North Dakota Senior Assistance Programs, Benefits, and Grants (2026)

Last updated: April 9, 2026

Your practical, plain-language guide to housing, healthcare, food, utilities, transportation, and other essential support programs for seniors across North Dakota.
All resources link to official government agencies or well-established, trusted organizations.

Key Takeaways for Seniors in North Dakota

• Start with 211 for fast, local support. Call 211 or use the statewide resource directory: North Dakota 211.
• Apply early for heating assistance. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens each fall through North Dakota Health and Human Services.
• Explore in-home care and long-term care options. Contact North Dakota Health and Human Services – Aging Services Division for assessments, caregiver support, and service coordination.
• Seek rental assistance through trusted programs. Apply via local public housing authorities or federal programs listed on HUD’s North Dakota rental assistance page.
• Get free Medicare counseling. The State Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC) program offers unbiased help with Medicare plans, billing, and enrollment.
• Access food assistance programs. Check eligibility for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors.

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If You Need Emergency Help in North Dakota

• Immediate danger or medical emergency: Call 911.
• Mental health or emotional crisis: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7.
• Urgent local assistance (food, shelter, utilities): Call 211 or use North Dakota 211 for fast referrals.

Heating and Utility Emergencies

• If you’re at risk of disconnection, contact your utility provider immediately to request a payment arrangement.
• Then apply for emergency help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) via North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS).

Housing Crisis or Homelessness

• If you are homeless or at risk of losing housing, contact providers funded through:
  • Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
  • North Dakota Homeless Grant (NDHG)
• For assistance or referrals, call 701-328-5300 (ND HHS Housing Programs).

Adult Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

• Report concerns to Adult Protective Services (APS) through your local Human Service Zone office, or call 855-462-5465 and request APS.
• Reports can be made confidentially.

Veterans in Crisis

• Call 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.
• Online chat is also available via the Veterans Crisis Line website.

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How to Use This Guide

Each section clearly explains what the program offers, who qualifies, how to apply, and where to get help.

You’ll also find practical guidance on waitlists, application steps, required documents, and eligibility rules—so you know what to expect before applying.

At the end of the guide, you’ll find region-specific resources, frequently asked questions, and a complete list of key contacts and programs for easy reference.

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Quick Program Finder: Housing and Utilities

Tip for Seniors and Caregivers

Housing assistance programs—especially Section 8 and Public Housing—often have long waitlists.
Apply to multiple housing authorities when possible and keep your contact information current to avoid losing your place on the list.

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Money and Financial Assistance

Property Tax Relief and Renter Assistance

• Homestead Property Tax Credit (Homeowners Age 65+ or Disabled)
  Eligible seniors may receive a reduction in property taxes based on income.
  Apply through the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner – Homestead Credit program.
• Senior Citizen Renters Refund
  Qualifying renters age 65+ may receive an income-based property tax refund.
  Visit the North Dakota Tax Department – Renters Refund page for current income limits, forms, and filing deadlines.

Reality Check:
These programs have strict annual deadlines and income/asset limits. If you miss the filing window, you generally must wait until the next cycle. Contact the Tax Department to ask about any late filing options or exceptions.

Emergency Financial Assistance

• North Dakota Homeless Grant (NDHG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
  These programs may cover short-term, housing-related expenses such as application fees, deposits, or limited transportation tied to housing stability.
  Start with local providers or call 701-328-5300 (ND HHS Housing Programs).
• The Salvation Army (Local Service Units)
  Provides limited, short-term financial help for rent, utilities, transportation, and basic needs.
  Contact your local office or call 701-204-1616 for assistance in North Dakota.
• Legal Services of North Dakota
  Offers free civil legal assistance to eligible seniors, including help with evictions, debt issues, benefits, and consumer protection.

Important Program Limitation

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  In North Dakota, TANF primarily serves households with minor children. Most seniors do not qualify unless they are the primary caregiver of an eligible child.
  See North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) – TANF for current rules.

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Housing and Rent Assistance

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Public Housing

What it is:
Federally funded programs that reduce monthly housing costs for eligible households. With vouchers, you pay a portion of your income toward rent, and the program pays the remainder directly to the landlord. Public housing offers below-market rent units managed by local housing authorities.

