A federal judge issued on order on Tuesday that authorized the first round of payments from the $3.4 billion Cobell trust fund settlement.

Between 325,000 to 350,000 Indian beneficiaries across the country will receive a $1,000 check. The payment covers the historical accounting portion of the settlement.

“With this authorization from U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan, we are working non-stop to get this first round of checks to as many class members as possible before Christmas,” said attorney Keith Harper, a member of the Cherokee Nation.

A second round of payments will cover the trust administration portion of the settlement. Most beneficiaries will receive $800 but many will receive more based on the level of activity in their fund account.

In the order, Judge Hogan said the payments will come after all eligible beneficiaries are identified, a process that will run through July 2013.

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