North Dakota's TANF program, a part of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program, is an important resource for families within the state facing financial difficulties. Created to help low-income households, particularly those with children, the program not only provides essential financial aid, but also focuses on promoting independence through employment and educational opportunities.

North Dakota's TANF program emphasizes empowering participants by giving them the skills and support necessary for sustainable employment, aiming to transition families from needing assistance to self-sufficiency. This initiative reflects North Dakota's commitment to fostering a supportive community environment, ensuring that families have the means to improve their living conditions and work towards a more secure and prosperous future.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for TANF in North Dakota, there are specific criteria you and your family must meet. This includes:

Family and Age Requirements:

The program is designed for relatives caring for a child or children under the age of 18, or those who will graduate from high school by age 19. The child must be without parental support due to reasons like a parent's death, physical or mental disability, or the parent being away from home for a long time. Those who are pregnant may also qualify for TANF benefits.

Duration of Benefits:

Generally, you can receive TANF benefits for a maximum of 60 months, but there are exceptions to this rule, providing flexibility for varied family situations.

Work Requirements:

Adults benefiting from TANF are usually required to join the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program, to focus on gaining employment skills and opportunities.

During the initial 4 months of receiving TANF, adults must meet specific work participation requirements to receive their portion of the TANF grant.

Income and Asset Limits:

Your family's income must be below the set TANF limits to qualify. Assets, too, are limited to $3,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a household of two, with adjustments for larger households.

Certain assets, like your home, one car, household goods, and personal items, are not counted towards these limits.

Additional Requirements:

Cooperation with child support services is necessary, including filling out the required forms and following through with the Child Support Division's processes.

You also must be a resident of North Dakota, and actively engage with the JOBS/Tribal NEW Program to maintain eligibility.

North Dakota's TANF program was designed to help families in need while encouraging steps towards financial independence and stability, and this criteria helps ensure these goals are met.

Diversion Assistance Program

North Dakota's Diversion Assistance Program is designed to give short-term help to families who are working towards or trying to keep their self-sufficiency. This program offers cash assistance to eligible families for up to four months within any 12-month period.

The goal is to tackle problems that might make it harder for families to stay out of poverty. During your meeting with a program worker, they'll explain how Diversion Assistance works, including which TANF rules don't apply to this particular program. This way, you get the specific support you need without the long-term commitment of regular TANF, helping you overcome immediate challenges while maintaining your family's independence.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

In North Dakota, TANF benefits are provided through an Electronic Payment Card (EPC), specifically the Way2Go Card Debit MasterCard. Once you're approved for TANF, you'll receive this card, which works much like any other debit card linked to a checking or savings account.

You can use the Way2Go Card at stores and banks that accept MasterCard for making purchases or withdrawing cash. The amount you spend or withdraw gets deducted from the balance available on your card, ensuring you always know how much you have left to use.

This method of receiving TANF benefits is designed to be convenient, secure, and user-friendly, automatically depositing your funds onto the card and making it easy for you to access and manage your benefits.

TANF Application Instructions

If you're looking to apply for TANF in North Dakota, there are several convenient ways to get started:

Apply Online:

The quickest and most convenient way to apply is through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services portal. This online platform allows you to fill out and submit your application electronically, making the process easy and convenient.

Apply Locally:

If you prefer, you can print an application and hand it in at your local Human Service Zone office. This option is great if you'd like to talk to someone in person or if you have questions about the application.

Apply by Mail:

You can also request to have an application mailed to you. Once you fill it out, simply return it to the Customer Support Center at

Customer Support Center

P.O. Box 5562

Bismarck, ND 58506

This method is useful if you don't have reliable internet access or prefer to fill out paperwork by hand.

After You Apply:

After your application is submitted, you'll likely need to attend an interview, which can be conducted over the phone or in person. During this interview, you'll need to provide more details about your family's situation.

Applying for TANF in North Dakota is designed to be as straightforward as possible, ensuring that families in need can easily access the support they require. Whether you choose to apply online, in person, or by mail, you'll be guided through the process to make sure you understand every step.

North Dakota's TANF program, including the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program, is an important initiative designed to support families facing financial hardships by providing temporary financial aid and fostering pathways to self-sufficiency. Through a combination of direct assistance and access to employment and training opportunities, the program is committed to empowering participants to achieve independence, thereby enhancing the well-being of families and contributing to the strength and resilience of communities across the state.