North Dakota Hardship Relief: Financial Assistance Programs

When facing unexpected financial challenges, securing North Dakota hardship relief can feel overwhelming. However, a robust network of support is available to help you regain stability. Whether you're struggling with housing costs, utility bills, food insecurity, or medical expenses, various state and non-profit programs are designed to provide immediate and long-term financial assistance.

This resource breaks down the specific aid available, detailing eligibility requirements and application processes. It will connect you with the help you need for everything from emergency cash assistance to securing affordable housing and healthcare.

Navigating a Complex System

The landscape of financial assistance in North Dakota is extensive but not centralized. Residents in need must often interact with multiple entities, including state-level bodies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA).

You may also need to contact local Human Service Zone offices, a network of seven regional Community Action Agencies, and a wide array of non-profit organizations. Each of these has its own set of programs, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

While the state’s online Self-Service Portal (SSP) streamlines applications for major benefits like SNAP, LIHEAP, and TANF, it does not cover the full spectrum of available aid. This fragmentation of services can create a significant burden for individuals and families already under stress. The purpose here is to serve as a clear map to this complex system, organizing resources by need and providing direct pathways to help.

Immediate Financial Hardship Relief in North Dakota

During a financial crisis, the most urgent needs are immediate safety, food, and shelter. Several organizations across North Dakota are structured to provide this frontline, emergency support.

Accessing Emergency Shelter and Homelessness Prevention

For individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk of losing their housing, the most critical first step is to contact First Link’s 2-1-1 hotline. This free, confidential service operates 24/7 and serves as the primary access point for crisis services statewide. Trained specialists can connect callers with local emergency shelters, food resources, and other urgent assistance programs.

North Dakota has a network of providers that offer shelter and support for individuals experiencing general homelessness as well as for those fleeing domestic violence. The 2-1-1 hotline is the most effective way to be referred to the appropriate local agency. In major metropolitan areas, there are also direct access points. For example, in the Bismarck area, individuals can contact Community Action, Ministry on the Margins, The Salvation Army, or Youthworks for immediate assistance.

Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

For those specifically experiencing domestic violence, the following resources are vital for safety planning and shelter:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• CAWS North Dakota: The statewide domestic violence and sexual assault coalition.

It is important to note that program availability can change based on funding. For instance, the North Dakota Housing Stabilization (NDHS) program is no longer accepting new applications due to the expiration of federal funding. This reinforces the importance of using a central referral service like 2-1-1 to find currently active resources.

Where to Find Emergency Food and Hot Meals

For immediate food needs, several options are available without a formal application process. The Great Plains Food Bank partners with a statewide network of over 200 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Their website provides a locator tool to find the nearest partner agency where individuals can receive groceries at no cost.

Additionally, The Salvation Army operates community hot meal programs in several North Dakota cities, including Fargo and Bismarck. These programs serve free meals to anyone in need. Local churches and community organizations also run emergency food pantries, such as the Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry and the Abundance of Grace Food Pantry in Mandan.

Crisis Intervention and Urgent Financial Support

For financial crises beyond food and shelter, several programs offer direct, short-term financial aid.

Community Action Agencies, with seven regional offices covering all 53 counties, are a cornerstone of emergency support. They often serve as the provider of last resort, offering assistance when other options are exhausted. One of their key programs is Energy Share, which provides emergency grants to prevent utility disconnection.

Local Human Service Zone offices administer the General Assistance Program. This is an emergency program designed to meet basic maintenance needs of families in crisis, disabled adults without other resources, and to cover burial costs for deceased poor persons.  

Non-profit organizations also play a crucial role. The Salvation Army provides crisis intervention services that can include vouchers for prescriptions, clothing, or transportation. In Grand Forks, St. Joseph's Social Care offers vouchers for its thrift store to obtain furniture, clothing, and household items, in addition to running a food pantry.

Housing Assistance for North Dakota Residents

Maintaining stable housing is fundamental to well-being. North Dakota offers a range of programs to help residents with rent, utility bills, and homeownership challenges.

Help with Rent and Preventing Eviction

While large-scale pandemic relief programs like ND Rent Help have concluded, ongoing support for renters is available. The primary source for long-term, subsidized rental assistance is a local Public Housing Authority (PHA). These agencies administer federal programs that make housing more affordable for low-income families.

