North Dakota TANF

Through TANF, North Dakota provides temporary cash assistance for its neediest residents along with work readiness, training and job placement services. The aim is to provide the much needed support to needy families with children and help them move towards self-sufficiency.

Most adult recipients who aren’t exempt must participate in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program, which offers training, job search assistance, and vocational education.¹

Participants are generally required to complete at least 30 hours per week of approved work activities or 20 hours for those with children under age 6.

FAQ

Who is eligible for TANF in North Dakota?

To be eligible for TANF in North Dakota, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Be a resident of North Dakota.
Be unemployed or working for very low wages.
Be responsible for a child under age 19.
Meet income and resource limits.

What is the income limit for TANF in North Dakota?

North Dakota has raised the eligibility standard for the TANF program to 50 percent of the federal poverty level, effective from August 1, 2023. ²

A family of three is now considered “needy” when their countable income is less than or equal to $1,138 per month.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$665
2	$902
3	$1,138
4	$1,375
5	$1,612
6	$1,848
7	$2,085
8	$2,322

The income limits are presented as dollar amounts derived from a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for each household size in 2026.

How much is welfare in North Dakota?

North Dakota has increased its benefit level from $486 to $962 for a family of three with no income, a $386 increase and its largest increase to date.

Household Size	Payment
1	$523
2	$739
3	$962
4	$1,175
5	$1,393
6	$1,612
7	$1,830
8	$2,049

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

How do I apply for cash assistance in North Dakota?

To apply for cash assistance program in North Dakota, you must complete the application process , either online or in person at the Human Service Zones’ office in your county. ³

If you are eligible, you will get your benefits no later than 30 days from the date your local county social service office receives your signed application.

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in North Dakota?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in North Dakota, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact ND Self-Service (HHS) at (800) 755-2604 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

What if I need emergency cash assistance in ND?

If you need short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance, you may request for assistance through the Diversion Assistance.

Diversion cash assistance is provided on a case-to-case basis to qualified families “in times of crisis and need” for up to 4 months of benefits within a 12-month period.

For information related to application for benefits or program eligibility contact your local county office ³ or direct your questions to

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Economic Assistance Policy Division
(800) 755-2716

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

JOBS is the employment and training component of North Dakota’s TANF program. ↩
Previously , families were only able to receive TANF assistance if their earned income was within 20-25% of the federal poverty level. ↩
Click here to locate Human Service Zones’ office in your county. ↩ ↩²