Who it helps:
Low-income renters, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.

How to apply:
Search for local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and check open waitlists on the HUD North Dakota Rental Assistance page.

Reality Check:
Waitlists are often long (months to several years). Apply to multiple PHAs when possible, and ask about priority preferences for age, disability status, or homelessness.

National Housing Trust Fund (Extremely Low-Income Housing)

What it is:
A federally funded program administered in North Dakota to support the development of housing for extremely low-income households (generally at or below 30% of area median income).

Availability:
Units are limited and typically offered through specific housing developments or nonprofit providers.

Learn more:
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency — National Housing Trust Fund program.

Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing

• North Dakota Homeless Grant (NDHG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
  Provide support for eviction prevention, security deposits, first month’s rent, and rapid rehousing services for eligible households.
• How to apply:
  Contact local providers listed under NDHG and ESG programs or call 701-328-5300 (ND HHS Housing Programs).

Home Repair and Accessibility Programs

Tip for Renters and Homeowners

• Renters: Repairs must be coordinated through your landlord or property manager. You typically cannot apply for repair grants directly.
• Homeowners: Be prepared to provide proof of ownership, income documentation, and details (photos or estimates) of needed repairs when applying.

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Utilities: Heat, Power, Water, and Communications

LIHEAP: Help With Heating and Cooling Costs

What it is:
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay home energy costs in North Dakota. It can help with heating bills, weatherization services, furnace repair or replacement, chimney cleaning and inspection, emergency assistance, and some cooling-related needs. North Dakota now accepts LIHEAP applications year-round.

How to apply:
Apply online through North Dakota’s Self-Service Portal, or apply through the Customer Support Center or your local Human Service Zone office. If you have an energy emergency, such as a shutoff notice, no deliverable fuel, or a minor repair need, North Dakota HHS says to contact the Customer Support Center right away.

Tip:
Do not wait for service to be disconnected. If your heat is off or you receive a shutoff notice, contact your utility provider and North Dakota HHS the same day.

Weatherization Assistance

What it is:
North Dakota’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps lower long-term utility costs by improving home energy efficiency and safety. Services may include insulation, air sealing, and health and safety upgrades for eligible households.

How to start:
Begin through North Dakota Commerce’s Weatherization Assistance program. In many cases, weatherization support is coordinated with LIHEAP.

Water Bill Help

What changed:
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was a temporary federal emergency program created during the pandemic. It is no longer an active ongoing benefit program. Federal materials describe it as a limited-term program, and program reporting states funding ran through March 2024.

What to do now:
For current water bill help, contact your local water utility, ask about payment plans or hardship options, and check 211 for any local charitable or emergency assistance programs. This is more accurate for 2026 than directing readers to LIHWAP as if it were still available.

Phone and Internet Discounts

Lifeline
Lifeline is still active in 2026. It provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 for eligible households, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands, and it can be used for phone or internet service. Eligibility may be based on income or participation in programs such as SNAP or Medicaid.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended. The FCC states that ACP’s monthly broadband discount ended on June 1, 2024, and some provider websites may still display outdated ACP information.

What to do instead:
Apply for Lifeline and ask your internet provider whether it offers a low-cost broadband plan or senior discount, because ACP is no longer available.

Utility Hardship Funds and Consumer Help

Some North Dakota households may also qualify for Energy Share of North Dakota, an emergency charitable program that helps with home energy bills not covered by other assistance programs. It specifically notes support for low-income, disabled, and elderly households facing emergency energy needs.

If you are having trouble with a regulated electric or natural gas utility, the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) says to contact the utility first. If the issue is not resolved, you can file an informal complaint with the PSC by phone, email, letter, or the agency’s contact form.

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Healthcare and In-Home Support

Tips and Realities

• Expect paperwork and assessments. Medicaid and HCBS programs usually require an application, financial review, and functional or medical assessment. North Dakota HHS says older adults can apply online, by paper form, by mail, or through a local Human Service Zone office. There is also free application help available through ND Navigators.
• SPED and Ex-SPED may help when Medicaid is not the right fit. These are state-funded alternatives for some older adults and people with physical disabilities who need support at home, including people who do not qualify for Medicaid waiver services. Ex-SPED is specifically aimed at people who would otherwise need basic care facility services.
• For residents’ rights in nursing homes, basic care, assisted living, and similar settings, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. North Dakota’s Ombudsman program helps resolve complaints and provides information to residents and families. Reports and questions can be made online, by email, or by phone at 855-462-5465, option 3.

