Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: 7 May 2026
Bottom line: Senior veterans in North Dakota should start with a free County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer. That office can help with VA claims, state grants, the Veterans Aid Loan, property tax relief, burial help, transportation, and survivor questions. Do not pay a claims company before you ask a free accredited service officer for help.
Contents
- Urgent help
- Fast start
- Free VSO help
- North Dakota benefits
- VA care and rides
- Housing and care
- Burial and legal help
- Documents to gather
- FAQs
Urgent help for North Dakota veterans
If there is danger, a medical emergency, fire, violence, or risk of self-harm, call 911 first. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line right away.
| Need now | Call or use | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Suicidal thoughts or crisis | 988, press 1 | Say, “I am a veteran and I need help staying safe.” |
| Homeless or may lose housing | 1-877-424-3838 | Ask the VA homeless center for local help. |
| Food, shelter, heat, or local aid | 211 | Ask FirstLink 211 for nearby options. |
| Scam or claims pressure | 1-833-38V-SAFE | Use VSAFE fraud help before signing. |
Fast start: where to begin
| Your main need | Best first step | Why this helps |
|---|---|---|
| Claim, pension, spouse benefit, or burial question | Use the North Dakota VSO finder. | County and Tribal VSOs help for free. |
| Medical care or clinic access | Check Fargo VA locations and call before driving. | Services vary by clinic. |
| Rent, deposit, or housing crisis | Call 1-877-424-3838 and ask about SSVF or HUD-VASH. | Veteran housing help starts with screening. |
| Disabled veteran property tax relief | Review the disabled veteran tax credit. | The local filing deadline is important. |
| Care home or nursing care | Call the Veterans Home admissions office. | Basic care and skilled care are different. |
Start with a free County or Tribal VSO
A Veterans Service Officer, often called a VSO, is the safest first stop for most senior veterans and surviving spouses. North Dakota says County VSOs help with health care, compensation, pensions, long-term care, burial benefits, and support for surviving spouses. Tribal VSOs help Native veterans and families with state and federal benefit paths.
Who can ask: Veterans, dependents, surviving spouses, and family helpers can contact a County or Tribal VSO. You do not have to join a veterans group to ask for help.
Where to apply: Use the state VSO finder before you file a claim, appeal, grant request, or burial form. If you are not sure which office fits, call the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs at 701-239-7165 and ask where to start.
Reality check: A VSO cannot promise approval. A good VSO can help you avoid wrong forms, missing evidence, late appeal dates, and paid claims pressure.
North Dakota state benefits that may help
Hardship grants and housing grants
North Dakota’s hardship grants can help eligible veterans, spouses, and un-remarried surviving spouses with needs such as medical, dental, optical, hearing, transportation, and housing costs. The state lists an annual cap of $5,000 per applicant for the hardship assistance grant. It also lists an IMPACT grant of up to $5,000 for certain urgent hardships and a housing assistance grant for costs such as deposits, rent, or other approved housing needs.
Who may qualify: Rules depend on North Dakota residency, veteran status, income, assets, and proof of need. The grant is not automatic.
Where to apply: Contact your County or Tribal VSO first. Ask what bills, estimates, denial letters, income proof, and vendor details are needed.
Reality check: Payments often go to the provider, landlord, property manager, or vendor. Do not expect cash paid directly to you.
Veterans Aid Loan
The Veterans Aid Loan lists loans up to $8,000, 8% interest, and repayment terms up to 48 months. It may help a veteran or un-remarried surviving spouse handle short-term costs when a grant or other help is not enough.
Who may qualify: The state sets the loan rules. A VSO can help you check whether your need fits and whether a grant is better.
Where to apply: Talk with your VSO before you borrow. Ask for the payment schedule and the appeal path if your request is denied.
Reality check: This is a loan. Use it carefully. If rent, heat, food, or medical costs are the issue, ask about no-debt help first.
Disabled veteran property tax credit
The North Dakota Disabled Veteran’s Property Tax Credit can lower taxable value on a qualifying homestead. The 2026 state table lists maximum taxable value reductions from $4,500 at a 50% disability rating to $9,000 at a 100% rating.
| VA disability rating | Maximum taxable value reduction |
|---|---|
| 50% | $4,500 |
| 60% | $5,400 |
| 70% | $6,300 |
| 80% | $7,200 |
| 90% | $8,100 |
| 100% | $9,000 |
Who may qualify: The state says the veteran must have a service-connected disability of 50% or more, or certain ratings paid at the 100% rate, have qualifying discharge status, live on the property, and have an ownership interest. A surviving spouse may qualify. A spouse receiving VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation may receive the 100% credit.
