North Dakota Assistance Programs: Your Resource for State Support

Finding the right support during challenging times can feel overwhelming. A wide array of North Dakota assistance programs exists to help residents meet their basic needs for food, housing, healthcare, and family stability. These programs are administered by state and local agencies and are designed to provide a crucial safety net and a pathway toward self-sufficiency.

For many of the state's core services, the application process has been streamlined through centralized online portals and support centers. This makes it easier for individuals and families to access the help they need from a single point of contact. The resources detailed here offer a clear and direct path to understanding the benefits available, who qualifies for them, and how to apply.

How to Apply for Assistance in North Dakota: Key Access Points

North Dakota has developed a coordinated system to help residents apply for its primary economic assistance programs, including SNAP (food), LIHEAP (energy), TANF (family financial aid), and CCAP (child care). Instead of navigating separate offices for each type of aid, residents can use one of three main access points. This integrated approach simplifies the process, ensuring that whether you apply online, in person, or over the phone, you are connected to the same support network.

The Self-Service Portal (SSP): Your Online Hub

The Self-Service Portal (SSP) is the state's primary online tool for applying for and managing benefits for several key programs. It is designed to be the most direct and efficient way for residents to handle their cases from home. Getting started is a simple, three-step process:

1. Create a North Dakota Login: If you do not already have one, you will need to create a secure account.
2. Link Your Case: Once your login is created, you can link your existing case or start a new one.
3. Manage Your Benefits: Through the portal, you can submit applications, complete reviews, upload necessary documents, and report changes to your case.

For those who need help navigating the system, the state provides tutorials with videos and step-by-step instructions on the SSP Help Page.

Human Service Zones: In-Person Local Support

Human Service Zones are the local, in-person offices (formerly known as county social service offices) where residents can receive direct, face-to-face assistance. These offices are the physical hubs for the delivery of benefits and services across the state. Staff at Human Service Zones can help with a wide range of needs, including:

• Providing and accepting paper applications for programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, and Medicaid.
• Answering questions about eligibility and program requirements.
• Assisting with child welfare services, including foster care and child protection.
• Connecting individuals and families with other local resources.

These zones serve as the frontline resource for North Dakotans, ensuring that in-person support is available within their communities.

Customer Support Center: Help by Phone, Email, or Mail

For residents who prefer to get help remotely without using the online portal, the Customer Support Center acts as a centralized contact point for multiple assistance programs. The center's staff are equipped to handle a variety of tasks and inquiries. You can contact the Customer Support Center to:

• Ask questions about programs and check the status of an application.
• Report changes to your case, such as a change in income or household size.
• Request that a paper application be mailed to you.
• Submit documents related to your case.

Contact Information for the Customer Support Center:

• Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
• Phone: 1-866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000; 711 (TTY)
• Fax: 701-328-1006
• Mail: Customer Support Center, P.O. Box 5562, Bismarck, ND 58506

Food and Nutrition Support Programs

North Dakota offers several programs aimed at ensuring residents have access to nutritious food, particularly low-income families, children, and seniors. These programs operate as a coordinated network, where a federal program is enhanced by state and non-profit initiatives. This approach boosts both enrollment and the value of the benefits provided.

This public-private partnership creates a robust safety net that addresses food insecurity. It also supports local economies by encouraging spending at local retailers and farmers markets.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is the nation's largest anti-hunger program and serves as the primary resource for food assistance in North Dakota.

Benefits

SNAP provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. These benefits can be used to purchase groceries at authorized retail locations, including grocery stores and farmers markets.

The program is also a significant economic driver. It is estimated that every dollar in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in local economic activity.

Eligibility

Eligibility is based on household size and income. For example, for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, a four-person household must generally have a gross monthly income at or below $3,483 to qualify. Both individuals and families with low income may be eligible.

Application Process

Residents can apply for SNAP using North Dakota's centralized system:

• Online: Through the Self-Service Portal (SSP).
• In Person: By printing an application and submitting it at a local Human Service Zone office.
• By Mail: By requesting an application from the Customer Support Center.

Application Assistance

For those who need help with the application process, the Great Plains Food Bank offers free assistance through its SNAP Outreach Coordinators. They can be reached at 855-405-0000 or SNAP@greatplainsfoodbank.org.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides targeted nutritional support to pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.

• Benefits: WIC provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social services. The program supports families from pregnancy through a child's early years.
• Contact Information: To apply or learn more, residents should contact their local WIC office. The statewide contact number is 800-472-2286.

