Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Documents to have when you apply:

• Completed TANF application
• Proof of citizenship or alien status (birth certificate, 
• naturalization record, passport, USCIS forms)
• Proof of residence (lease/mortgage, utility record or 
• receipt)
• Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, driver’s license)
• Proof of identity (driver’s license, photo ID, lease/
• mortgage, utility record or receipt)
• Proof of social security numbers
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, adoption record, 
• court order record, tribal enrollment record)
• Proof of income (last month and current month)
• Proof of any assets such as:
  • Bank accounts
  • Retirement plans
  • Life insurance
  • Vehicles
• Proof of allowable expenses (if applicable):
  • Child support or spousal support
  • Child or adult dependent care expense

Download the TANF Application Checklist

You can use the SSP to apply online, complete a review and much more for TANF and other financial help programs. Getting started is easy.

1. Click here to go to the SSP.
2. Create a North Dakota login. If you already have one, you can skip this step.
3. Link your case to your North Dakota login.

If you need help, videos and step-by-step instructions can be found on the SSP Help page.

The Customer Support Center can help you:

• report changes to your case
• answer questions about your case or programs

This is also where you will send documents related to your case either by email, fax or mail.

Contact the center at:
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

If you need help using the SSP, find videos and step-by-step instructions on the SSP Help page.

Starting July 1, 2023 diapers are exempt from sales tax in North Dakota. This is a result of HB1177.

FAQs:

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program

Handbook:

• North Dakota Electronic Payment Card (EPC) Client Handbook (DN 1203)

Forms:

• Notice of Right to Claim "Good Cause" - This form is to be completed by TANF applicants who believe they have "good cause" not to cooperate with the state's effort to establish paternity or collect child support or medical support.

Brochures: 

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - provides a general overview in a question and answer format
• JOBS General Information - explains the work requirements TANF recipients must follow
• Kinship Care

General Publications:

• TANF Environmental Scan - Learn about the work North Dakota is doing to modernize the TANF Program.
• TANF Policy Manual

JOBS Program

The Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program is a companion program that focuses on work-readiness, training and job placement services. The department contracts with Community Options, Job Service North Dakota and Turtle Mountain Employment and Training to provide these services to JOBS participants.

Learn more about JOBS here.

Tribal NEW Memorandum of Understanding

HHS is working to modernize the TANF Program. Learn more about this effort.