COVID-19 FAQs

We have established a COVID-19 emergency hotline at 320-522-0216. Please call this number if you need any assistance regarding the resources mentioned in this FAQ, or for any COVID-19 related assistance.

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Loan Companies
Company	Contact	Number
1st Tribal Lending	Customer Service	888-845-6536
21st Mortgage	Customer Service	888-970-8906
Bank of America	Customer Service	800-669-6650
Bremer	Loan Solutions Department	651-734-4147
Chase	Customer Service	800-848-9380
Citizens Bank	Home Equity	800-234-6002
Citizens Bank	Mortgage	800-456-8855
Citizens Bank	Personal Loans	888-203-5953
Citizens Bank	Student Loans	866-259-3767
Citizens Bank	Credit Card	800-684-2222
Ditech Financial previously Greentree Financial	Customer Service	800-643-0202
Ford Motors	Fordcreditsupport.com	800-723-4016
Franklin American Mortgage	Mortgage Representative	800-295-1020
Freedom Mortgage	Will need to fill out Hardship Request online and call Customer Service.	855-343-9675
General Motors	GM Financial Customer Experience Team	800-284-2271
Guild Mortgage	Loan Counseling Staff	800-365-4884
Hometown Bank	Hometown Bank Redwood Falls	507-637-1000
M&T Bank	Customer Asset Management	800-724-1633
Minnwest Bank	Mortgage Department	507-637-5731
Mr. Cooper	Customer Service	888-480-2432
Nationstar Mortgage	Now Mr. Cooper - Customer Service	888-480-2432
PennyMac	Customer Service	800-777-4001
Quicken Loans	Customer Service	800-769-6133
Remax Realty	Talk with rental agency about next months rent	507-637-3236
Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing	Customer Care Line	800-365-7107
Southwest Stage Funding	Customer Service	866-939-5581
Suntrust Mortgage	Mortgage Loans	800-443-1032
The First National Bank - Fairfax	Mortgage Department	507-426-7242
Upper Sioux Housing Authority	Chuck Swanson	320-564-6303
US Bank	Customer Service	800-365-7900
Wells Fargo	Home Mortgage Account Management	800-357-6675
Woodlands Bank	Amanda Meyer or Katie Funt	320-532-7000 ext 9001 or 9002
Call your loan administrator and ask for Loan Forbearance or Relief.

 

Our only source for Per Cap comes from Jackpot gaming revenue. Jackpot is temporarily closed so there is no gaming revenue coming in.

WHY IS THE TRIBAL ELDERS BENEFIT PROGRAM (TEBP) SUSPENDED?

Our only source for TEBP comes from Jackpot gaming revenue. Jackpot is temporarily closed so there is no gaming revenue coming in.

WHAT OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS LOWER SIOUX DOING TO HELP BECAUSE PER CAP AND TEBP IS SUSPENDED?

1. Because your Per Cap and TEBP is temporarily suspended, the Community is offering additional assistance called “COVID-19 relief” money with your GAP/TAP funding. The COVID-19 relief money with your GAP/TAP money will be combined in 1 check. The check will be mailed on March 30, 2020.  We are making every effort to ensure direct deposit continues. As of today, direct deposit is in effect. If we are unable to send the assistance by direct deposit, we will mail you a check to your address we have on file.
2. If you have a loan due to Lower Sioux Housing Authority, your loans are on forbearance for April and May or until further notice. The interest on the loan for April and May will continue to accrue, however, it is not due at this time.  You will be notified at a later time how the interest accrual payment will be applied.
3. Rent due to Lower Sioux Housing Authority is forgiven for April and May. Refer to the “HOUSING FAQS” for more information.
4. If you have a loan due to DFI and/or Higher Education, your payments for April and May are deferred. The bills due for April and May still need to be paid, but we will keep that amount to your overall loan and you will not have to pay that until the end of your loan. For example, if you have 10 months left to pay off your loan (or rent due to Lower Sioux Housing Authority), you do not pay for 2 months (April and May) but as of June, you will still have 10 months left to pay off on your loan.
5. We continue to provide GAP/TAP assistance, but you will be receiving the funding directly and you are responsible for payment due to your lenders.