Medicare Help, Fraud Prevention, and Choosing Plans

For free, unbiased Medicare counseling, use North Dakota SHIP — the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. SHIP helps residents compare coverage, understand Medicare choices, and get answers to plan and billing questions.

For Medicare fraud, billing errors, and abuse concerns, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) remains the right program. SMP is a federally supported program that helps Medicare beneficiaries, families, and caregivers prevent, detect, and report fraud, errors, and abuse.

Dental Care

Medicaid dental coverage: North Dakota Medicaid covers dental services for some eligible adults, but covered benefits can vary by eligibility category and program rules. Readers should check current Medicaid coverage details rather than assume all adult dental services are included.

Donated dental care: Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program is active in North Dakota for eligible seniors age 65+, people with permanent disabilities, and people who are medically fragile. One important 2026 update: the North Dakota DDS page says it is not accepting applications in certain counties, so availability is not uniform statewide.

Reduced-fee clinics: For lower-cost dental care, contacting 211, a local public health unit, or community clinics is still practical advice, but clinic availability changes often and should be verified locally before publication as a fixed statewide resource. That makes this point better as guidance than as a hard program listing.

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Food and Nutrition

Also check Great Plains Food Bank for food pantry locations, mobile food distributions, and local partner agencies serving North Dakota.

Tip: If you have high out-of-pocket medical costs, report them to SNAP. North Dakota’s SNAP materials state that households with an elderly or disabled member can deduct medical expenses over $35 per month when those costs are verified, which can increase the monthly benefit.

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Transportation and Mobility

• Bis-Man Transit (Bismarck-Mandan-Lincoln): Offers fixed-route service and paratransit. For older adults, the key service is paratransit, which Bis-Man Transit says is available to seniors age 70 and older and to eligible riders with disabilities. Its paratransit service is generally curb-to-curb, with door-to-door service available upon request.
• Souris Basin Transportation (Minot and surrounding counties): Provides accessible local and regional rides in the Minot area and nearby counties. The service is reservation-based and designed for general public transportation needs, including riders who need accessible transportation.
• North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD): NDAD is a statewide nonprofit that helps North Dakotans with disabilities, including some older adults, with transportation-related assistance and other support services when they are not eligible for help elsewhere.
• Find other local and rural transit providers: For other systems such as West River Transit, Cities Area Transit, and county-based transit programs, use North Dakota DOT’s Statewide Transit resources and the state’s Transit Provider map/directory, which lists providers by county, service area, and contact information.

Reality Check:
In many rural areas, rides must be scheduled in advance, may be shared with other passengers, and are often curb-to-curb rather than full door-to-door unless a provider specifically offers otherwise. When booking, ask about advance notice requirements, rider assistance, winter weather policies, and whether door-to-door help is available.

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Caregivers and Respite

• Family Caregiver Support Program
  North Dakota’s Family Caregiver Support Program helps unpaid caregivers with information, counseling, training, support, and respite coordination. It serves people caring for adults age 60 and older, as well as some caregivers of people with dementia and certain relative caregivers. Learn more through North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) — Family Caregiver Support Program.
• Lifespan Respite Care Grant Service
  North Dakota’s current program name is Lifespan Respite Care Grant Service. It helps connect caregivers to respite and may provide limited funding for short-term respite care when no other public funding source is available. This can include urgent situations such as caregiver illness, emergencies, or temporary gaps while waiting for other respite options. See North Dakota HHS — Lifespan Respite Care Grant Service.

Practical guidance

• Respite funding is not guaranteed. Availability can depend on grant funding, urgency, and whether another program should cover the service first.
• Ask for help early. Caregivers often get better results when they seek support before burnout or a crisis point. The Family Caregiver Support Program is designed to connect families with options and planning support, not just emergency help.