Where to apply: File the property tax application with your county auditor by April 1 of the first year the credit is claimed. Bring discharge proof and VA rating proof.
Reality check: This is not the same as senior property tax relief. Some older homeowners should also read the GrantsForSeniors.org North Dakota tax guide for non-veteran homeowner and renter options.
VA care, local clinics, and rides
The Fargo VA Health Care System serves North Dakota through the Fargo medical center and clinics in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Grafton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston. The Fargo VA contact page lists the main local number as 701-239-3700 and toll-free number as 800-410-9723.
What to ask: Ask which clinic can handle your need, whether telehealth is possible, whether community care must be approved first, and whether you may qualify for travel pay.
Reality check: Do not assume VA will pay for a non-VA appointment unless VA authorizes it when authorization is required. Call before you schedule outside care.
Transportation to VA appointments
The state veteran rides page says Highly Rural Transportation Grant rides may be available at no charge for VA-authorized medical appointments in eligible counties. North Dakota says 36 of its 53 counties are eligible under that program, and rides vary by county.
Fargo VA also works with DAV and county veterans offices. The DAV van page says these free rides are for scheduled medical appointments and must be arranged through the local County VSO. DAV vans are for riders who can board and exit without driver help.
Reality check: Van routes and seats can be limited. Call as soon as you have an appointment. If you need a caregiver to ride with you, ask what approval is needed.
Housing, long-term care, and caregiver help
Veteran housing help
If a veteran is homeless or may lose housing soon, call 1-877-424-3838 first. Ask to be screened for VA homeless help, HUD-VASH, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and local shelter or rapid rehousing options.
In North Dakota, SENDCAA SSVF says Community Action Partnership of North Dakota and SENDCAA partner to provide Supportive Services for Veteran Families across the state. The program helps qualifying veteran families with homeless prevention and rapid rehousing. In Region 5, SENDCAA lists 701-232-2452 for the veteran services case manager.
Reality check: Housing funds can run out. If one program cannot help, ask for Coordinated Entry, a shelter referral, SSVF, HUD-VASH, legal help, and local Community Action options in the same call.
For non-veteran senior housing paths, use the GrantsForSeniors.org North Dakota housing guide after you call the veteran housing line.
North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon
The North Dakota Veterans Home is at 1600 Veterans Drive, Lisbon, ND 58054. The Home lists 52 skilled nursing beds and 98 basic care beds. The main phone is 701-683-6500, and tours may be scheduled through admissions at 701-683-6540.
Who may qualify: The Veterans Home eligibility page says eligible applicants can include certain veterans, some service members who became permanently disabled in the line of duty, and spouses or surviving spouses who meet admission rules. A dishonorable discharge can block eligibility.
Care levels: Basic care is for people who can handle personal care needs on their own. Skilled nursing is for people who need ongoing nursing supervision or help with activities of daily living. The skilled unit is a licensed Medicare and Medicaid provider.
Reality check: A bed may not be open when you call. Ask about current openings, priority rules, cost of care, payer rules, and what happens if the resident’s care needs change.
Caregiver and counseling support
Family caregivers can ask Fargo VA about caregiver support, including help finding services, support groups, and care planning. If the question is whether a family caregiver can be paid, read the GrantsForSeniors.org caregiver pay guide because payment rules depend on the program.
North Dakota Vet Centers offer non-medical counseling and referral help. The state Vet Centers page lists Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot, and gives 877-WAR-VETS, or 877-927-8387, for help.
Burial help, legal help, and survivor support
North Dakota Veterans Cemetery
The North Dakota Veterans Cemetery is at 4606 Highway 1806, Mandan, ND 58554. The cemetery office phone is 701-667-1418. The Veterans Cemetery page says the office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and cemetery grounds are open 24 hours for visitation.
What it helps with: The cemetery can be a state burial option for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents. Cemetery information says there is no cost to the veteran or eligible spouse and dependent for the burial plot, opening and closing, and headstone. Families still need to plan for funeral home costs, caskets, vaults, or urns.
Where to start: Ask the cemetery about pre-registration. Keep a DD214, Form 53-55, or NGB 22 showing character of discharge with family papers.
Reality check: Funeral homes may help with forms, but they may not screen every survivor benefit. A surviving spouse should also ask a VSO about VA survivor benefits and state burial steps.