IS LOWER SIOUX STILL GOING TO PAY MY LENDERS WHO TYPICALLY RECEIVE PAYMENT FROM MY GAP/TAP?

No. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Lower Sioux will be issuing GAP/TAP payments directly to members. Lower Sioux is not going to pay your lenders directly.

You need to make arrangements to pay your lenders with the GAP/TAP money we provide to you. We are working with a very limited staff who are focused on the safety and health of our members due to our focus on the COVID-19 global pandemic. Therefore, we do not have the staff to process GAP/TAP to your vendors.

In addition to GAP/TAP assistance you receive this month, you will also receive COVID-19 relief assistance. COVID-19 relief assistance will be issued directly to you and will be combined with your GAP/TAP assistance payment. This additional assistance is to help sustain you and your family due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s financial impact on our Community at this time.

WHAT IS THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MY COVID-19 ASSISTANCE AND GAP/TAP?

Lower Sioux will be sending you a letter with that information.

DO I HAVE TO CLAIM GAP/TAP (INCLUDING COVID-19 RELIEF ASSISTANCE) AS INCOME?

No.

HOW IS LOWER SIOUX HOUSING AUTHORITY HELPING DURING TIME?

Rent to Lower Sioux Housing Authority

Rent will be forgiven for April and May, or until further notice.

• Lower Sioux Estates (Duplexes).
• Elder 4-plex.

Lower Sioux Housing Authority Loans

Housing loans issued by Lower Sioux Housing Authority are in forbearance for April and May, or until further notice.

• IMPORTANT NOTICE: the interest on the loan will continue to accrue, however interest is not due at this time.  You will be notified at a later time how the interest accrual payment will be applied.
• Escrow will need to be addressed at the time of insurance or property tax payment.  The forbearance will allow the payment to be moved to the end of the loan, and there will be no penalty for late payment or non-payment for April and May, or until further notice.

Non-Lower Sioux Housing Authority Loans and other private loans

Please contact your loan administrator (i.e., Greentree, Woodlands Bank, Bremer Banks, auto loan administrator) if you have problems or concerns of making payments at this time.  If you are having trouble paying, you can ask for forbearance relief or payment assistance.

• IMPORTANT NOTICE: Lower Sioux Housing Authority is not able to call your loan administrator on your behalf.   However, they are available to assist members with questions to ask your lender.

I AM AN ELDER WHO IS AT LEAST 60 YEARS OLD. WILL I STILL BE RECEIVING MEALS?

Yes, at this time, you will continue to receive daily, Monday through Friday meals from our elder nutrition program. You will also receive weekend meals delivered to your home on Friday afternoon between 4pm-5pm. If you are not signed up to receive these meals, but would like to start receiving meals, you can call Josh or Sara at: 320-522-0216.

ARE THERE PLANS FOR DRIVE-UP ASSISTANCE FOR FOOD AND/OR WATER?

The COVID-19 Response team, along with your community health staff, are currently working with state and national agencies and other possible emergency funding sources to gather resources to develop a future drive-up food shelf system. However, currently, here is a list of local food shelves, and other food assistance resources and their contact Information:

Redwood Area Food Shelf
231 E 2nd Street, Redwood Falls, 56283

507-627-3653

WeCare Project
206 Fergus Ave, Morgan, MN 56266

507-249-3822

Renville County Food Shelf
108 South 9th Street, Olivia, MN 56277

507-523-5339

MN Hunger Solutions Help Line:

With one call the Minnesota Food HelpLine assesses the caller’s situation and provide solutions to their food needs. If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, give us a call at ‪1-888-711-1151, use our chat feature, or fill out the form.

HelpLine Hours: ‪Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

http://www.hungersolutions.org/programs/mn-food-helpline/

ARE YOU STILL DELIVERING MEALS TO ELDERS OVER 60?

