Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in North Dakota (ND)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Help Box (save these now)

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

Tip: If you can only remember one number, make it 211 or 988.

How to use this guide

This is a practical, step-by-step guide to emergency and ongoing help for older North Dakotans and their families. We focus on state programs, official contacts, and real links. Income limits and rules change, so always check the linked pages for the latest details.

First: Emergency help right now in North Dakota

When something goes wrong, act in this order:

1. Safety first

• 911 for police, fire, medical.
• 988 for mental health or emotional distress. Veterans can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. About 988 (SAMHSA)

2. Protect a vulnerable adult

• North Dakota APS investigates abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. You can report online or by phone. More info: ND APS and reporting

3. Find immediate shelter, food, or a safe place to stay

• Dial 211 to find open shelters, warming/cooling sites, and food programs near you: North Dakota 211 (FirstLink)
• North Dakota Continuum of Care coordinates homeless services statewide. Start here: ND Continuum of Care (ND Coalition for Homeless People)

4. Weather and disaster alerts

• Winter storms, floods, and wildfires can escalate fast. Get official updates from the state: ND Department of Emergency Services
• Personal preparedness tips from FEMA: Ready.gov older adults

5. Replace lost meds, gear, or documents

• For lost Medicare card: Get a replacement Medicare card
• For Social Security card or benefits issues: SSA replacement documents and Find a local SSA office
• If your home medical equipment was damaged, contact your Medicare plan or supplier; general guidance: Medicare durable medical equipment

6. If you can’t afford food right now

• Ask 211 for nearest food pantries.
• See if you qualify for “expedited” SNAP (decision in 7 days for very low-income households): USDA SNAP—expedited service
• Apply for SNAP in North Dakota here: ND SNAP (apply or manage benefits)

Reality check: Emergency rooms can be crowded and expensive. Use 911 for true emergencies. For non-emergency health needs, call your clinic, your Medicare Advantage plan’s nurse line, or 211 to locate urgent care.

At-a-glance: Major programs that help North Dakota seniors

Note: Eligibility rules and funding change. Always check the linked page before you apply.

Emergency money, food, and housing

Energy, heat, and utility shutoffs

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): North Dakota’s LIHEAP helps with heating costs, weatherization referrals, and emergency furnace repairs/replacements when safety is at risk. Apply online, by mail, or through your local Human Service Zone. Details: ND LIHEAP (HHS)
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Provides free home energy improvements like insulation, air sealing, and sometimes heating system tune-ups. It improves safety and lowers bills over time. Learn more and find your local provider: ND Weatherization (Department of Commerce)
• If you’re facing a shutoff: Contact your utility immediately and ask for a payment plan or medical certification if applicable. If you cannot resolve it, you can seek help from the regulator for investor‑owned utilities: ND Public Service Commission—Consumer Assistance. Also call 211 to locate emergency utility assistance from nonprofits or churches.

Reality check: Not all utilities are regulated by the PSC (some co-ops and municipals are not). Payment policies vary. Get any agreement in writing.

Food right away

• SNAP: Apply online or via your Human Service Zone office. Income and asset rules apply, but older adults have special deductions for medical costs. Info and application: SNAP in ND (HHS)
• Senior Food Box (CSFP): The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides a monthly box of shelf-stable foods to income-eligible seniors. It’s administered statewide via the Great Plains Food Bank and local partners. Program overview: USDA CSFP and local access: Great Plains Food Bank CSFP
• Meals at home: Home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) and congregate dining sites operate under the Older Americans Act. Find options through ND’s ADRL: Aging & Disability Resource Link
• WIC for seniors? WIC is for pregnant/postpartum adults and children under 5; seniors are not eligible. For grandparent caregivers, WIC info is here: ND WIC

Housing and shelter

• Coordinated Entry for homelessness: The North Dakota Continuum of Care uses Coordinated Entry to connect people to shelters, rapid rehousing, and supportive housing. Learn how to start: ND Continuum of Care
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing: Waitlists open and close throughout the year. Use HUD’s directory to find housing authorities like Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, and county agencies: HUD—Find a Public Housing Agency
• Landlord/tenant help and evictions: If you get an eviction notice, act quickly. Seek legal advice:
  • Legal Services of North Dakota: Free civil legal help
  • ND Supreme Court self-help center (forms and info): ND Court Self Help Center
• Homeowners:
  • If you’re behind on your mortgage, call your servicer right away and ask about loss mitigation options.
  • For free housing counseling, find a HUD-approved counselor: HUD Housing Counseling—Find a Counselor
  • For critical home repairs in rural areas, check USDA’s Section 504 program (grants for very low-income homeowners age 62+): USDA Rural Development—Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

Reality check: Hotel vouchers are limited and usually handled by local nonprofits or tribal programs; call 211 to see what’s available today in your county.

