Eligibility requirements can be confusing. This guide breaks down the most common requirements you'll encounter and helps you determine which programs you qualify for.
Common Eligibility Types
Tribal Enrollment
You must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
Common in: Most federal programs, IHS, BIA services, tribal-specific scholarships
You'll need: Tribal enrollment certificate or card from your tribe
Blood Quantum
Minimum percentage of Native American blood required
Common in: Some scholarships, tribal programs with specific requirements
You'll need: CDIB certificate showing 1/4, 1/2, or other blood quantum
Descendancy
Proof of being descended from an enrolled member
Common in: Some scholarships, nonprofit programs, cultural programs
You'll need: Birth certificates linking you to enrolled parent/grandparent
Income-Based
Household income must fall below certain limits
Common in: Housing assistance, food programs, some scholarships
You'll need: Tax returns, pay stubs, benefit statements
Residency
Must live on/near reservation or in specific area
Common in: Some tribal services, state programs, IHS service areas
You'll need: Utility bills, lease agreement, address verification
Academic
Minimum GPA, enrollment status, field of study
Common in: Scholarships, educational grants
You'll need: Transcripts, enrollment verification, major declaration
Quick Eligibility Checker
Answer these questions to understand your eligibility:
Are you enrolled in a federally recognized tribe?
If YES: ✅ Eligible for most federal programs, IHS, BIA services, tribal scholarships
If NO: ⚠️ Limited to descendancy programs, some nonprofits, state programs
Do you have a CDIB showing 1/4 or higher blood quantum?
If YES: ✅ Eligible for blood quantum-specific scholarships and programs
If NO: ⚠️ Many programs don't require blood quantum, focus on enrollment
Can you prove descendancy from an enrolled member?
If YES: ✅ Eligible for descendancy-based programs even without enrollment
If NO: ❌ May need to research family history or tribal records
Do you live within an IHS service area?
If YES: ✅ Access to IHS facilities and services
If NO: ✅ Urban Indian Health Centers available in many cities
Program-Specific Requirements
Federal Programs (IHS, BIA, HUD)
• Require tribal enrollment with federally recognized tribe
• May require residency within service area
• Income limits for some programs
• U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Scholarships
• Tribal enrollment OR descendancy (varies by scholarship)
• Minimum GPA (typically 2.5-3.0)
• Full-time enrollment requirement
• Essay, recommendations, FAFSA often required
• Some require specific major or career goals
State Programs
• State residency required
• Vary significantly by state
• Some accept descendancy without enrollment
• Check our State-by-State Guide
Still Not Sure?
The best way to know if you're eligible is to ask! Contact the program directly—they're there to help.