At this time, we ask that you stay at home. 

The Community will be providing some services to our elders over 60. Please contact the following individuals for more information:

• Monday -Friday: Josh Larsen: 320-522-0216; or
• Monday – Friday: Sara Bidinger: 320-522-0216.

Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020: For elders 60 years and older, you can have your medications delivered to your home between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. You will need to call the LSIC Pharmacy Department by noon for same day delivery. The elder who will be receiving the medication must be present at the home in order to sign off. If the Pharmacy does not answer when you call for medication delivery, you will need to leave a voicemail. It is confidential.

I HAVE DIABETES. WHAT IS LOWER SIOUX DOING TO HELP WITH MY DIABETES MANAGEMENT?

You can call Stacy at: 320-522-0216. She is available to assist members by phone with diabetes management-related questions.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE TO AVOID COVID-19?

As a valuable member of our Community, we encourage you to do the following:

• Stay home when you feel sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your mouth with tissues whenever you cough or sneeze, and discard used tissues in the trash, or cough into your elbow if you don’t have tissues.
• Avoid people who are sick with respiratory symptoms.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Do not touch your face.
• It is important for everyone to follow these guidelines.

WHAT ARE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS?

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you are experiencing these symptoms, do NOT go to your doctor’s office or the government center. Please contact the Lower Sioux Health Care Center at 507-697-8600 for direction. If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911.

WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING?

We are keeping up to date on any available resources from the federal and state governments for assistance with caring for our elderly, those who are sick, and those with underlying medical conditions.  For all other Community members, I ask that you take extra precaution and limit your outings only for essential reasons. Try to keep to yourself when out and about, be mindful of other people around you, and keep at least 6 feet of space between you and other people when out in public.

WHY SHOULD I REGISTER FOR PREFERRED ONE AND MD LIVE?

Registering with Preferred One and MD Live will allow Members with Preferred One coverage to have access to their plan benefits, pharmacy information, search doctors in the network, have medical appointments from home on line with an MD, and resources to help achieve one’s best health.  MD Live use’s their Board Certified Doctors for this service.

You can use your computer, laptop or smart phone to register:

PREFERRED ONE –  (Have Preferred One insurance card / Group & ID# number available)

1. Go to PreferredOne.com select Register for MY ACCOUNT
2. Click Register Now button close to the bottom of page.
3. Answer the necessary personal information.
4. Create a USERNAME & PASSWORD (this will allow you to access your benefit information)
5. Check your email to confirm your registration

MD LIVE – (For online Doctor visits) – (Have Insurance Card / Group & ID# available) 

Note: The Member subscriber should register first, then your dependents

• Go to MDLIVE.com/PreferredOne
• Click ACTIVATE NOW – a blue bar in middle of page
• Answer the personal questions name, ID#, date of birth, gender.  Select box only if you are the dependent on the account then continue.
• If registering as a dependent next enter policy holder’s information in cues requested (name-birthday- insurance ID number-relation) click continue and should be registered.
• After have registered by going to this website first for MD Live can download the MD Live APP and access through that if want to. It is a orange square with MD on it that is LSIC icon.
• Should not have to enter credit card no fees.

MD LIVE - HOW IT WORKS!

*Register

*Enter some information about you

*Select a doctor

*Video or telephone appointment

 *You will be given an approximate time frame for someone to call you back.

MD Live Reasons to be seen for – General Health, Counseling, Dermatology

Gen Health—Acne, Allergies, Constipation, Cough,
Diarrhea, Ear Problems, Fever, Flu, Headache, Insect Bites, Nausea, Pink Eye, Rash, Respiratory Problems, Sore Throat, Urinary Problems/UTI, Vaginitis, Vomiting, and more.

Counseling – Addictions, Bipolar disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, LGBTQ support, Grief and loss, Men’s issues, Panic disorders, Stress, Trauma and PTSD, Women’s issues, and more.

Dermatology – Acne, Alopecia, Cold Sores, Eczema, Insect Bites, Moles, Psoriasis, Rashes, Rosacea, Suspicious Spots, Warts, and more

SHOULD I APPLY FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE/MNsure?