Additional Food Resources

Beyond SNAP and WIC, other programs and organizations work to enhance food security in the state.

• Great Plains Food Bank: As the state's only food bank, it serves as a critical source of emergency food assistance for individuals and families in need. In addition to distributing food through a network of pantries and shelters, it plays a formal role in helping residents enroll in SNAP.
• Double Up Dakota Program: This innovative program doubles the value of SNAP benefits spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, up to $10 per day. This initiative not only helps families stretch their food budgets and access healthier food but also directly supports local farmers and strengthens the community economy.

Housing and Utility Bill Assistance

Maintaining stable housing is a cornerstone of financial security. North Dakota provides several programs designed to help residents with housing costs, with a particular focus on making home energy affordable, especially during the cold winter months.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home heating and energy costs.

Benefits

The program provides partial payment for a variety of heating fuel sources, including natural gas, electricity, propane, and fuel oil. Importantly, LIHEAP assistance extends beyond just paying bills. It also covers:

• Weatherization services, such as insulation and weather stripping, to improve a home's energy efficiency.
• Furnace cleaning, repair, and replacement.
• Emergency assistance for households facing a shut-off or disconnection.
• Help with the cost of a cooling device or repair during warmer months.

Eligibility

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on household size and income. For the 2025-2026 heating season, a four-person household with a monthly income at or below $6,497 may qualify. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for the program.

The program has moved to a year-round eligibility model. This means that if you are currently approved for LIHEAP, you do not need to reapply for the next season.

Application Process

Applications are accepted year-round through the state's standard channels: the online SSP, in person at a Human Service Zone, or by mail via the Customer Support Center.

Help for Homeowners and Renters

The state offers targeted programs to help residents avoid foreclosure or eviction.

• ND Housing Help: This service acts as a one-stop resource to help individuals and families explore and apply for various housing-related programs available throughout North Dakota.
• Housing Payment Assistance Program (HPAP): This program provides grant assistance to eligible homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants can be used to cover future mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility expenses. The maximum assistance per household is $12,000.
• ND Rent Help: For renters who have fallen behind or are struggling to pay rent due to a pandemic-related hardship, ND Rent Help may be able to provide financial assistance. Payments are sent directly to landlords and utility providers.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Administered by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the Weatherization Assistance Program aims to increase the energy efficiency of homes owned or occupied by low-income persons. By improving insulation, sealing air leaks, and ensuring heating systems are efficient, the program helps reduce residential energy expenditures and improve the health and safety of occupants. This program often works in conjunction with LIHEAP to provide comprehensive energy solutions.

Healthcare Coverage Programs

Access to affordable healthcare is essential for individual and family well-being. North Dakota has established an integrated system to ensure residents can enroll in health coverage, whether through state-run programs or the federal marketplace.

This "no wrong door" approach means the systems are designed to guide applicants to the correct program without forcing them to start over. This is true regardless of where a person starts their application—be it a state office, the federal website, or with a free enrollment assister.

North Dakota Medicaid and Medicaid Expansion

North Dakota Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to qualifying residents.

• Benefits: Medicaid helps pay for a wide range of healthcare services for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with disabilities.
• Eligibility: Eligibility depends on various factors, including income, household size, age, and disability status. North Dakota expanded its Medicaid program to cover more low-income adults.
• Application Process: Residents can apply for Medicaid through the state's Self-Service Portal (SSP) or by submitting a paper application to their local Human Service Zone. The state's Medical Services Division oversees the program and can be contacted at 800-755-2604 for more information.

Healthy Steps (CHIP) for Children

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as Healthy Steps in North Dakota, is designed for families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford to buy private health insurance.

• Benefits: CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children, ensuring they have access to routine check-ups, immunizations, and dental care.
• Application Process: In many cases, when a family applies for coverage through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace, their children will be found eligible for either Medicaid or CHIP. The application can be started through the Marketplace or directly with the state.

Getting Help with Enrollment (ND Navigator)

For those who find the health insurance landscape confusing, the ND Navigator program offers a crucial service.

• Benefits: ND Navigators are trained and certified assisters who provide free, local, and unbiased help to anyone seeking to enroll in health coverage. They can help residents understand all their options, including Medicaid, CHIP, and Marketplace plans, and guide them through the entire enrollment process. Their services are paid for by federal grant dollars, so they will never try to sell a specific plan.
• Contact Information: To get free enrollment assistance, residents can call the ND Navigators toll-free at 1-833-545-9448 or email NDNavigators@MinotStateU.edu.

