What should I do if I'm worried about a child's safety in North Dakota?

If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, you can report your concerns to the North Dakota Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline by calling 1-800-245-3736. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reports can be made anonymously. ND HHS Child and Family Services will follow up to assess the child's safety.

Are there emergency housing resources for families in North Dakota?

Yes. HUD-funded programs, including Emergency Solutions Grants and Continuum of Care programs, operate in North Dakota and can help families facing homelessness access shelter, rapid rehousing, or eviction prevention assistance. The specific providers vary by region. Call 2-1-1 North Dakota to be connected with the emergency housing resources nearest to you, including any local family shelters or rapid rehousing programs in your county.

Can North Dakota families get help with both food and utilities at the same time?

Yes. SNAP (food assistance) and LIHEAP (utility assistance) are separate programs with separate applications, but many families qualify for both. You can apply for SNAP year-round at benefitsnd.gov, while LIHEAP has seasonal application windows typically aligned with heating season. Calling 2-1-1 is the easiest way to screen for multiple programs at once and learn about any additional local emergency funds that may be available in your community.

Child & Family Assistance Resources in North Dakota

Q: How do I apply for childcare assistance in North Dakota?

North Dakota offers a Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible working families and those in job training or education. Applications are managed through ND HHS and can be submitted at benefitsnd.gov or through your local county social services office. Eligibility is based on income and family size. Call 1-800-755-2716 or dial 2-1-1 for guidance on whether you qualify and which licensed providers in your area accept the benefit.

Last updated September 9, 2026

North Dakota families facing financial hardship, housing instability, or a family crisis have access to a range of state and federally funded programs. The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (ND HHS) is the primary state agency overseeing benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, childcare assistance, and child protective services. Most applications for these programs can be started online through the ND HHS Benefits Portal or by visiting your local county social services office.

If you are unsure where to start, calling 2-1-1 North Dakota is one of the fastest ways to get connected. Trained specialists are available around the clock to help you identify programs you may qualify for — from utility assistance and food support to mental health referrals and emergency shelter. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or chat online at nd.211.org.

For families in immediate danger — including domestic violence situations or a mental health crisis — free, confidential hotlines are available 24 hours a day. No referral or paperwork is needed to call. If you are outside regular business hours or unsure which agency to contact, starting with 2-1-1 or one of the crisis lines listed below is always a safe first step.

Key programs in North Dakota

2-1-1 North Dakota

A free, 24/7 helpline connecting North Dakota residents to local health and human services including food, housing, utility assistance, childcare, mental health support, and more.

How to access: Call or text 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit nd.211.org to search resources or chat with a specialist.

ND HHS – SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries at authorized retailers.

How to access: Apply online through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Benefits Portal at benefitsnd.gov, or contact your local county social services office. You can also call ND HHS at 1-800-755-2716.

ND HHS – Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP / Healthy Steps)

Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible children, pregnant individuals, parents, and other low-income adults in North Dakota. Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, and more.

How to access: Apply at benefitsnd.gov or through your local county social services office. You can also call 1-800-755-2716 for help determining eligibility.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – North Dakota

Helps eligible low-income North Dakota households pay heating and sometimes cooling costs, and may assist with energy-related emergencies such as a disconnected utility.

How to access: Applications are typically accepted seasonally through local community action agencies across North Dakota. Call 2-1-1 to find the nearest agency, or contact ND HHS at 1-800-755-2716 for program dates and eligibility information.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and National Domestic Violence Hotline

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

Cameron, Texas(254) 697-4913

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Other resources in North Dakota

Child & Family Assistance in other states

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