From SNAP and heating bills to Medicaid, cash help, and child care, North Dakota has benefits programs that can help. Most are run by North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), and you can apply online through HHS. For SSDI, SSI, or VA disability benefits, start with Social Security or the VA.
North Dakota benefits programs at a glance
Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) | Monthly income when a health condition stops you from working | Social Security Administration (SSA), or with Turnout |
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Monthly income for people with disabilities or older adults with very limited income | SSA, or with Turnout |
VA Disability | Tax-free monthly payments for conditions connected to military service | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage | North Dakota HHS online |
ACA Subsidies (Affordable Care Act) | Lower monthly costs for marketplace health plans | HealthCare.gov |
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health insurance for older adults and some people with disabilities, plus help using it | SSA to enroll, Turnout for advocacy |
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) | Money for groceries | North Dakota HHS online |
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) | Healthy food and nutrition support for families with young children | A local WIC clinic |
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) | Help paying heating bills | North Dakota HHS online |
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) | Cash help and job support for families with children | North Dakota HHS online |
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) | A bigger tax refund for working people | Your federal tax return |
Child Tax Credit | Lower taxes for families with children | Your federal tax return |
Child Care Assistance (CCAP, Child Care Assistance Program) | Help paying for child care | North Dakota HHS online |
IEP (Individualized Education Program) / Education Advocacy | Special education support at school | Your child's school, or with Turnout |
Disability and income
SSDI
SSDI pays monthly benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can't work now because of a serious medical condition. In North Dakota, Disability Determination Services (DDS), part of North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet SSA's medical rules. You can apply on SSA's website. If you'd like one-on-one help, you can apply for SSDI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's disability benefits overview, the Blue Book listing of impairments, and North Dakota Disability Determination Services.
SSI
SSI is a monthly payment for people with very limited income and savings who are older, blind, or disabled. In North Dakota, DDS also reviews the medical side of SSI disability claims, and SSA handles the rest. You apply for SSI through SSA. For one-on-one help with the financial paperwork, you can apply for SSI with Turnout. SSI recipients should also look into North Dakota Medicaid for health coverage.
Official resources: SSA's Understanding SSI guide, what counts toward SSI limits, and North Dakota Medicaid eligibility.
VA Disability
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with illnesses or injuries connected to their military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decides claims and assigns a disability rating. In North Dakota, every county has a veterans service officer who offers free help with VA claims and benefits. The state also offers a property tax credit for some disabled veterans who own their homes. Turnout doesn't represent veterans in VA claims, but you can learn more on Turnout's veterans benefits page.
Official resources: VA's disability compensation overview and North Dakota's Disabled Veteran's Property Tax Credit.
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income, including children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities. In North Dakota, HHS runs Medicaid, and local human service zone offices handle applications. Adults ages 19 to 64 may qualify through Medicaid Expansion. You can apply for Medicaid online through the self-service portal, by phone, or at a human service zone office. Starting in 2026, some eligibility rules are changing, so check HHS for updates.
Official resources: the federal Medicaid program at Medicaid.gov, North Dakota Medicaid eligibility, and North Dakota Medicaid Expansion.
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are tax credits that lower what you pay each month for a health plan you buy on the marketplace. North Dakota uses the federal marketplace, and you must buy your plan through HealthCare.gov to get a subsidy. You can enroll at HealthCare.gov. Most people enroll during the yearly open enrollment period, but life changes like losing coverage can let you enroll at other times. The North Dakota Insurance Department can also answer questions about your coverage.
Official resources: HealthCare.gov's guide to lowering costs and the North Dakota Insurance Department.
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, and you enroll through SSA. In North Dakota, the Insurance Department runs the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Counselors can help with plan choices, bills, claims, and appeals. When coverage isn't working, like a denial or a confusing bill, you can get one-on-one help from Turnout's healthcare advocacy team.
Official resources: Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, and North Dakota SHIP free Medicare counseling.
Food and nutrition
SNAP
SNAP gives households money each month to buy groceries. In North Dakota, HHS runs SNAP, and benefits come on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. North Dakota uses a federal option that removes the asset limit for most households. Starting November 1, 2026, the state is also changing the list of items SNAP can buy. You can apply for SNAP online through the North Dakota portal, by mail, or at a human service zone office.