Financial Aid for Families and Child Care

North Dakota provides direct financial support and child care assistance to help low-income families achieve stability and work toward self-sufficiency. These programs are essential for parents who are working, training, or pursuing education to improve their family's economic future.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is a program that provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to eligible families with children.

• Benefits: The program provides a monthly financial grant, issued on an Electronic Payment Card (EPC), to help families meet their basic needs. A key component of TANF is the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program, which offers work readiness, training, and job placement services to help parents move from public assistance to employment.
• Eligibility: TANF is available to families with a child under age 18 (or 19 if still in high school) who is deprived of parental support due to a parent's death, absence, or disability. There is a 60-month lifetime limit on receiving TANF benefits, though some exceptions may apply.
• Application Process: Applications can be submitted online via the SSP, in person at a Human Service Zone, or by mail. Applicants will need to provide documents verifying their identity, residence, income, and assets.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

CCAP helps make child care more affordable for low-income families, enabling parents to work or attend school.

• Benefits: The program pays a portion of the cost of child care directly to the provider. Most families are responsible for a co-payment, which is calculated on a sliding fee scale based on their income and family size.
• Eligibility: To qualify, families must be participating in an allowable activity (such as working or attending an education program) and meet income and asset limits. Assistance is available for children up to age 13, or up to age 19 for a child with special needs.
• Application Process: The application process is the same as for other core assistance programs: online through the SSP, in person, or by mail.

Specialized Child Care Support

In addition to the primary CCAP, North Dakota has developed targeted programs to address specific child care needs.

• ND Working Parents Child Care Relief: This is a pilot program that uses a cost-sharing model between the state, employers, and working parents to help afford quality licensed care for infants and toddlers (birth through 36 months). The program matches an employer's contribution, up to $300 per eligible child per month.
• Crossroads Program: This program specifically supports parents up to age 21 by helping pay for a portion of their child care and transportation costs, allowing them to continue their education.

Support for Seniors and Older Adults

North Dakota offers a range of services designed to help seniors and older adults live safely and independently in their communities. These programs address in-home care, financial relief on property taxes, and assistance with prescription drug costs.

In-Home Care and Community-Based Services

The state prioritizes helping seniors age in place by providing services that support them in their own homes rather than in institutional settings. The central point of contact for these services is the Aging and Disability Resource-LINK (ADRL), which can be reached toll-free at 1-855-462-5465.

• Service Payments for the Elderly and Disabled (SPED) and Expanded SPED: These state-funded programs are for individuals who need help with daily living activities but do not qualify for Medicaid. Services include personal care, homemaker support, and respite care for family caregivers. Expanded SPED is for those at higher risk of needing nursing home care.
• Medicaid Waiver for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS): This waiver program allows Medicaid-eligible individuals who meet a nursing home level of care to receive those services in their own home or community. Services can include personal care, specialized equipment, and minor home modifications to improve accessibility.

Property Tax Relief for Seniors (Homestead Credit)

The Homestead Property Tax Credit program provides significant property tax relief to eligible senior citizens and disabled individuals.

Benefits

The amount of the credit is based on income.

• Homeowners with an annual income of $0 to $40,000 receive a 100% reduction of their home's taxable value (up to a maximum reduction).
• Homeowners with an annual income of $40,001 to $70,000 receive a 50% reduction.

Eligibility

To qualify, a homeowner must be 65 years of age or older (or permanently and totally disabled) and have a total household income of no more than $70,000 after deducting out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted to the local city assessor or county director of tax equalization. A related Renter's Refund program is also available for eligible renters, with applications submitted to the Office of the State Tax Commissioner.

Prescription Drug Assistance

Several programs are available to help seniors manage the cost of prescription medications.

• Prescription Connection: This program, run by the North Dakota Insurance Department, helps residents of all ages who have low income and do not qualify for other state prescription drug programs. They can be reached at 888-575-6611.
• Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help: For Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and assets, these programs can help pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and prescription drug costs (Part D). The Medicare Savings Program is run by the state, while Extra Help is a federal program through the Social Security Administration.
• North Dakota Rx Card: This is a free program open to all state residents that provides discounts on both brand and generic medications at participating pharmacies.

