What is TANF?
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is intended to move families from public assistance to self-sufficiency by providing cash assistance along with work readiness, training and job placement services.
TANF benefits are placed on an Electronic Payment Card (EPC).
Stay up to date on the TANF program by checking out TANF news.
HHS is working to modernize the TANF Program. Find out what we're doing.
How do I apply for TANF?
Apply Locally
Print an application and return it to the Customer Support Center or in person at your local Human Service Zone office.
Apply by mail
Submit a request to have an application mailed to you and return it to the Customer Support Center.
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
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.
- Click here to go to the SSP.
- Create a North Dakota login. If you already have one, you can skip this step.
- 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.
Who qualifies for TANF?
If you are a relative taking care of a child, you and the child may be eligible if the child is:
- Under age 18 or will graduate from high school by age 19;and
- Without parental support because of a parent’s death, physical or mental disability, age or continued absence from home.
You may also be eligible if you are in your third trimester of pregnancy.
You may receive TANF benefits for up to 60 months (there are some exceptions to this).
Adults who receive TANF may be required to participate in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program.
What other information is available about TANF?
Starting July 1, 2023 diapers are exempt from sales tax in North Dakota. This is a result of HB1177.
If you would like to find a version of these publications that can be translated, visit the Apply for Help Publications page.
FAQs:
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program
Application Checklist:
- TANF Application Checklist - find out what you need to apply for the program.
Handbook:
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
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.
What other programs can help me?
HHS may be able to offer additional support.
Other programs you may qualify for include health care, food support, child care assistance, housing and utility help.
Who can help me apply or answer questions about TANF?
For help applying, questions about eligibility, or your existing case, contact 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
If you would like in-person help visit your local human service zone office.
State Office Contact Information
Economic Assistance Policy
TANF Program
600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept 325
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-2332
Toll-Free: (800) 755-2716
ND Relay TTY: (800) 366-6888
Email: dhseap@nd.gov