Health coverage and care

Medicaid and Medicare help

• ND Medicaid for older adults: Covers doctor visits, hospital care, in-home supports, nursing facility care, and more for eligible residents. Start here: North Dakota Medicaid (HHS)
• Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI): These can pay your Medicare Part B premium and sometimes other costs if your income is limited. Learn how these work: Help with Medicare costs (Medicare.gov)
• State Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC): Free, unbiased counseling on Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medigap, and billing issues. Book an appointment: ND SHIC (Insurance Department)

In-home care and long-term services

North Dakota operates programs that help you stay at home safely:

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver: Care coordination, personal care, homemaker, respite, and more for those who qualify. Start with the ADRL: ND HCBS and in-home services (ADRL)
• SPED and Ex-SPED Programs: State-funded in-home help (like homemaker and personal care) for eligible older adults who do not qualify for Medicaid but still need supports. Overview and contact through ADRL: ND SPED/Ex-SPED (ADRL)
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Independent advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living to resolve complaints and protect rights. Learn more: ND Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Transportation to medical care

• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for Medicaid: Rides to covered medical appointments for eligible Medicaid members. How it works and how to schedule: ND Medicaid Transportation
• Public transit and paratransit: Most counties have some transit option, including demand-response rides in rural areas. Directory: ND Transit Providers (DOT)

Prescription cost help

• Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for Medicare Part D: Reduces premiums and drug copays for eligible individuals. Apply via Social Security: Apply for Extra Help (SSA)
• Manufacturer patient assistance: Many drugmakers offer programs for specific medications. Search by drug at the nonprofit NeedyMeds: NeedyMeds drug assistance
• Safe disposal and refills: For safe medication disposal and refill planning in emergencies, check FDA guidance: Disposal of unused medicines (FDA)

Money, taxes, and consumer protections

Property tax and rent relief for seniors

• Homestead Property Tax Credit (for homeowners): Reduces property taxes for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities. Age and income limits apply. Details and how to apply through your local assessor: ND Tax Commissioner—Property Tax Relief Programs
• Renter’s Refund (for renters): Some seniors and individuals with disabilities may qualify for a partial refund based on rent paid. Program info and forms: Renter’s Refund (ND Tax Commissioner)

Tip: Bring your documentation (proof of income, disability status if applicable, property tax statement or lease/rent receipts).

Income supports

• Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability benefits (SSI/SSDI): Apply, appeal, and manage benefits: Social Security Administration and Local SSA office locator
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides a monthly benefit to low-income older adults and people with disabilities. Program basics: SSI overview (SSA)

Scams and fraud protection

• Consumer complaints and fraud in ND: Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division: ND Attorney General—Consumer Protection
• Elder fraud (national): DOJ’s hotline: Elder Fraud Hotline (phone listed on that page)
• Medicare fraud: Learn how to spot and report it: Report Medicare fraud (Medicare.gov)

Reality check: Scammers target people after disasters and during open enrollment with fake “urgent” offers. Hang up, look up the official number yourself, and call back.

Housing, safety, and home repairs

• Weatherization and energy safety: ND Weatherization (Dept. of Commerce)
• Critical home repair (rural): USDA Section 504 grants for eligible homeowners 62+ with very low incomes: USDA RD—Home Repair Grants
• Accessibility modifications: Some Medicaid HCBS and VA programs can fund ramps, grab bars, and bathroom modifications; ask your case manager or VSO. VA home modification program overview: VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
• Fire safety and smoke alarms: Ask your local fire department about free smoke alarm installation days; national safety tips: U.S. Fire Administration—Older adults fire safety

Telephone, internet, and staying connected

• Lifeline (phone and internet discount): Federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet for eligible low-income households. Check eligibility and providers: Lifeline Support (USAC)
• Relay services for hearing/speech: Dial 711 to connect to Telecommunications Relay Services. ND relay info: FCC—Telecommunications Relay Service
• Public libraries for computer access, printing, and help: Find your library via the ND State Library directory: North Dakota Library Directory

Reality check: Internet discounts and plans change; always verify on the official program page.