For those facing unique barriers to renting, the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) offers the Opening Doors program. This landlord risk mitigation fund encourages landlords to lease to tenants with poor credit, a past eviction, or a criminal record. To access this program, an individual must be referred by an approved agency and engage in supportive services.

Emergency rental assistance may also be available on a limited basis from non-profits like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities North Dakota.

Utility Bill Assistance Programs

Assistance with heating and electricity bills is available through both a primary state program and secondary emergency funds.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is the main federal and state program helping low-income households with energy costs, administered by the ND Department of Health and Human Services.

• Benefits: LIHEAP provides a direct payment to a household's utility provider. The program can also fund weatherization services, furnace cleaning and repair, and in some cases, furnace replacement. Assistance is also available for summer cooling costs.
• Eligibility: Eligibility is based on household income, which must be at or below 60% of the state's median income. Both homeowners and renters can apply.
• Application Process: Applications are accepted year-round. Residents can apply in one of three ways:
  1. Online: Through the state's Self-Service Portal (SSP) at applyforhelp.nd.gov.
  2. In Person: By printing an application and submitting it at a local Human Service Zone office.
  3. By Mail: By requesting an application be mailed to the Customer Support Center. Applicants will need to provide documents such as proof of income, a copy of their heating bill, and a copy of their lease if they rent.

Energy Share and Other Utility Support

For households facing an immediate shutoff notice or who have exhausted their LIHEAP benefit, the Energy Share program can provide emergency assistance. This program is funded by private donations and administered by regional Community Action Agencies. It can cover past-due bills, reconnection fees, and service charges.

Additionally, many rural electric cooperatives offer their own assistance programs, often funded through member donations in an Operation Round Up program.

Support for Homeowners: Mortgage, Tax, and Repair Aid

Homeowners facing financial hardship have access to a dedicated fund designed to prevent foreclosure and maintain housing stability.

ND Help for Homeowners (Homeowner Assistance Fund - HAF)

The ND Help for Homeowners program is administered by the ND Department of Human Services to help homeowners at risk of mortgage delinquency, default, or foreclosure.  

• Benefits: The program can provide funds to pay for past-due mortgage payments, utility bills, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and HOA fees. Total assistance is capped at $40,000 per household.
• Eligibility: A household must own and occupy the home as their primary residence. Eligibility is also based on income, which can be up to 150% of the area median income for assistance with past-due payments.
• Application Process: Homeowners can apply online at applyforhelp.nd.gov. Program specialists can be reached at 701-328-1907 for assistance. Help for   future mortgage payments was discontinued as of November 10, 2023, though help for past-due costs remains available.

For home repairs, homeowners in rural areas may qualify for loans and grants through USDA Rural Development programs.

Finding Affordable Long-Term Housing Solutions

For a sustainable, long-term solution to housing costs, federally subsidized programs are the primary option.

Public Housing Authorities and Section 8 Vouchers

Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) manage affordable housing programs in their designated areas. They administer two main types of assistance:  

1. Public Housing: These are apartment complexes owned by the PHA. Tenants pay rent capped at approximately 30% of their adjusted gross income.
2. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This program provides a voucher to rent a unit in the private market. The household pays about 30% of their income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a certain limit.

Waiting lists for these programs can be long, so it is advisable to apply as soon as a need is anticipated.

Food and Nutrition Programs for Individuals and Families

Several robust programs exist in North Dakota to ensure individuals and families have consistent access to healthy food.

Applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly food stamps, is the nation's largest anti-hunger program. It provides monthly benefits on an EBT card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers.

• Eligibility: SNAP eligibility is primarily based on household income and resources. Special rules apply to certain populations, such as college students, who must meet additional criteria.
• Application Process: The ND Department of Health and Human Services manages applications. Residents can apply online via the SSP, by mail, or in person at a Human Service Zone office.
• Application Assistance: The Great Plains Food Bank offers free, one-on-one assistance with the application process. Their SNAP Outreach Coordinators can be reached at 855-405-0000.

WIC: Nutritional Support for Women, Infants, and Children

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. It serves low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. WIC benefits are provided for items like milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.