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Elder Rights, Protection, and Advocacy

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
  North Dakota’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, basic care homes, hospital swing beds, and transitional care units. The program helps residents and families ask questions, resolve concerns, and file complaints about care, services, or resident rights. Learn more through North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) — Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
• Adult Protective Services
  North Dakota now refers to this program as Vulnerable Adult Protective Services in some current materials. It handles reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving vulnerable adults. Reports can be made through the state reporting page or by calling 855-462-5465 and pressing 2. The intake line is answered weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time; in an immediate emergency, call 911.
• Consumer Protection and Scam Alerts
  The North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division helps consumers with complaints about deceptive practices, fraud, contractor problems, and scams. The office also publishes consumer tip sheets, scam prevention guidance, and common scam alerts that are especially useful for older adults.

Practical guidance

• If the concern involves a resident in long-term care, start with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
• If the concern involves abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult in the community, report it through Vulnerable Adult Protective Services.
• If someone was scammed or misled by a business, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. One important detail: the Attorney General’s office says it does not process anonymous complaints, so include your contact information when filing.

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Inclusive Resources

Veterans and Military-Connected Seniors

• North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
  The North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans and surviving family members understand and apply for VA benefits, pensions, health care, long-term care, and related programs. The best first step is usually to work with a VA-accredited County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
• VA Fargo Health Care System
  The VA Fargo Health Care System provides primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and care coordination for eligible veterans in North Dakota and the surrounding region. Use it as the main federal health system reference for veterans in the state.
• VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits
  Aid and Attendance is not a standalone program. It is an extra monthly amount added to a qualifying VA pension for eligible veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities or are substantially confined to the home. That distinction matters because readers must first understand the pension eligibility piece.

Tip: Bring your DD-214 or other discharge papers to your VSO appointment. If you do not have a copy, a VSO can often help you request military records.

LGBTQ+ seniors

• SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline
  SAGE offers free, confidential support for LGBTQ+ older adults through its national hotline at 877-360-LGBT (5428).
• Health care discrimination protections
  Medicare and Medicaid coverage is not supposed to be denied based on sexual orientation or gender identity. If a senior experiences discrimination in a federally funded health setting, the right place to report it is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.
• Local support
  For local community connections, ask 211 about LGBTQ+-friendly senior groups, affirming services, and community events in your area.

Seniors with Disabilities

North Dakota’s Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide services for people with disabilities of all ages, including many older adults. These centers may help with independent living skills, advocacy, peer support, information and referral, home accessibility planning, and community connections. North Dakota HHS confirms there are four Centers for Independent Living in the state: (hhs.nd.gov)

• Dakota Center for Independent Living (Bismarck)
• Freedom Resource Center (Fargo region)
• Independence, Inc. / Independence Resource Center (Grand Forks region)
• Options Interstate Resource Center for Independent Living (Minot region and western North Dakota)

Also note that NDAD (North Dakota Association for the Disabled) may help with transportation and limited financial assistance for disability-related needs for eligible applicants.

American Indian and Alaska Native Seniors in North Dakota

• Title VI Native American Aging Programs
  Under Title VI of the Older Americans Act, tribal aging programs may provide congregate meals, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, transportation, information and referral, and other supportive services for tribal elders. The best national entry point is the ACL Older Indians directory and Title VI program resources.
• Indian Health Service (IHS) – Great Plains Area
  The Indian Health Service is a key health care resource for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native people in North Dakota. Use the Great Plains Area and IHS directory resources to find facilities and service information.
• North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission
  The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission provides tribal contacts, state-level information, and links to North Dakota tribal governments and resources.
• BIA Financial Assistance and Social Services
  The Bureau of Indian Affairs may offer General Assistance and related support for eligible tribal members, depending on individual circumstances and local program administration.

Tip: Many tribes administer or coordinate services such as LIHEAP, meals, transportation, and elder support directly. Seniors should contact their tribal elder program, tribal social services office, or tribal health office for the most accurate local application process.