Yes. This is a benefit available for all Minnesotans who qualify.

The following is a link to the frequently asked questions regarding MNsure. It is a one stop place to acquire health insurance. Once you apply, it will show which types of insurance you qualify for or they will notify you later. 

https://www.mnsure.org/new-customers/whatis-mnsure/faq/index.jsp

MNsure is also offering a special enrollment period (SEP) for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance in response to the potential growth of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. This SEP will allow uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through MNsure.

Members and employees qualify for the SEP under lost or will lose “minimum essential coverage” because employer ends your coverage.

Refer to the step-by-step resource sheet that is sent along with this message.

If you have question, contact: 320-522-0216 and ask for Arielle or Karen.

Snap Benefits resource information:

Documents needed to apply for SNAP benefits:

What information is needed?

The following items are often needed to decide if you will get benefits:

■ Identification for the applicant and the authorized representative, if there is one

■ A Social Security number for all household members applying for benefits; if you or a member of your household has not applied for a Social Security number, you must apply at the same time you apply for benefits

■ Proof of your monthly earnings, such as recent pay stubs

■ Proof of your monthly unearned income, such as benefit statements

■ Proof of housing costs (needed before the agency can allow these costs as a deduction from your income)

■ Proof of immigration status for all household members applying for benefits

■ Medical bills of household members who are 60 years or older or have disabilities if these bills are not paid by insurance, Medical Assistance or Medicare (needed before the agency can allow these costs as a deduction from your income). What is expedited service? If you need help right away, you may qualify to have

Webpage for SNAP eligibility MN  https://applymn.dhs.mn.gov/online-app-web/spring/public/process-login?execution=e1s1

Redwood

Redwood County Human Services Southwest Health & Human Services

266 E Bridge Street Redwood Falls, MN 56283 

Beth Wilms,

Director General Information 507-637-4050

Telefax Phone Number 507-637-4055

Internet [email protected]

Renville Web Site: www.co.renville.mn.us

https://www.renvillecountymn.com/departments/human_and_health_services/human_services/nutrition_assistance.php

Renville County Human Services 105 South 5th St. Ste. 203H Olivia, MN 56277

 Cindy Grosklags, Director

General Information 320-523-2202

Director 320-523-3564

Telefax Phone Number 320-523-3565

Email [email protected]

Information needed when applying for SNAP benefits

I AM OVER 65 AND/OR HAVE A DISABILITY AND/OR PERMANENT KIDNEY FAILURE. SHOULD I APPLY FOR MEDICARE ENROLLMENT IF I HAVEN’T ALREADY?

Yes. You can apply online at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/. Social Security will process your application and contact you if they need more information. If you need assistance, please contact Karen Swann at 320-522-0216.

WHAT IS ENERGY ASSISTANCE? SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR IT?

The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay for the home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.

EAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health Human Services. Grants are:

• For renters or homeowners
• For household with income at or below 50 percent of the state median income
• Based on energy cost, household size, and income

Visit the website for the most up to date information:

https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/energy-assistance/

Steps:

1. Fill out the application online or printed version

https://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/application-english-fillable.pdf

2. Contact your Energy Assistance Program Provider to find directions on how to most conveniently send in application.

LSIC:                             United Community Action Partnership (P) 507-537-1416 Marshall, MN Office

Redwood County:         United Community Action Partnership (P) 507-537-1416 Marshall, MN Office

Renville County:           United Community Action Partnership (P) 320-235-0850 Willmar, MN Office

Services may include:

• Payment of energy bills
• Help with utility disconnections or fuel deliveries
• Education on efficient and safe use of energy
• Advocacy with energy suppliers and human service providers
• Repair or replacement of homeowners’ broken heating systems

EAP eligibility is based on the three most recent months of income.

