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With its wide-open plains, strong agricultural roots, and tight-knit communities, North Dakota reflects the quiet strength of rural America. But even in the Peace Garden State, many households are feeling the strain of rising costs and economic uncertainty.

The median household income in North Dakota is $75,949, slightly below the national average of $78,538. That gap can make it harder for families to keep up with everyday expenses, especially when unexpected bills or debt start piling up.

North Dakota financial assistance programs can help residents cover essential needs like food, housing, healthcare, and more, offering relief during hard times.

Keep reading to explore North Dakota financial assistance programs and learn how to get the support you need.

Government Assistance Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota offers a range of public benefit programs to help residents meet essential needs like food, healthcare, and housing. These state and federally funded programs aim to provide a safety net for low-income individuals, seniors, and families facing financial hardship.

Cash Assistance Programs

For North Dakotans experiencing ongoing financial challenges, direct cash support may be available to help cover basic needs. These programs aim to reduce financial strain and provide stability for families with limited incomes.

  • Offers monthly cash assistance to low-income families with children to help cover essential needs
  • TANF benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Payment Card (PDF) that participants can use like a debit card
  • Applicants must meet income limits and participate in approved work activities
  • Provides monthly financial aid to improve food security for individuals and families facing hardship
  • SNAP benefits are accessed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card accepted at participating food retailers

North Dakota Stimulus Checks

  • There are no new North Dakota stimulus checks scheduled for 2025 or beyond
  • The state does not offer its own Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), or Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC)
  • North Dakotans may still claim federal tax credits to lower tax bills and increase refund amounts

Medical Assistance

Health care costs can place a serious burden on families, especially during times of financial instability. North Dakota provides several public health programs to help residents access medical services, from basic care to more specialized treatment.

  • Offers comprehensive health coverage for eligible children, adults, pregnant women, and people with disabilities
  • Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, mental health care, and prescription medications
  • Enrollment is income-based and subject to federal and state guidelines
  • Provides low-cost health insurance for children in working families who don’t qualify for Medicaid
  • Covers checkups, immunizations, dental services, and more
  • Many families pay no premium or a minimal monthly fee based on income
  • Offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible women
  • Prioritizes women with limited income who are uninsured or underinsured
  • May assist with follow-up diagnostic services and support during treatment

Pregnant and Single Mother Programs

Numerous ND programs offer vital support throughout pregnancy for low-income households experiencing financial pressure. These services can help cover medical appointments, nutrition, and baby essentials to ensure healthy pregnancies and better outcomes for moms and babies.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program that provides nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services
  • Open to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as children under age five
  • Benefits are issued via an eWIC card, and participants can use it at authorized stores and some farmers’ markets
  • Offers free safe-sleep education and portable cribs (Pack ’n Play) to families in need
  • Aims to reduce infant sleep-related deaths by promoting safe sleep environments
  • Available through local public health units for qualifying pregnant women or new parents

Child Care Services

Paying for child care can be one of the greatest challenges for families working to regain financial stability. The state offers support programs that help North Dakotans cover these essential costs while parents work, attend school, or participate in training programs.

  • Helps income-eligible families pay for licensed child care while adults work or go to school
  • Coverage includes part-time or full-time care, with co-pays based on household size and income
  • Parents must choose a provider licensed or registered through North Dakota’s Child Care Licensing Program
  • Offers free early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent support services for families with children from birth to age five
  • Prioritizes low-income families and those facing other qualifying hardships

Food Assistance

North Dakota offers several programs to help individuals and families meet their nutritional needs, especially those facing food insecurity.

  • Also known as the SUN Bucks program
  • Provides families with a pre-loaded card to buy groceries during the summer when children don’t receive free school meals
  • Helps fill the nutrition gap for school-age children from income-eligible households
  • Offers free USDA commodity food to eligible individuals and families through food pantries, meal sites, and soup kitchens
  • No application is required, but income eligibility may apply at distribution sites

Assistance for Veterans

North Dakota provides a range of services to support veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. These programs ease the transition to civilian life, improve health outcomes, and ensure access to financial and legal assistance.