Rural Seniors and Limited Access

• Rural transportation
  Long distances and limited service are common in rural North Dakota. Check North Dakota DOT Statewide Transit resources and call 211 for local or volunteer transportation options.
• Telehealth
  Medicare and Medicaid continue to cover many telehealth services, but covered visit types and technology rules can vary. A practical 2026 edit here is to avoid overpromising phone-only visits, since those rules can depend on the service, provider, and payer. A safer, more accurate instruction is: Ask your clinic whether your appointment can be done by video or phone and what your coverage allows.
• Mobile food access
  Rural seniors should also check Great Plains Food Bank for mobile pantry schedules, partner agencies, and local food pickup options.

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How to Apply: Documents Checklist

Before applying for benefits, gather key documents to avoid delays. Most programs will require some or all of the following:

• Photo ID and proof of North Dakota residency
• Social Security number (or documentation showing it is pending)
• Proof of income, such as:
  • Social Security award letter
  • Pension or retirement statements
  • Pay stubs (if working)
  • Recent bank statements
• Recent utility bills (for programs like LIHEAP or Weatherization)
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement (for housing assistance)
• Medical expense records (especially important for SNAP and some Medicaid eligibility determinations)
• VA or military service records (for veterans’ benefits)
• Tribal enrollment or affiliation documentation (if applying for tribal programs or services)

Tips to Avoid Delays

• Keep copies of everything you submit, including applications and supporting documents.
• If you don’t have access to a printer or copier, your local library, senior center, or Human Service Zone office can often assist.
• Bring documents to appointments—even if you’re unsure they’re required—so staff can help determine eligibility on the spot.

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Regional Resources in North Dakota

Fargo-Moorhead and Eastern North Dakota

For meals, transportation, senior centers, and resource services, Valley Senior Services is a strong first stop for older adults in Fargo and across parts of eastern North Dakota. Its current service area includes Cass, Steele, Traill, Ransom, Sargent, and Richland counties.

Bismarck-Mandan

For transit, use Bis-Man Transit. For broader aging and support services, North Dakota’s current state structure routes many local referrals through Human Service Zone offices and Adult and Aging Services, rather than through a standalone local senior agency page. That makes North Dakota HHS Human Service Zones and Adult and Aging Services the most reliable referral points for Bismarck-Mandan area help.

Grand Forks

For meals, classes, activities, and support services, contact the Grand Forks Senior Center. The center’s current services page confirms it remains a key local hub for older adults in the Grand Forks area.

Minot and North Central North Dakota

For meals, wellness programs, and senior services, contact the Minot Commission on Aging. For transportation, use Souris Basin Transportation, which serves Minot and surrounding communities with local and regional rides.

Williston and Williams County

For meals, activities, outreach, and senior services, contact the Williston Council for the Aging. Its current site also confirms service information for Meals on Wheels and related local resources.

Can’t find your area? Start with 211 or use North Dakota HHS Adult and Aging Services to get connected to the right local provider. North Dakota HHS also notes that the Aging and Disability Resource Link now has a new address under the state’s care choice system, which is useful for readers who need statewide referral help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for LIHEAP heating assistance in North Dakota?

Apply through North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) using the state’s Self-Service Portal, or get help through the Customer Support Center or your local Human Service Zone office. If your heat is shut off, you have a disconnect notice, or you are out of fuel, tell them it is an emergency right away.

I need in-home help but want to avoid a nursing home. What are my options?

Start with North Dakota HHS Adult and Aging Services. The main options include the Medicaid HCBS waiver, SPED, Ex-SPED, PACE, and Older Americans Act services, depending on your income, care needs, and where you live. PACE is available for eligible adults 55 and older who meet nursing home level-of-care criteria and live in a PACE service area.

Does North Dakota have a property tax break for seniors?

Yes. North Dakota offers the Homestead Property Tax Credit for eligible homeowners and a Renter’s Refund for eligible renters. These programs are generally available to people age 65 or older or to individuals with a permanent and total disability. For 2026, Homestead Property Tax Credit applications are due April 1, and Renter’s Refund applications are available after Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January through May 31.

Where can I get help choosing a Medicare plan?

Contact North Dakota’s SHIP program through the North Dakota Insurance Department for free, unbiased Medicare counseling.

Is TANF available to seniors?