Household Size	Three Month Maximum	Annual Income
1	$6,761	$27,047
2	$8,842	$35,370
3	$10,923	$43,692
4	$13,003	$52,014
5	$15,084	$68,658
6	$17,164	$71,779
7	$17,554	$73,340

Full table is available on the website.

WHAT IS MINNESOTA’S GENERAL ASSISTANCE BENEFIT AND SHOULD I APPLY FOR IT?

Although we cannot guarantee you qualify, we encourage all our Members to seek as much assistance as possible. The State makes the determination whether you qualify.

General Assistance (GA) helps Minnesotans with little or no income meet their basic needs. It offers a small monthly cash grant to people with serious illnesses, disabilities or other circumstances that limit their ability to work. General Assistance is interim aid to help until you find another source of income. Benefit amounts depend on where you live, who you live with and if you have other income.

You can apply by mail, phone, in person or online.

To apply you must:

• Ask the county for an application or apply online at www.applymn.dhs.mn.gov
• Fill out the forms and return them right away
• Meet with a county worker, and give information about yourself
• Provide proof of the information the county asks for.

Refer to the separate resource from the Minnesota Department of Human Services or visit their website at:

https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/seniors/economic-assistance/income/programs-and-services/ga.jsp

WILL WE HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE ANY MORE?

Yes, at this point. All qualified Members still do have health insurance. With Jackpot’s temporary closure and no new revenue coming in, we do not know how long that will last. It varies week by week.  At this time we are still evaluating the cost for continued coverage and will let you know of any updates. We encourage you to apply for Medical Assistance (and Medicare if you are over 65 or have a disability).

Refer to the State Resources FAQs for additional information about Medical Assistance and Medicare.

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS?

What to do if you are having an exceptional amount of worry or inability to cope:

You may experience serious distress when you hear about an infectious disease outbreak, even if you are at little or no risk of getting sick. If you or someone you know shows signs of stress for several days or weeks, get help by accessing one of the resources listed below.

Jay Hunter, LMFT, (651) 269-0485 (15-20-minute calls at no cost to our community)

Rose Joiner, LMFT, (612) 406-2224 (15-20-minute calls at no cost to our community)

*Please be patient with responses as they are consultants

Tuesday & Thursday Support Meetings (AA/NA/Circle) will be available over the phone from 12PM – 1PM. Please call 507-697-8679 and you will be added to call automatically. These meetings are chaired by Woniya Kini Staff Members.

Western Mental Health Center Mobile Crisis at (800) 658-2429

Sojourn Counseling at 507-430-0261 currently offering counseling group in response to COVID- 19. Call for more details. There is no cost to individuals.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMSHA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 664746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517).

Wellness in the Woods Peer Support Connection Warmline of Minnesota at (844) 739-6369 call or text between 5PM – 9AM with any peer support needed at no cost

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed and feel like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 .

Refer to the separate resource for tips on coping with stress during this time.

Are Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking services still available?

Yes! We are still here for you. Please call any number below at any time of the day to let us know how we can help you end the cycle of abuse. You will be connected to the services you need, and we will keep everything we do and say completely confidential.

If you experience any of the following definitions of abuse, please call.

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Sexual Assault occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Stalking is any repeated and unwanted contact (physical presence or cyber stalking) that makes you feel unsafe.

Lower Sioux Victim Services:

Minnesota Indigenous Woman Society (MIWS): 507-627-HELP (4357)

Crisis line - 507-430-4368

Lower Sioux Police Department: 507-430-1622 or 911; or 320-522-0216

Women Victims Services Coordinator: 320-522-0216 (ask for Kim H.)

National:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

All Community scheduled events currently are postponed until further notice.

We ask that Community members suspend all travel outside Minnesota and the United States.

We encourage you to sign up for the Community text messages so you have the most up-to-date information about this issue. You can sign up by texting LowerSioux to 77948. We will also provide updates on the Lower Sioux Health Care Center’s website at https://lowersiouxhhs.org/category/news/.

 

Yes. However, only trash located in your 2 garbage bins will be collected. Anything outside the bins (i.e., on the ground/next to the bins) will NOT be picked up.