Official resources: the federal SNAP program and USDA's chart of states that use broad-based categorical eligibility.
WIC
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under five. In North Dakota, HHS runs WIC through local clinics across the state. You must apply in person at a clinic, so find a WIC clinic and call to make an appointment, or call (800) 472-2286. The first visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and if you qualify, you get your food benefits that same day.
Official resources: the federal WIC program from USDA and the North Dakota WIC Program.
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
LIHEAP helps households with limited income pay home heating costs. In North Dakota, HHS runs it, and it can also cover weatherization, furnace repairs, and emergency help to prevent a shutoff. Both homeowners and renters can apply, and since 2025 applications are accepted year-round. Qualifying households can also get help with air conditioners or other cooling devices through Community Action. You can apply for LIHEAP online through the North Dakota portal, by mail, or at a human service zone office.
Official resources: the federal LIHEAP program and the LIHEAP Clearinghouse's North Dakota profile.
TANF
TANF is a federal program that gives states money to provide cash help and job support to families with children. In North Dakota, HHS runs TANF along with its companion Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program, which offers work readiness, training, and job placement help. Cash benefits come on an Electronic Payment Card. You can apply for TANF online through the North Dakota portal, by mail, or at a human service zone office.
Official resources: the federal TANF program and North Dakota's TANF frequently asked questions.
Tax credits
EITC
The EITC is a tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can lower what you owe or increase your refund. The IRS runs it the same way in North Dakota as in every other state. You claim it on your federal tax return, and you need to file a return to get it, even if you don't usually have to file. You can learn how to claim the EITC at IRS.gov.
Official resources: IRS Free File and free in-person tax prep through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit lowers federal taxes for families raising qualifying children, and part of it can come back as a refund. The IRS runs it the same way in North Dakota as in every other state. You claim it on your federal tax return using Schedule 8812, the IRS form for the Child Tax Credit. Keep your children's Social Security numbers handy when you file. If you'd like help filing, VITA volunteers prepare returns for free for people who qualify.
Official resources: the IRS Child Tax Credit page and free in-person tax prep through VITA.
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Child Care Assistance helps families with limited income pay for child care. In North Dakota, HHS runs the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps pay part of the cost for working families and families in school or training. Since December 2025, new applicants may be placed on a waitlist, with priority for the lowest-income families and households experiencing homelessness. You can apply for CCAP online through the North Dakota portal, by mail, or at a human service zone office.
Official resources: the federal Office of Child Care and North Dakota's 2026 CCAP updates, including the waitlist.
IEP / Education Advocacy
An IEP is a written plan for a child with a disability that spells out the special education services the school will provide. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) creates this right. In North Dakota, the Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) oversees special education and offers IEP facilitation, where a neutral person helps run the meeting if parents and the school disagree. Ask your child's school for an evaluation in writing. If you'd like someone in the meeting with you, Turnout's education advocacy team starts with a free case review.
Official resources: the federal IDEA website, North Dakota DPI special education, and Pathfinder Services of ND, a nonprofit parent center.
What this means for you
- Start with the HHS self-service portal or your human service zone office for Medicaid, food, heating help, cash, or child care. You can also call the Customer Support Center at (866) 614-6005.
- Gather your papers before you apply: ID, proof of address, recent pay stubs, and any medical or school records.
- Book WIC separately. WIC requires an in-person appointment at a local clinic.
- Apply for federal programs on their own. SSDI, SSI, VA disability, marketplace plans, and tax credits don't run through HHS.
FAQ
Where do I apply for most North Dakota programs?
Most state programs run through North Dakota HHS. You can apply online through the self-service portal, by mail, or at one of the state's 19 human service zone offices, which handle Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, and child care help.
Can I get help applying over the phone?
Yes. The HHS Customer Support Center at (866) 614-6005 can answer questions and help you apply. You can also email applyforhelp@nd.gov.
Who can help veterans with VA claims in North Dakota?
Every county has a veterans service officer, and tribal veterans service officers serve tribal communities too. Their help is free for veterans and their families.
Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice
It's your turn
You don't have to sort through all 14 programs on your own. Turnout's free North Dakota benefits scan asks a few plain-language questions about your household and income, then shows which programs you may qualify for. It takes about three minutes and gives you a clear place to start today.