Here are some of the key veteran services available in the Peace Garden State:

  • ND Veterans Affairs Benefits: Offers assistance with VA claims, pensions, education benefits, and health care enrollment
  • Transportation to VA Medical Appointments: Provides free or low-cost rides for eligible veterans needing to reach VA facilities or hospitals
  • Veterans Aid Loan Program: Extends low-interest loans to help with housing, auto, or emergency expenses
  • ND Cares Coalition: Connects veterans with mental health and suicide prevention resources across the state

For more information on these programs and additional support, visit the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Elderly and Disabled Adult Programs

The state offers a variety of support services for older adults and individuals with disabilities to promote independence, safety, and well-being. These programs can help with daily care, transportation, medical needs, and long-term planning.

Here are some of the key programs available in the state:

  • Senior Companion Program: Volunteers help seniors remain independent by offering companionship and help with daily tasks
  • Family Caregiver Support Program: Helps unpaid caregivers with training, respite care, and counseling to reduce stress and prevent burnout
  • Guardianship Services: Available for adults with no family or friends to make legal and medical decisions on their behalf
  • Dementia Care Services Program: Provides coaching and care planning for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions
  • Legal and Advocacy Services: Older adults can receive legal help for non-criminal issues like wills, housing, and public benefit access

View the complete list of programs and services through North Dakota’s official Aging Services division.

Utility Bill Assistance

Keeping up with utility bills can be especially difficult during North Dakota’s long winters. Several assistance programs help eligible households with heating, cooling, and other energy-related costs. These programs aim to reduce disconnections, improve energy efficiency, and ensure basic utilities remain accessible.

  • Helps qualifying households with heating bills, weatherization, and furnace repairs
  • Assistance is available from October 1 through May 31 each year
  • Income and asset limits apply, and benefits are paid directly to utility vendors
  • Helps reduce energy costs by improving home efficiency through upgrades like insulation, weather stripping, and furnace servicing
  • Free for eligible households (available to both homeowners and renters)

Assistance for Unemployment

Losing a job can be stressful, but North Dakota offers support to help workers stay afloat while they search for new opportunities. North Dakotans may also be eligible for free reemployment services, training, and job search assistance to get back on track faster.

  • Offers temporary cash benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own
  • Weekly payments are based on past wages and continue while actively seeking new work
  • Applications must be submitted through Job Service North Dakota
  • Includes career counseling, job search support, resume help, and access to hiring events
  • Aims to help unemployed individuals return to work as quickly as possible

Housing and Homelessness Assistance

Housing stability is essential for financial security. North Dakotans facing eviction, homelessness, or struggling to afford rent may qualify for support through state and local housing programs. These services help individuals and families secure safe, affordable housing or maintain their current living situation during difficult times.

  • Offers temporary housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness
  • Availability varies by location; many shelters have waiting lists (always call ahead to confirm space and services)
  • Offers financial assistance and case management to help North Dakotans maintain or secure stable housing
  • Designed for households at risk of homelessness due to financial hardship

Transportation Assistance

  • FirstLink: Operates North Dakota’s 211 Helpline, offering 24/7 confidential support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local transportation services
  • ND Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (PDF): Eligible Medicaid recipients can get rides to and from covered medical appointments through local NEMT providers

Divorce and Other Legal Assistance

Nonprofit Assistance Programs in North Dakota

Several nonprofit organizations across the Peace Garden State provide emergency aid, food assistance, and support services for North Dakotans facing financial hardship. These community-based resources can help fill the gap when government aid isn’t enough.

  • Local agencies offer emergency services, housing support, and energy assistance
  • Services are available across the state based on income and individual needs
  • Distributes food to pantries, shelters, and mobile food sites across North Dakota
  • Offers special programs for children, seniors, and those facing hunger in rural areas
  • Searchable database of current grants for individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses
  • Useful for those seeking funding for housing, utilities, education, and more

How Do You Get Financial Help in North Dakota?

While North Dakota offers a range of financial assistance programs, they may not be enough to tackle larger debts like credit card balances or personal loans. If you’re overwhelmed, working with a trusted debt relief company like TurboDebt® can make a difference.

TurboDebt offers customized North Dakota debt relief programs to help you regain control of your finances. In 2024, our team helped thousands of North Dakotans save up to 55% on their enrolled debt (before fees).

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Take the first step toward financial freedom. Schedule a free consultation today to find out if you qualify for our debt relief program.