Locating Food Banks and Local Pantries Across the State

Beyond SNAP and WIC, a strong network of charitable food providers exists across North Dakota. The Great Plains Food Bank is the central hub for this network. In addition to supplying local food pantries, they operate several direct-service programs:

• Mobile Food Pantry: Travels to rural areas with limited access to a traditional pantry.
• Backpack Program: Provides children with easy-to-prepare food for weekends.
• Senior Food Pack Program: Distributes a monthly box of supplemental food to low-income seniors.

Local Community Action Agencies also frequently operate or support food pantries in their service regions.

Healthcare and Medical Financial Assistance

The cost of healthcare can be a significant source of financial hardship. North Dakota offers public health insurance and targeted financial aid to help residents manage medical expenses.

North Dakota Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

North Dakota Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to qualifying individuals. There are several pathways to eligibility:

• Medicaid Expansion: Covers adults aged 19-64 with household incomes at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• Traditional Medicaid: Covers specific groups, including pregnant women, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who meet income and asset limits.
• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Known as Healthy Steps, this program covers children in families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

Applications for Medicaid Expansion and CHIP can be completed online through the SSP. Applications for Traditional Medicaid are typically handled by local Human Service Zone offices.

North Dakota Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

For medical costs not covered by insurance, several non-profits offer direct financial assistance. The North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD) is a primary resource for North Dakotans with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Their financial assistance programs can help pay for:

• Prescription Medications
• Medical Equipment and Supplies
• Home Accessibility Modifications
• Medical Travel Assistance

NDAD also manages targeted funds, including the North Dakota Organ Transplant Fund and the Autism Spectrum Assistance Program (ASAP). Other organizations, like The Salvation Army, may offer emergency prescription assistance. For veterans, the Ward County Veteran's Hardship Assistance Program provides grants for dental, optical, and hearing aid needs.

Direct Cash, Child Care, and Family Support

For families with children facing a severe loss of income, programs are available that provide direct cash assistance and support for work-related expenses like child care.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides a monthly cash grant to eligible families with children. The program is temporary and aims to help families achieve self-sufficiency through work.  

• Eligibility: A child in the household must be "deprived of parental support" due to a parent's death, absence, or disability. The family must also meet strict income and asset limits.  
• Work Requirements: Adult recipients are required to participate in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program, which involves work-related activities.
• Lifetime Limit: There is a 60-month (five-year) lifetime limit on receiving TANF benefits for most households.
• Application Process: Families can apply for TANF online through the SSP, by mail, or in person at their local Human Service Zone office.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps low-income families pay for child care so that parents can work or attend school. The program pays a portion of the child care costs directly to the provider. Families are typically required to pay a co-payment based on their income and family size. Applications are submitted through the state's Apply for Help portal or local Human Service Zone offices.

Specialized Hardship Relief Resources

North Dakota has targeted resources to meet the unique needs of specific populations, including veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Financial Assistance for North Dakota Veterans

Veterans have access to both federal and state-level support. A notable state-level program is the Hardship Assistance Program funded by the Veterans Post War Trust Fund. This program can assist with a variety of needs:

• Dental work and denture procedures
• Optical needs
• Hearing aids
• Transportation for medical reasons
• A one-time grant for a rental security deposit

Eligibility requires one year of North Dakota residency, qualifying veteran status, and meeting specific income and asset limits.

For veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides case management and financial assistance to secure stable housing. Veterans can also be connected to the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program by contacting a VA medical center or the National Homeless Veteran Call Center at 877-424-3838.

Support Services for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Several organizations focus on helping seniors and individuals with disabilities live independently.

The North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD) offers a comprehensive suite of financial assistance programs detailed previously, covering everything from prescription costs to home modifications.

For information and referrals, the Aging and Disability Resource-LINK (ADRL) is a crucial starting point. This free service helps seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers navigate the complex system of available services. They can be reached toll-free at 1-855-462-5465.

For those requiring a higher level of care, the Basic Care Assistance Program (BCAP) helps pay for care in a licensed basic care facility. Food security is supported by programs like the Senior Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Senior Food Pack Program.

Key Contacts for Statewide Assistance

Navigating the various agencies can be challenging. The table below provides a consolidated directory of the most critical statewide entry points for residents seeking hardship relief.

Frequently Asked Questions