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.
An application checklist for the TANF program can be found here.
TANF benefits are placed on an Electronic Payment Card (EPC). Find more info about the EPC by clicking here.
Apply Online
Submit an online application for TANF.
Apply Locally
Complete the Application for Assistance and return it to your local Human Service Zone office.
Apply by Mail
Submit a request to have an application mailed to you.
Eligibility Information
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.
Partner Programs
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 Job Service North Dakota to provide these services to JOBS participants.
Information and Resources
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program
- Checklist: TANF Application Checklist - find out what you need to apply for the program.
- Publication: Learn about the work North Dakota is doing to modernize the TANF Program by clicking here.
- Publication: North Dakota Electronic Payment Card Client Handbook (DN 1203)
- Publication: TANF Policy Manual
- Brochure: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - provides a general overview in a question and answer format (529kb pdf)
- Brochure: TANF Information and Referral Services - provides information about other programs and services that may benefit low-income families (164kb pdf)
- Brochure: JOBS General Information - explains the work requirements TANF recipients must follow (108kb pdf)
- Brochure: TANF Family Violence Option Program - explains options for victims of domestic violence (82kb pdf)
- Brochure: Kinship Care (1.54mb pdf)
- Form: 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.
HHS is seeking public comments on the TANF State Plan. Written comments will be accepted until via mail, fax, or email until 5 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022.
- See the draft TANF State Plan
- Individuals can also obtain a copy by calling (701) 328-2332, toll-free (800) 755-2716 or 711 (TTY)
- View the public notice for details on commenting
Additional Services
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.
Learn more about other services available by clicking here.
Contact Us
For information about applying, program eligibility, or an existing case, contact your local Human Service Zone office, or the department.
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