Benefits and Resources for Senior Veterans in North Dakota

Last updated: August 2025

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Quick Help Box (keep this handy)

Tip: Keep a folder with your DD214, VA rating letter, list of medications, and emergency contacts. It saves time when you need help quickly.

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How to use this guide

• Start with the Emergency help section above for urgent needs.
• Use the “At-a-glance benefits” table to see what fits your situation.
• When you see a link, it goes straight to an official source (state, federal, or VA).
• If paperwork feels overwhelming, contact your County or Tribal Veteran Service Officer. They work for you and can file claims for free: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

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What makes this North Dakota guide different

• State-specific steps, offices, and forms.
• Clear links to official government sites only.
• Real-world obstacles and how to handle them.
• Inclusive help for LGBTQ+ seniors, women veterans, rural areas, tribal communities, and veterans with disabilities.

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At-a-glance: Key benefits for senior veterans in North Dakota

Reality check: Some benefits take time to process (weeks to months). Use your County/Tribal VSO to file a complete claim and track it. Keep copies of everything you submit.

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Health care for senior veterans in North Dakota

VA care in North Dakota

North Dakota is served by the Fargo VA Health Care System (main hospital in Fargo) with community clinics across the state. You can see locations, hours, and phone numbers here: Fargo VA Health Care System.

Common services include:

• Primary care, urgent care, and specialty clinics
• Mental health, substance use care, and same-day crisis support
• Geriatrics, home-based primary care, and long-term care coordination
• Telehealth for rural veterans

How to enroll:

• Apply online: VA Health Care application
• Or apply with help from your local VSO: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs

Bring: DD214, recent tax info (if needed for priority group), insurance cards (Medicare/Tricare), and bank info for travel reimbursements.

Telehealth and rural access:

• Ask your VA team about VA Video Connect. You can use a smartphone or computer for many visits: VA telehealth overview.
• If internet access is a problem, talk to your care team about options and community sites that can support telehealth.

Care outside VA:

• Medicare and TRICARE for Life can work alongside VA care. Before seeing a non-VA provider, ask the VA about community care referrals so bills are handled correctly: VA Community Care.

Long-term care and caregivers

• VA offers in-home help, adult day health care, respite, and nursing home options. Start here: VA Geriatrics & Extended Care.
• Caregivers can get training and support through the Program of General Caregiver Support Services: VA Caregiver Support.
• For state and local long-term care options (nursing homes, assisted living, in-home help), connect with ND Aging Services: North Dakota Aging Services.

Tip: If you are considering the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon, contact the admissions staff early to understand eligibility, wait lists, and costs. Use the ND DVA page to find the official contact: ND DVA home page.

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Money benefits: disability, pension, survivor benefits

VA Disability Compensation

What it is:

• Tax-free monthly payment for disabilities linked to military service. It can increase for dependents, severe disabilities, and certain special circumstances.

How to apply:

• Online: File a disability claim
• With a VSO: Find a VSO in North Dakota

Evidence that helps:

• Medical records (service and civilian), doctor’s statements, DBQ forms, and lay statements from family/friends about how the condition affects you.

Reality check:

• Claims can take months. Respond quickly to any VA evidence requests. Keep your address and direct deposit updated in VA.gov.

VA Pension with Aid & Attendance (A&A) or Housebound

What it is:

• A needs-based monthly benefit for wartime veterans with limited income and assets. A&A adds an extra amount if you need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, feeding), or you are housebound.

How to apply:

• Start with the VA: Pension, Aid & Attendance, and Housebound
• You can file with your VSO to avoid mistakes: ND Department of Veterans Affairs

Documents that help:

• Proof you served during an eligible wartime period (DD214), medical statements describing care needs, and financial information (income, assets).

Warning:

• Be cautious of companies charging high fees for “Aid & Attendance planning.” VA-accredited VSOs help for free: Find VA-accredited representatives.

Survivor benefits (DIC, Survivors Pension, burial)

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) supports surviving spouses/dependents when a service-connected death occurs: About DIC.
• Survivors Pension may help low-income surviving spouses/dependents of wartime veterans: Survivors Pension.
• Burial and memorial benefits include a headstone or marker, burial flag, and more: VA burial benefits.

File with your local VSO for help gathering documents and submitting applications correctly.

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North Dakota–specific benefits and services

North Dakota Veterans Home (Lisbon)

• The State Veterans Home in Lisbon offers skilled nursing, basic care, and memory care for eligible veterans and spouses.
• Learn about admissions, costs, and eligibility via the ND DVA page and contact the Home directly: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reality check:

• There can be a wait list for certain levels of care. Apply early and keep your documents ready (DD214, medical records, power of attorney, etc.).

North Dakota Veterans Cemetery (near Mandan)

• The State Veterans Cemetery is located south of Mandan near Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.
• Eligibility follows federal guidelines for military service. Pre-need applications help families plan ahead.
• For official details, start with ND DVA and confirm current requirements: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
• For national cemetery and marker benefits, see: VA burials and memorials.

Tip: Keep your DD214 accessible and talk with your family about burial preferences to reduce stress during a difficult time.