Resources for North Dakota Veterans

North Dakota provides a robust support system for its veterans and their families. While the state's primary economic assistance programs are centralized, veteran support operates through a distinct, decentralized network. The key to navigating this system is the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).

The CVSO acts as the primary local gateway and navigator for veterans. They connect veterans to a collaborative network of state-run programs and non-profit veteran service organizations like the VFW and American Legion. For any veteran seeking assistance, the first and most important step is to contact their local CVSO.

Financial Grants and Loans for Veterans

Direct financial assistance is available to veterans facing hardship.

• Hardship Assistance Grant Program: This program provides grants of up to $3,000 per year to low-income veterans or their spouses for assistance with medical needs like hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dental care. Eligibility is based on income and asset limits.
• Veterans Aid Loan Program: This program allows resident veterans to apply for a loan of up to $5,000. The loan is payable over four years at an 8% interest rate, but half of the interest is returned if all repayment conditions are met.
• NDDVA Grant Program: The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (NDDVA) provides grants to veterans and their eligible dependents who are facing urgent, unmet needs. 

Other Veteran Benefits (Housing, Education, Tax Exemptions)

A variety of other state-level benefits are available to honor and support North Dakota's veterans.

• State Veterans Home: Located in Lisbon, the home provides basic and skilled nursing care to eligible North Dakota veterans and their spouses.
• Property Tax Exemption: Honorably discharged disabled veterans may be eligible for a property tax exemption on their homestead.
• Tuition Waiver: Eligible dependents of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can receive a tuition waiver to obtain a bachelor's degree or certificate of completion from any North Dakota state-supported institution of higher education or technical school.
• Special License Plates and Parks Admission: The state offers special license plates for veterans, POWs, and disabled veterans. Veterans with a 100% service-related disability and former POWs are eligible for a free annual state parks permit.

Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities

North Dakota offers specialized programs to provide financial, medical, and vocational support to residents with disabilities. These programs empower them to live more independently and participate fully in their communities.

Financial and Medical Support

Several programs offer direct financial and medical aid to eligible individuals.

• North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD): This non-profit organization provides direct financial assistance to North Dakotans with disabilities and health challenges. Funds can be used for a wide variety of needs, including:
• Prescription assistance.
• Medical equipment and supplies.
• Home accessibility modifications like ramps and grab bars.
• Medical travel expenses.
• Personal attendant care.
• Basic Care Assistance Program (BCAP): This program helps pay for the cost of care for individuals who are blind, disabled, or age 65 and over and reside in a licensed basic care facility. It is intended to supplement the income of a person who cannot cover the full cost of care on their own.

Employment and Advocacy Services

Support is also available to help individuals with disabilities find employment and advocate for their rights.

• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): DVR assists individuals with disabilities in achieving competitive employment and greater independence. The program provides training, counseling, and employment services to help eligible individuals find, keep, or advance in a job.
• Client Assistance Program (CAP): CAP is a federally funded program that provides free advocacy and assistance to individuals who are seeking or receiving services from Vocational Rehabilitation or Centers for Independent Living. If a person has questions or is experiencing challenges with these programs, CAP can help them understand their rights, resolve issues, and ensure they receive the services for which they are eligible.

Unemployment and Job Seeker Services

For residents who have lost their job through no fault of their own, North Dakota provides temporary financial assistance and resources to help them re-enter the workforce. These services are administered by Job Service North Dakota.

Filing for Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment insurance provides temporary weekly payments to eligible workers who are unemployed.

Eligibility

To qualify for benefits, an individual must meet three core requirements:

1. Past Earnings: You must have earned sufficient wages during a one-year "base period."
2. Reason for Unemployment: You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (e.g., layoff, reduction in hours). Individuals fired for misconduct or who quit without good cause are generally not eligible.
3. Able and Available for Work: You must be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment each week you claim benefits.

Application Process

Claims should be filed as soon as you become unemployed, as they cannot be backdated. There are two ways to file a claim:

• Online: Using the Job Service North Dakota UI ICE website.
• By Telephone: By calling the automated system at 701-328-4995.

You will need to provide your Social Security number and information about your employers from the last 18 months.

Job Service North Dakota Resources

Job Service North Dakota is the state's primary agency for both unemployment insurance and workforce development. In addition to processing unemployment claims, the agency provides a wide array of services to help job seekers find suitable employment, including job listings, resume assistance, career counseling, and training resources.

 Frequently Asked Questions