Special focus: Inclusive resources

Veteran seniors

• One-on-one help: Start with the ND Department of Veterans Affairs to connect with a County Veterans Service Officer (VSO): ND Department of Veterans Affairs
• Health care: Fargo VA Health Care System, plus community-based clinics. Facility info and appointments: Fargo VA Health Care System
• Crisis support: Dial 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans Crisis Line
• Benefits and claims: Pension, Aid & Attendance, disability, caregiver support. Explore: VA benefits (VA.gov)

Tip: Bring your DD-214 to appointments; it speeds up service connections.

Tribal-specific resources in North Dakota

North Dakota is home to several tribal nations. Many services are offered directly by tribes in addition to state and federal programs. Use these official points of entry:

• ND Indian Affairs Commission (tribal contacts and programs): ND Indian Affairs Commission
• Indian Health Service (Great Plains Area): Access clinics and hospital info: IHS Great Plains Area
• Tribal Elder Nutrition (Title VI) programs commonly provide congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation, and caregiver support. Ask your tribe’s elderly services office or start via the Indian Affairs Commission directory above.
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR): Alternative to SNAP for eligible households on or near reservations: USDA FDPIR

Note: LIHEAP, WAP, and housing assistance may be administered either by the tribe or the state, depending on where you live. Ask your tribal social services or ADRL: ND ADRL

LGBTQ+ seniors

• Confidential support and resources: SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline (peer support and local referrals): SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline
• Medicare and nondiscrimination: Learn your rights and how to update your Medicare information: Medicare and nondiscrimination
• Legal name/gender marker changes: Forms and guidance from the ND Courts Self Help Center: ND Court Self Help Center

Tip: If you feel unsafe or face discrimination in care settings, you can also contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: ND LTC Ombudsman

Rural seniors and families

• Rides and delivery: Use the ND transit provider directory to find demand-response (door-to-door) rides in your county: ND Transit Providers
• Telehealth: Ask your clinic or Medicare Advantage plan about telehealth options. Medicare telehealth basics: Medicare telehealth
• Groceries and medications: Many grocers and pharmacies in ND offer delivery to remote areas. When roads close, ask your county emergency manager or 211 for wellness checks and supply drops: ND DES and ND 211
• Home repairs and heat: In very cold months, apply early for LIHEAP and Weatherization; both can take time. Links: ND LIHEAP and ND Weatherization

North Dakota programs—how they work and how to apply

Aging & Disability Resource Link (ADRL): your main doorway

• What it is: The ADRL is the state’s “no wrong door” for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. They assess needs, explain options, and connect you to in-home supports, meals, respite, transportation, and more.
• Why it matters: One call can screen you for multiple programs including Medicaid HCBS, SPED/Ex-SPED, caregiver support, and nutrition.
• Start here: ND ADRL (HHS)

LIHEAP (energy assistance)

• What it is: Helps pay heating bills and prevents unsafe heat loss during winter; includes emergency furnace help when systems fail.
• What it covers: A portion of heating costs, weatherization referral, and sometimes fuel delivery.
• How to apply: Online or through your Human Service Zone. Info: ND LIHEAP (HHS)

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

• What it is: Provides free energy improvements after an energy audit—insulation, air sealing, safety checks.
• What it does: Lowers bills, improves comfort and safety, and may reduce risk of furnace failures.
• Where to apply: Through local providers listed by ND Department of Commerce: ND Weatherization

SNAP and nutrition for older adults

• SNAP basics and medical deductions for seniors: Older households can deduct certain out-of-pocket medical expenses to increase benefits. Learn more and apply: ND SNAP (HHS)
• Senior Food Box (CSFP) and congregate/home-delivered meals: Great Plains Food Bank CSFP and ADRL nutrition options