Property tax relief and senior savings

North Dakota has programs that may reduce property taxes for seniors and/or disabled veterans. Specific rules (income limits, disability ratings, exemptions/credits) can change.

• Start with the official tax agency: North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.
• Ask your County Tax Assessor about local applications and deadlines.
• Your County/Tribal VSO can help confirm which veteran-related property tax options apply in your case: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reality check:

• These programs often require a yearly application. Put a reminder on your calendar and keep your VA disability rating letter handy.

Energy, food, and basic needs

• Heating help (LIHEAP) and weatherization: Apply through ND Health & Human Services or local community partners. Start here: North Dakota HHS.
• SNAP (food help) for seniors: Learn eligibility and how to apply: ND HHS – SNAP.
• If you need help today, dial 211 to find nearby food pantries, rent help, and utility support: North Dakota 211.

Transportation to medical care

• VA Beneficiary Travel may reimburse mileage or cover special transport for eligible veterans traveling to approved VA appointments: Get reimbursed for travel pay.
• Ask Fargo VA Voluntary Service about the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) transportation network or volunteer driver programs: Fargo VA Health Care System.

Tip: Keep every appointment letter and mileage log. File travel claims promptly through the VA Travel Pay Portal.

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Health care locations in North Dakota (VA network)

Use the official Fargo VA page to see all clinics and hours: Fargo VA Health Care System.

Reality check:

• Clinic services vary by location. Call ahead to confirm services offered at your clinic (e.g., lab, imaging, audiology, physical therapy).

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The claims path: step-by-step

1. Gather documents
   • DD214 (or separation papers)
   • VA rating letter (if any)
   • Medical records (VA and civilian)
   • Financial papers if applying for pension/A&A
2. Meet your VSO
   • Contact your County or Tribal Veteran Service Officer: ND Department of Veterans Affairs
3. File the claim
   • Disability: VA disability application
   • Pension/A&A: VA pension & A&A
4. Track and respond
   • Check your status at VA.gov and answer any VA letters quickly
5. Appeal if needed
   • If denied or rated too low, talk to your VSO about Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or Board Appeal: VA decision reviews

Common hurdles (and fixes):

• Missing records: Ask VA for records via My HealtheVet or use Request military records.
• Too little medical evidence: Ask your doctor to complete the right Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ).
• Deadlines: Mark calendar alerts for every VA letter and appeal deadline.

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Money-savers and practical help for ND senior vets

Tip: Check if your county has veteran discounts at the courthouse or recorder’s office (for recording discharge papers) and ask local utilities about veteran or senior discounts.

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Housing stability and homelessness prevention

• SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families) can help with rent, deposits, utilities, and case management to prevent homelessness. Find providers here: SSVF provider list.
• HUD-VASH pairs HUD housing vouchers with VA case management for homeless veterans: HUD-VASH overview.
• If you’re at risk right now, call 211 for immediate shelter options: North Dakota 211, and contact your local VSO: ND DVA.

Reality check:

• Housing funds can run out late in the month. Apply early, keep all landlord notices, and save receipts for utility shutoff warnings.

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Planning ahead: Wills, powers of attorney, and benefits for family

• Get your DD214 recorded with your county if possible and keep copies in multiple places.
• Ask VA about pre-need burial eligibility to ease decisions later: VA Pre-Need Eligibility.
• For legal help, use the VA legal services locator to find free or low-cost clinics: VA Legal Services Locator.

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Inclusive support: reaching every senior veteran

LGBTQ+ senior veterans

• The VA provides respectful, confidential care. Ask your Fargo VA team for the LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator for help navigating services: VA LGBTQ+ Health.
• If you faced discrimination before, you can still enroll and receive care. Your VSO can help with records and benefits: ND DVA.

Veterans with disabilities

• File for increases if your condition has worsened: VA disability increases.
• Ask about special monthly compensation, adaptive housing, and auto grants: Housing grants for disabled veterans and Automobile allowance.
• For in-home help and caregiver respite, see: VA Geriatrics & Extended Care and VA Caregiver Support.

Tribal and Native veterans

• Connect with your Tribal Veteran Service Officer (TVSO) through ND DVA: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Use the VA’s Native American Veteran Program for coordination with tribal health and IHS: VA Office of Tribal Government Relations.
• For health care, coordinate VA benefits with Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities in the Great Plains Area: IHS Great Plains Area.

Tip: Bring both your VA and Tribal/IHS cards to appointments so billing and referrals go to the right place.

Rural senior veterans

• Use VA Video Connect for appointments without long drives: VA telehealth.
• Ask about home-based primary care or visiting nurse services through VA geriatrics: VA Geriatrics & Extended Care.
• Travel reimbursements can reduce the cost of trips to Fargo or regional clinics: VA travel pay.

Women veterans

• Ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager at Fargo VA for gender-specific care and coordination: Women Veterans Health Care.
• For breast and cervical screenings, maternity care coordination, and menopause management, your VA team can set up appointments and community care if needed.

