welfare Program Application is submitted prior to August 15, 2026, or prior to the 15 of any month, the applicant shall receive the next monthly payment and any back pay for prior unpaid monthly payments on the first of the month.  Applications submitted after August 15, or after the 15 of a month, shall receive any back pay for prior unpaid months on the 15 of the following month and then regular monthly payment on the first of each month.”

     Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Members are encouraged to ensure their payment method is established with the Department of Treasury, such as direct deposit or Rapid Pay Cards. A paper check will be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service to those who have not established a payment method.

     Ho-Chunk Nation citizens with questions or comments regarding the General Welfare Application can call 800-294-9343, extension 11245, or email tribalmembersupport@ho-chunk.com.