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Member Benefit Trust Fund questions answered
The 1 997 Members Benefits Trust Fund program is in its
second year. In 1 997 Tribal Council awarded a distribution
of $1,000 in Trust Land revenues to Members Benefit or
Minor's Trust Accounts for tribal members enrolled and
living as of October 1, 1997. The Member Benefit Fund
Ordinance, adopted August 28, 1996, governs this year's
distribution. All policies outlined in the Ordinance, includ
ing age limitations and withdrawal dates will apply to this
year's distribution. To assist tribal members, here are the
most frequently asked questions about the Members Ben
efits Trust program:
QUESTION 1: Who is eligible for the Members Benefits
Trust Fund?
ANSWER: Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Com
munity of Oregon members, who are enrolled and living
as of October 1, 1996 and for those enrolled in 1997 as of
October 1,1997.
QUESTION 2: Can we expect this money every year?
ANSWER: That depends on the availability of funds.
Tribal Council prepares a budget every year. In their bud
geting process, Council will identify if revenue is avail
able to fund the Members Benefit Trust Fund program.
QUESTION 3: Is this money taxable?
ANSWER: The initial $ 1 ,000 is non-taxable, as it is gener
ated from tribal trust revenues. Any interest earned as a
result of leaving funds in your account would be taxable.
QUESTION 4: Will we receive a statement on the interest
earned?
ANSWER: Yes. At the end of each year the Tribe will be
sending out 1 099 forms that will show any interest earned
for the year. You will use the 1099 to report interest in
come on your taxes.
QUESTION 5: Do we need to identify a Beneficiary?
ANSWER: Yes. According to the Members Benefit Trust
Fund Ordinance the fund is only available to those indi
viduals who have identified a Beneficiary during the year
the fund is awarded. To notify the Tribe of your Benefi
ciary, you must complete an Application Form, Benefi
ciary Form, and submit it into the Members Benefits Trust
Fund program.
QUESTION 6: Does my Beneficiary have to be a tribal
member?
ANSWER: No. Your Beneficiary can be anyone you choose,
including non-tribal members, non-relatives and minors.
QUESTION 7: Can parents withdraw funds from their
children's accounts?
ANSWER: No. In fact, accounts for members under the
age of 18 cannot be accessed by anyone, for any reason.
QUESTION 8: Can tribal members contribute to the Trust
Fund?
ANSWER: No. At this time, you cannot add to the Invest
ment Trust Fund. That may be an option in the future. If it
does become available, tribal members will be notified in
the tribal newspaper (Smoke Signals) and by mail.
QUESTION 9: Myself and my children are newly enrolled
members, are we automatically enrolled in the Members
continued on page 3
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The landscape is taking shape outside of the
new Health and Wellness Clinic. Over 200
memory bricks have been carefully laid into
place. Memory bricks, a Health Committee
fund-raiser, were purchased by people to
honor living and deceased family members.
'7
As the new year is upon
us, it is a time to pause
and to appreciate the
good will of others..
The Tribal Council and
Staff would like to extend
our warmest wishes to
you and your family
throughout 1998!
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