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Documents checklist

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Realistic timelines and how to avoid delays

• Disability claims: often several months. Submitting a “Fully Developed Claim” with all records can speed things up: VA FDC.
• Pension/A&A: can also take months. Include the doctor’s statement (for A&A) and complete financial info to prevent back-and-forth: A&A requirements.
• Travel pay: usually processed faster, but set up your direct deposit and submit claims soon after each appointment: VA travel pay.

If you get stuck, contact your County/Tribal VSO: ND DVA.

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Resources by region (North Dakota)

Use these official pages to locate the nearest site and confirmed phone numbers.

• Fargo–Moorhead area:
  • Main VA hospital and services: Fargo VA Health Care System
  • Vet Center counseling: Find a Vet Center
• Bismarck–Mandan:
  • VA clinic details via Fargo VA “Locations”: Fargo VA – Locations
  • State Veterans Cemetery (near Mandan): Information via ND DVA: ND Veterans Cemetery info
• Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Grafton, and other communities:
  • Find your nearest VA clinic and contact info: Fargo VA Health Care System
  • Find local County/Tribal VSO contacts via ND DVA: North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
• Statewide assistance:
  • Aging and in-home services: North Dakota Aging Services
  • General community help: North Dakota 211

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Frequently asked questions (ND-specific)

Q: How do I find my County Veteran Service Officer in North Dakota?
A: Go to the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs website and use their contact tools to locate your County or Tribal VSO. A local, VA-accredited VSO can help you apply for benefits, upload evidence, and track your claim.

Q: Where do I get same-day or urgent VA care in North Dakota?
A: Start with the Fargo VA Health Care System page for urgent/same-day options, clinic hours, and after-hours guidance. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest ER and notify VA as instructed.

Q: Is there a state veterans nursing home in North Dakota?
A: Yes. The North Dakota Veterans Home is in Lisbon. Review admissions, eligibility, and current availability through ND DVA and contact the Home directly to begin the clinical and financial screening process.

Q: How do I lower my property taxes as a senior or disabled veteran in ND?
A: North Dakota offers programs that may reduce your property tax bill. Because rules can change, contact the Office of State Tax Commissioner and your County Assessor for the current application, documentation, and deadlines. Your VSO can also help you navigate veteran-specific exemptions.

Q: I need help paying heating bills this winter. Where should I apply?
A: Apply through North Dakota HHS for LIHEAP and related energy assistance. If you need immediate help, dial 211 to check local emergency funds, weatherization referrals, and shelter or warming-center options.

Q: My spouse passed away. What benefits might apply?
A: Review VA Survivors benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors Pension, and burial benefits. Your local County or Tribal VSO can help determine eligibility and file claims.

Q: I live far from Fargo. Can I still see VA doctors without long drives?
A: Yes. Ask your VA care team about VA Video Connect telehealth and appointments at community-based outpatient clinics across North Dakota. For services not available locally, your team may evaluate you for VA Community Care referrals.

Q: How do I get a copy of my military records or DD214?
A: Request records online through the National Archives portal or via VA’s records request tools. If you run into problems, your County/Tribal VSO can help you submit and track the request.

Q: Does ND have veteran-specific transportation?
A: Check with Fargo VA Voluntary Service about DAV or volunteer driver programs for eligible veterans. If you travel for VA care, review VA travel pay for mileage reimbursement and beneficiary travel eligibility.

Q: Who can help me avoid scams with Aid & Attendance?
A: Only work with VA-accredited representatives. Search the VA database for accredited VSOs, agents, or attorneys, and start with your County or Tribal VSO through ND DVA to get free, trustworthy assistance.

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Who to call for what (bookmark this)

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Practical tips from the field

• Keep a benefits binder with copies of claims, letters, and receipts.
• Tell every provider you see that you’re a veteran; it can open doors to care and discounts.
• If your health or finances change, tell your VSO. You might qualify for new or increased benefits.
• When in doubt, apply. VA and state agencies will decide based on eligibility, but you won’t get benefits you don’t apply for.

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Resources (official links)

Federal/VA

• VA benefits (disability, pension, survivors): VA Benefits
• Health care enrollment: Apply for VA health care
• Fargo VA hospital and clinics: Fargo VA Health Care System
• Travel reimbursement: VA travel pay
• Geriatrics and long-term care: VA Geriatrics & Extended Care
• Caregiver support: VA Caregiver Support
• Homeless and housing: HUD-VASH, SSVF providers
• Burial and memorials: VA burials and memorials
• LGBTQ+ veterans: VA LGBTQ+ Health
• Women veterans: Women Veterans Health Care
• Find a Vet Center: Vet Center locator
• Find a VA-accredited representative: VA accreditation search

North Dakota

• ND Department of Veterans Affairs (VSOs, state benefits, Home, Cemetery): North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
• ND Health & Human Services – Aging: North Dakota Aging Services
• ND Office of State Tax Commissioner (property tax relief info): ND State Tax Department
• North Dakota 211 (food, shelter, bills): North Dakota 211
• Indian Health Service – Great Plains Area: IHS Great Plains Area

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

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Disclaimer

Programs, eligibility, and contact details can change. Always verify information with the official agency or your County/Tribal Veteran Service Officer before you apply or make decisions. This guide provides general information and is not legal, tax, or medical advice.