Economic Assistance

Due to statewide eligibility program redesign, clients will no longer have individually assigned workers. This change is effective immediately.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you apply for benefits, please add North Dakota Customer Support Center (ND CSC) and the number of 866-614-6005 to your phone contacts so you don’t miss important calls regarding your benefits. Adding the CSC with the number to your contact list will prevent your carrier from flagging the call as unknown, a spam risk, or potential spam.

How to apply:

Online: Complete and submit an application online. The completed application will be directed to the appropriate County Human Service Zone office.

Manually: Print and complete the Application for Assistance (which covers TANF, HCC, SNAP, CCAP and BCAP) and/or Application for LIHEAP and return it to your local County Human Service Zone office

By Mail: Contact your local Human Service Zone office and request an application be mailed to you.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides a financial grant to eligible families in which a child is deprived of parental support due to absence, death, or disability / incapacity. The purpose of the program is to ensure a safety net while providing an array of services directed at promoting self-sufficiency. Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement in establishing paternity and support orders is required, and eligible caretakers must also participate in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program to obtain work readiness skills, training, and employment. Benefits are issued through an electronic payment debit card. BROCHURE

Health Care Coverage

Health Care Coverage (HCC) provides benefits to assist with medical costs for eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and qualifying as a member of a coverage group. Health Care Coverage includes Medicaid, and Healthy Steps (Children's Health Insurance Program). These programs may provide assistance to children and families, pregnant women, and recipients of SSI or Social Security Disability benefits. Health Care Coverage also includes transitional and extended Medicaid benefits, Medicare savings programs, and the Workers with Disabilities program.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), also referred to as fuel assistance, provides benefits to low-income individuals and families to assist with the payment of heating costs. The program is available October through May of each year. Seasonal benefits are based on household size, income, assets, housing type, and fuel used to heat the dwelling. BROCHURE To Apply: Complete the LIHEAP Program application.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - formerly Food Stamps) provides benefits through the use of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) to assist low-income individuals and families with purchasing food. Monthly benefits are based on family size, income, and shelter costs. BROCHURE

Child Care Assistance Program

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides assistance to low-income families to help meet their child care costs related to employment and certain educational goals. Most families are responsible for paying a share of the cost based on income and family size. BROCHURE
***North Dakota increased the qualifying income for the state's Child Care Assistance Program, effective 2/1/2022. More parents of young children who are working, attending school or training, or involved in job search activities can get help with the cost of child care.BROCHURE

Basic Care Assistance Program

Basic Care Assistance Program (BCAP) is intended to assist individuals who are at least age 18, who are blind or disabled, or age 65 and over, who need the services provided by a licensed base care facility. This is a supplemental program for individuals residing in participating licensed basic care facilities. The intent of this program is to supplement the income of a person who, after applying all available income to the cost of care at a basic care facility, requires further assistance. BROCHURE

Crossroads Program

Crossroads provides child care and transportation assistance for eligible parents up to 21 years of age who are pursuing high school, GED or alternative high school education. BROCHURE. To Apply: Complete BOTH the Crossroads Program application and the Child Care Assistance Program application.

ND Rent Help

ND Rent Help was created for people who have fallen behind or are struggling to pay rent and could benefit from help. If you qualify, payments will be sent to your housing provider for rent (and/or your utility providers for utilities). To Apply: Complete the appropriate application on the Application Portal for ND Rent Help.

Information & Referral Services

Information and referral services are services or activities designed to provide information about, and referral to, services provided by public and private providers. Services include a brief assessment of client needs to facilitate appropriate referral to the community resources.