FORT HALL — The Fort Hall Business Council has approved the distribution of Shutdown Assistance Vouchers to provide financial relief to enrolled Shoshone-Bannock Tribal members affected by the federal government shutdown.

The initiative is funded under Resolution TAXC-2025-0728 and is coordinated by the Tribal Tax Department in partnership with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Enterprise Corporation (SBTEC) and the Tribal Enrollment Department. Each enrolled tribal member as of November 1, 2025, will receive four Shutdown Assistance Vouchers valued at $25 each, for a total of $100. The vouchers may be redeemed at Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Enterprise store locations.

Voucher pickup will take place Friday, November 21, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel and Event Center. Any individuals who cannot pick up their vouchers on that date may do so afterward at the Shoshone-Bannock Tax Department during regular business hours. Voucher Distribution will close on December 31, 2025.

Eligibility and verification requirements will be strictly enforced. Only enrolled Shoshone-Bannock Tribal members may receive Shutdown Assistance Vouchers, and each individual, including children, must be physically present at the time of pickup. No proxies, Power of Attorney documents or other representatives will be permitted to pick up vouchers on behalf of another person. Vouchers will not be mailed.  An original, unexpired Shoshone-Bannock Tribal ID is required for verification, as photocopies and expired IDs will not be accepted. Students are encouraged to remain in school and pick up their vouchers after school hours.

Each voucher is valued at $25 and must be redeemed in a single transaction. No cash back or change will be provided for purchases under the voucher amount. Vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash and may not be used to purchase tobacco or vape products. They are valid only at Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Enterprise stores and will expire on February 28, 2026.