Usually no. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is designed for families moving toward self-sufficiency and is primarily tied to households with dependent children. Most seniors will not qualify unless they are caring for an eligible child and meet TANF rules.

How can I find affordable senior housing or apply for Section 8?

Start with HUD’s North Dakota rental assistance resources or your local Public Housing Authority (PHA). That is where you can check for housing programs, voucher information, and application instructions. Be prepared for waitlists, which can be long in many areas.

Where can I get free or low-cost dental care?

If you have North Dakota Medicaid, check your current covered dental benefits first, because adult dental coverage can vary by eligibility category and program rules. Another option is Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) for eligible seniors, people with permanent disabilities, and people who are medically fragile. Dental Lifeline says it is accepting applications only in certain counties, so availability is not statewide at all times.

I’m a veteran. Who can help me file for VA benefits?

Contact a County or Tribal Veterans Service Officer (VSO) through the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. VSOs help veterans and families apply for federal and state benefits, including health care, pensions, long-term care, and surviving-spouse benefits.

How do I report suspected elder abuse or neglect?

Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving a vulnerable adult through North Dakota’s Vulnerable Adult Protective Services system or by calling 855-462-5465 and selecting the APS reporting option. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Is there help with transportation to medical appointments?

Yes, but it depends on where you live. Start with your local public transit provider, North Dakota’s statewide transit directory/resources, or 211. In some areas, options may include providers such as Bis-Man Transit or Souris Basin Transportation. Some Medicaid or Medicare Advantage plans may also offer transportation benefits, but those vary by plan and should be confirmed directly with the insurer.

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Tables: At-a-Glance Reference

Core Health Coverage Options for North Dakota Seniors

PACE in North Dakota is for eligible adults 55 and older who live in a service area, meet nursing home level-of-care criteria, and can live safely in the community at enrollment.

Housing and Utility Help Overview

Food Programs at a Glance

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Application Tips and Reality Checks

• Start early and follow up. Affordable housing availability can change quickly, and some support programs require intake reviews, eligibility checks, or care assessments before services begin. Apply as early as possible and follow up if you do not hear back.
• Keep one organized benefits folder. Save copies of your photo ID, Social Security documentation, income letters, lease or mortgage paperwork, utility bills, and medical expense records. North Dakota HHS application materials specifically ask applicants to verify items such as income, shelter costs, utilities, and Social Security numbers for many programs.
• If you are denied, do not ignore the notice. Ask for the decision in writing, read the deadline carefully, and file an appeal on time. North Dakota HHS says people who are denied public assistance benefits—or whose benefits are reduced, terminated, discontinued, or suspended—may have appeal rights.
• Use the right kind of help. For Medicare questions, contact North Dakota SHIP for free, unbiased counseling. For housing, public benefits, consumer issues, and elder law matters, contact Legal Services of North Dakota, which provides civil legal help to eligible older adults and low-income residents. For complaints involving nursing homes, assisted living, basic care, swing beds, or transitional care, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

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Resources (official links)

• ND Health and Human Services — Aging & Adult Services: Programs and services overview
• ND Medicaid: Eligibility and enrollment
• ND LIHEAP: Energy Assistance
• Weatherization Assistance: ND Department of Commerce — Community Services
• SNAP in North Dakota: Apply and info
• CSFP: ND Department of Public Instruction — CSFP
• HUD North Dakota: Rental help and housing authorities
• ND Housing Finance Agency — NHTF: Program info
• ND Homeless Grant / ESG: NDHG / ESG
• SHIC (Medicare counseling): ND Insurance Department
• Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): ND SMP
• Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: Program page
• Legal Services of North Dakota: Apply for help
• Great Plains Food Bank: Find Food
• ND Department of Veterans Affairs: Find a VSO
• NDDOT Transit Providers: Directory
• 211 North Dakota: Call 211 or search online

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Disclaimer

Program rules, income limits, deadlines, funding availability, and contact information can change. Eligibility may also vary by county, tribe, service area, and household circumstances. Always confirm current requirements directly with the official agency, housing authority, utility, or nonprofit administering the program before you apply.

This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, tax, medical, or benefits advice.

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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: April 2026
• Sources Verified: April 2026
• Next Review: August 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 make a real difference.