Free or low-cost legal help
Legal Services of North Dakota has a veteran legal program for veterans who are homeless or in danger of homelessness. It lists help areas such as VA benefits, housing, landlord-tenant, foreclosure, consumer issues, family law, and other civil legal problems. It also lists the senior intake number as 1-866-621-9886 and the under-age-60 number as 1-800-634-5263.
Dakota Plains Legal Services may help low-income people, older adults, and veterans, including people in tribal court matters. Use the Dakota Plains help site if your issue involves a tribal area or their service region.
Reality check: Legal aid does not take every case. If there is a court date, eviction hearing, sheriff’s sale, or benefits deadline, say the deadline first.
Documents and information to gather
| Need | Bring or collect |
|---|---|
| VSO appointment | DD214, VA letters, photo ID, marriage or death records if needed |
| State grant or loan | Bills, estimates, income proof, bank details, denial letters, vendor contact |
| Property tax credit | DD214, VA rating proof, property record, county application |
| Veterans Home | Medical history, medication list, discharge papers, insurance cards, income details |
| Housing crisis | Eviction notice, lease, income proof, veteran proof, landlord contact |
| Burial planning | DD214 or NGB 22, spouse information, cemetery application, funeral home contact |
Phone scripts that can save time
For a VSO: “I am a senior veteran in North Dakota. I need a free review for state benefits, VA claims, property tax relief, burial help, and transportation. What papers should I bring?”
For housing help: “I am a veteran and I may lose my housing. Can I be screened for SSVF, HUD-VASH, Coordinated Entry, and local emergency help?”
For the Veterans Home: “I am calling about basic care or skilled nursing. What are the current openings, costs, payer rules, and admission papers?”
For legal aid: “I am a veteran age 60 or older. I have a housing, benefits, debt, or property problem. My deadline is ______. Can I do an intake today?”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying for claim help before calling a free VSO.
- Missing the April 1 property tax credit deadline.
- Assuming every VA clinic offers every service.
- Booking outside care before asking if VA approval is needed.
- Waiting until eviction or shutoff is only days away.
- Throwing away VA, tax, court, or housing letters.
- Assuming a surviving spouse has no benefits.
If you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
Do not stop at the first denial. Ask what rule was not met, what proof was missing, and what deadline applies. For VA claims, bring the letter to a VSO and ask about the best appeal lane. For grants, loans, taxes, housing, or legal aid, ask for the written decision and appeal steps.
If you need broader senior help beyond veteran programs, these GrantsForSeniors.org guides may help after you contact the veteran-specific office first: North Dakota senior aid, North Dakota emergency help, North Dakota benefits portal, and North Dakota senior centers.
Resumen en español
Resumen: Los veteranos mayores en North Dakota deben empezar con un Oficial de Servicio para Veteranos del condado o de la tribu. Esa ayuda es gratis. Pueden revisar reclamos, beneficios para viudos, ayuda estatal, transporte, impuestos de propiedad, vivienda, cuidado en el Veterans Home, entierro y ayuda legal. En una crisis, llame al 911. Para apoyo emocional, llame o mande texto al 988 y presione 1. Si puede perder su vivienda, llame al 1-877-424-3838.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
Editorial note: This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Verification: Last verified 7 May 2026, next review 7 August 2026.
Corrections: Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.
Last updated: 7 May 2026 | Next review: 7 August 2026
Frequently asked questions
Who should North Dakota senior veterans call first?
Call your County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer first. They can help with claims, state benefits, property tax relief, transportation, burial questions, and survivor support for free.
Does North Dakota have special grants for veterans?
Yes. North Dakota lists hardship, IMPACT, housing assistance, and service dog grants. Rules depend on veteran status, residency, income, assets, proof of need, and available funding.
Can disabled veterans lower property taxes in North Dakota?
Some can. A qualifying disabled veteran usually needs a service-connected rating of 50% or more, qualifying discharge status, ownership interest, and residence in the home. The first-year filing deadline is April 1.
Where is the North Dakota Veterans Home?
The North Dakota Veterans Home is in Lisbon. It offers basic care and skilled nursing care for eligible veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses who meet admission rules.
Where can a homeless veteran in North Dakota get help?
Call 1-877-424-3838. Ask for screening for VA homeless help, SSVF, HUD-VASH, Coordinated Entry, shelter, and local housing support.
Can a surviving spouse get help?
Yes. A surviving spouse may be able to get help with state programs, burial steps, survivor benefits, property tax relief, or the Veterans Aid Loan. A VSO can screen the case.
Choose your state to see senior assistance programs, benefits, and local help options.
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