§ 773. — Payments.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 25USC773]
TITLE 25--INDIANS
CHAPTER 14--MISCELLANEOUS
SUBCHAPTER XXXIII--INDIAN TRIBES OF OREGON
Sec. 773. Payments
(a) Enrollees, next of kin, or legatees
The Secretary shall make payments directly to a living enrollee. The
Secretary shall distribute the share of a person determined to be
eligible for enrollment, but who dies subsequent to August 30, 1954, and
on whose behalf an application is filed and approved, and the share of a
deceased enrollee, directly to his next of kin or legatees as determined
by the laws of the domicile of the decedent, upon proof of death and
inheritance satisfactory to the Secretary, whose findings upon such
proof shall be final and conclusive.
(b) Minors and persons under legal disability; guardians
Payments due persons under twenty-one years of age or persons under
legal disability shall be made in accordance with laws applicable to
such persons in the State of domicile of the payee. The Secretary may
apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
guardian to receive and administer payments due a person under twenty-
one years of age or under legal disability, and may take such other
action as he deems appropriate for the protection of the interests of
any such person in connection with payments hereunder.
(c) Payments not subject to debts; time limits
No part of any payment hereunder shall be subject to any debt or
debts created prior to August 30, 1954 by a beneficiary of Indian blood.
Payment to living enrollees, unless under twenty-one years of age, or
under legal disability, shall be completed within one year after
approval of the tribal rolls. Payment to next of kin and legatees, and
payment for the account of persons under twenty-one years of age or
under legal disability shall be completed within the same period of time
to the maximum extent possible.
(Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1085, Sec. 3, 68 Stat. 979.)
