Hardship Assistance Grant Program

Hardship Assistance Grant Program is sponsored by North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

## Hardship Assistance Grant Program Provides meaningful, needs‑based support to veterans, their spouses, and un‑remarried surviving spouses who are facing financial strain. Funded through interest earned from the Veterans Postwar Trust Fund, this program helps cover essential medical, dental, optical, hearing, transportation, and housing needs, with grants available across several categories and an annual cap of $5,000 per applicant.

Eligibility is based on North Dakota residency, veteran status, income and asset limits, and documented need. Many services—such as dentures, hearing aids, emergency dental care, and specialized medical travel—are paid directly to providers, ensuring fast, reliable assistance when it matters most.

The program is designed to be flexible and compassionate, offering exceptions for major medical needs, clear appeal rights, and safeguards to ensure funds reach veterans who truly need them. ## IMPACT Hardship Assistance Grant Program The IMPACT Hardship Assistance Grant provides fast, compassionate financial support to North Dakota veterans and their families when unexpected challenges create an urgent need.

The program offers up to $5,000 per calendar year, with a lifetime maximum of $7,000, to help cover essential expenses not supported by other programs — including emergency repairs, critical medical needs, and essential household bills. Eligibility is based on veteran status, North Dakota residency, income and asset limits, and documented hardship, ensuring funds reach those who need them most.

Payments are issued directly to vendors for quick relief, and the program allows flexible consideration for medical costs, travel, and other verified needs. With a streamlined application process, clear appeal rights, and a mission grounded in dignity and stability, the IMPACT Grant helps veterans regain their footing during life’s most difficult moments.

## Housing Assistance Program Grant Provides vital financial support to veterans and their families who are facing housing‑related hardship. This program helps eligible applicants overcome barriers to safe, stable housing by offering assistance with essential costs such as deposits, rent, or other approved housing needs.

Eligibility is based on veteran status, North Dakota residency, and reasonable income and asset limits, ensuring the program reaches those who need it most. Applications are reviewed with care, and clear appeal rights are available if a request is denied. Payments are made directly to property managers or vendors for fast, reliable support, and safeguards are in place to prevent conflicts of interest in the approval process.

The Housing Assistance Program is designed to promote stability, dignity, and security—helping veterans maintain or regain safe housing when life becomes difficult. Offered in partnership with Service Dogs for America (SDA)"), helps North Dakota veterans access highly trained service dogs that support greater independence, safety, and quality of life.

Through this program, eligible veterans can receive financial assistance toward the cost of obtaining a certified service dog trained to meet their specific medical, mobility, or mental‑health needs. SDA’s nationally accredited training ensures each dog is carefully matched to its handler and prepared for real‑world tasks such as mobility support, medical alerts, PTSD mitigation, and daily living assistance.

Applicants must meet North Dakota residency and veteran eligibility requirements, and all placements are coordinated directly with Service Dogs for America to ensure a seamless, supportive experience from application through final certification. This grant reflects our commitment to empowering veterans with tools that restore confidence, stability, and independence in everyday life.

If you’re interested in applying or want to learn more, contact your local Veteran Service Officer (VSO). Need to appeal a decision? You can submit your appeal online!