Medicaid, HCBS Waiver, SPED/Ex-SPED

• HCBS Waiver: In-home and community supports if you meet functional and financial criteria.
• SPED/Ex-SPED: State-funded in-home help for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Good for housekeeping, bathing support, and respite.
• Start with ADRL for screening: ND ADRL

Property tax relief and renter’s refund

• What it is: State programs that reduce property tax burden for eligible seniors and people with disabilities; a renter’s refund is also available for some.
• How to apply: Through county assessors (homestead) and the Tax Commissioner (renter’s refund). Details: ND Tax—Property Tax Relief Programs

Legal help and rights protection

• Legal Services of North Dakota: Prioritizes seniors, veterans, and low-income residents for civil legal issues (housing, benefits, elder abuse, consumer). Apply or call: Legal Services of North Dakota
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Investigates and resolves concerns in nursing homes and assisted living facilities: ND LTC Ombudsman

Key contacts by topic (save this section)

Applying in North Dakota: where to go

North Dakota delivers many benefits through local Human Service Zones (county-based offices). If you prefer paper or in-person help:

• Find your local Human Service Zone: ND HHS—Human Service Zones
• Apply for benefits online (Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, childcare help, etc.): Apply for help (HHS)
• If you have trouble with online forms, call the ADRL for guided help: ND ADRL

Resources by region (selected urban hubs and how to find local help)

Use these links to find local contacts for housing, transit, and community action support.

Note: Links above take you to official directories where you can select your specific city or county.

Practical timelines and tips

• Energy help: LIHEAP often opens before cold weather. Apply early; emergency furnace help is available year-round when systems fail. ND LIHEAP
• Housing help: Voucher waitlists can be long. Apply in multiple cities/counties if possible (and allowed). Check the HUD directory for current openings. HUD HA directory
• SNAP: If you have little or no money for food, ask about “expedited” processing. SNAP—expedited service
• In-home supports: Start with ADRL to be screened for several programs at once (HCBS, SPED/Ex-SPED, caregiver services). ND ADRL
• Appeals: If you’re denied benefits, ask about appeal rights and timelines. ND HHS provides fair hearing rights information with decisions. ND HHS—Appeals and Fair Hearings

Reality checks, warnings, and smart moves

• Winter risk: Don’t wait for a shutoff notice in January. Apply for LIHEAP now, set up budget billing with your utility, and ask about Weatherization. LIHEAP | Weatherization
• Hospital discharge: Before leaving the hospital, ask to speak with a discharge planner about home health, equipment, and transportation. Many services must be ordered before discharge.
• Caregiver burnout: If you’re caring for a spouse or parent, ask ADRL about respite services and caregiver training. ND ADRL
• Paperwork: Keep copies of your ID, Medicare/Medicaid cards, power of attorney, and medication list in a waterproof folder. Consider storing digital photos securely.
• Scams: Never pay a fee to “unlock” government benefits. Verify any contact through official sites: HHS ND, SSA, Medicare.gov

