Around 20% of the population in the state of North Dakota are seniors. While the state may have a lower cost of living than many others, there are still many seniors that struggle financially. Most seniors live on a fixed income, which doesn’t give them additional funds if something unexpectedly comes up that they have to pay for, or if inflation drives prices up. The good news is that there are programs that provide financial assistance for seniors in North Dakota.
The programs that are available for seniors to apply to for financial assistance are largely made possible by the federal and state government. They usually require the person to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. Some of the programs provide short term assistance, while others will allow people to get help for a longer period of time or have no time restrictions at all. The financial assistance does not have to be paid back, because it is not considered a loan.
In addition to the state and federal programs, there are also some that are offered through organizations. They can be found in many areas of the state and serve the low income population where they are located. These programs are often less strict when it comes to how long you can get help and in regard to citizenship. They usually open their doors to give anyone help who is in need.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This is the best program to apply for if you need help obtaining food each month. It is a program provided by the federal government and will provide those who qualify with a debit-style card that has funds on it so they can use it to pay for their groceries. The government adds funds to the card each month electronically. The amount you would receive is determined by how many dependents you have in the home. There is no limit to how long you can get help through SNAP. This program used to be called food stamps, and many people still refer to it as that today. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization focuses on providing people in the community with services they may be in need of. The most common things they help people with is obtaining food, shelter, and clothing. They often have a soup kitchen where they provide free daily meals, and they have a pantry, where they give bags of food to those who need it. To find a location near you, click here.
Great Plains Food Bank – Seniors in North Dakota can contact this organization to find a food bank or food pantry near them. There are food pantries and food banks around the state that will provide seniors and others in need with free food supplies each month. Some will provide delivery service for seniors to help them get the food they need. To get more information and find a food bank or food pantry near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – With housing often being the largest expense that seniors have, they may need a program that will help with rental assistance in North Dakota. HUD is a federal agency that focuses on helping people with their housing needs. To qualify for their programs you have to meet the low income requirements they have and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. They have several programs that they offer to help seniors and others who need financial assistance. They will provide rent assistance, pay for house repairs, and help people find affordable housing options in their area, which may include units they own. They also provide weatherization services, which reduces utility bills by making the home more energy efficient. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
North Dakota Health & Human Services – This is a state government program that provides rent assistance. They mainly focus on those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk for it. Their goal is to help people find long-term solutions so they have a stable place to live and help keep people from being evicted. To get more information about their rental assistance and eviction prevention programs, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program is provided by the federal government. They provide a grant each year to help the state pay for energy bills for those who have a low income and have fallen behind. Those who qualify can get their energy bill paid for, with the money being sent directly to the energy provider and your account being credited. They will also provide weatherization services, furnace cleaning, repair, and replacement, chimney cleaning, and emergency assistance. To get more information and apply for financial assistance, click here.
211 – The United Way organization has provided this number that people can call in order to help them find programs in their area that can help financially. They can help with finding programs near you that will pay for utility bills, provide food supplies, help with rental assistance, and more. To get more information about the 211 program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
Medicaid – The federal government provides this program to help people pay for their medical bills. To qualify, you have to be low income, under the age of 65, and a citizen or legal non-citizen. Those approved for the program will get help paying for most of their medical bills. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to Medicaid, listed above, only it is for those who are over the age of 65. There are no income requirements for this program. It is open to every legal citizen and non-citizen in the country who is over 65. It will help pay for most types of medical bills. To get more information and apply for Medicare, click here.