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I report suspected elder abuse in North Dakota?
   Use ND HHS Adult Protective Services. You can report online and find the correct phone contact here: Report vulnerable adult abuse (ND HHS)
2. I can’t afford heat. What should I do right now?
   Apply for LIHEAP and call your utility to request a payment plan. For emergency furnace failure, LIHEAP may help with repair or replacement. Start at: ND LIHEAP. You can also dial 211 for local help.
3. Can I get meals delivered to my home?
   Yes, many areas provide home-delivered meals through Older Americans Act funding. Contact the ADRL to be connected: ND ADRL
4. Does North Dakota have help paying Medicare costs?
   Yes. Medicare Savings Programs can pay Part B premiums and sometimes other costs if you qualify. Learn more: Help with Medicare costs (Medicare.gov). For counseling, contact ND SHIC.
5. Is there property tax relief for seniors?
   North Dakota’s Homestead Property Tax Credit reduces property taxes for eligible seniors, and there’s a renter’s refund for some renters. Details: ND Tax—Property Tax Relief
6. I lost food due to a power outage. Can SNAP replace it?
   SNAP can sometimes replace benefits after a disaster or power outage with proper proof and a timely request. Contact ND HHS and see USDA guidance: SNAP replacement benefits after disasters (USDA) and ND SNAP. Ask your worker about deadlines.
7. Where can I find shelter or help if I’m homeless?
   Call 211 or connect with the ND Continuum of Care to access Coordinated Entry: ND Continuum of Care
8. I’m a veteran. Who can guide me through VA benefits in ND?
   Contact the ND Department of Veterans Affairs to find a local County Veterans Service Officer: ND DVA. For crisis, call 988 and press 1: Veterans Crisis Line
9. How do I get rides to medical appointments in a rural area?
   If you have Medicaid, use NEMT: ND Medicaid Transportation. Otherwise, check local transit providers: ND Transit Providers or call 211.
10. I live on a reservation. Should I apply through the state or the tribe?
    Some programs (like LIHEAP and housing) may be administered by your tribe, others by the state. Start with your tribal social services office or call the ADRL to be routed correctly: ND ADRL
11. Can I talk to someone face to face about these programs?
    Yes. Visit your local Human Service Zone office: ND HHS—Human Service Zones. You can also ask ADRL for a benefits screening.
12. Are there resources for LGBTQ+ older adults in ND?
    Yes. For confidential support, contact the SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline. For Medicare issues, use ND SHIC and Medicare.gov.
13. Who do I contact if a nursing home isn’t addressing my concern?
    The Long-Term Care Ombudsman can help resolve issues and protect residents’ rights: ND LTC Ombudsman
14. How do I avoid utility shutoffs in winter?
    Apply early for LIHEAP, set up budget billing, and contact your utility immediately if you fall behind. If you cannot resolve a dispute with a regulated utility, contact the ND PSC Consumer Affairs.
15. I think I was scammed. What should I do?
    Report to the ND Attorney General’s Consumer Protection unit: File a complaint (AG). If it involved Medicare, report it here: Report Medicare fraud

Tables you can print or save

1) Emergency and crisis contacts (State + National)

2) Food and nutrition options

3) Housing and utilities

4) Health and benefits

Documents and checklists

Bring these when you apply for help (when available):

• ID (driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID)
• Social Security number
• Proof of income (award letters, pay stubs, pension statements)
• Bank statements or asset information (if requested)
• Recent utility bill (for LIHEAP/utility help)
• Lease or mortgage statement (for housing/tax relief)
• Medical expense records (for SNAP senior deductions and Medicaid)
• VA DD-214 (for veteran programs)

If you’re missing ID after a disaster, ask the agency for alternatives while you replace documents. SSA and DMV sites have replacement instructions:

• SSA—Replace documents
• ND Driver’s License info (ND DOT)

Resources (official and well-established)

• North Dakota Health and Human Services (benefits, aging services): ND HHS
• Aging & Disability Resource Link (ADRL): ND ADRL
• LIHEAP: ND LIHEAP
• Weatherization: ND Dept. of Commerce—Weatherization
• SNAP: ND SNAP
• Medicaid: ND Medicaid
• SHIC (Medicare counseling): ND Insurance Department—SHIC
• North Dakota 211 (FirstLink): ND 211
• ND Department of Emergency Services: ND DES
• Legal Services of North Dakota: LSND
• ND Public Service Commission (consumer): PSC Consumer Affairs
• HUD housing authority directory: HUD PHA Contacts
• ND Tax Commissioner—Property Tax Relief Programs: ND Tax—Relief Programs
• Great Plains Food Bank—CSFP: Senior Food Box
• ND Indian Affairs Commission: ND IAC
• IHS Great Plains Area: IHS GPA
• USDA Rural Development (Section 504 grants/loans): USDA RD—Home Repair
• ND Transit Providers Directory: Transit Providers (DOT)
• North Dakota Continuum of Care (homeless services): ND CoC
• ND Courts Self Help Center: Self Help (ND Courts)
• ND Attorney General—Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection (AG)
• Social Security Administration: SSA
• Medicare: Medicare.gov
• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline: SAGE Hotline
• Veterans Affairs (ND): ND DVA; Fargo VA Health Care

Disclaimer

Program rules, funding, and contact details can change at any time. Always confirm information with the official program or agency linked in this guide before applying or making decisions. This guide is for general information and is not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice.

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.