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Job Loss Support and Unemployment Help for Single Mothers in North Dakota

Job Loss Support & Unemployment Help for Single Mothers in North Dakota [2025 Guide]

Last updated: September 2025

This guide is written for North Dakota single moms who recently lost a job or have been out of work for a while. It shows exactly how to claim unemployment, keep the lights on, protect housing, and bridge income with food, health, and child care help—plus where to get training and a new job. You’ll see direct links to apply, phone numbers, realistic timelines, and backup plans if the first option doesn’t work. Throughout, look for links to official agencies like Job Service North Dakota, North Dakota Health & Human Services (HHS), and the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC). (jobsnd.com)


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick help box — key contacts to keep handy

How to get unemployment benefits in North Dakota this week

Start here. File your claim the same week you’re laid off. Use UI ICE or the claims line 1-701-328-4995 from Job Service North Dakota. Be ready to verify identity with ID.me before you can certify weeks or change payment settings. (jobsnd.com)

  • What determines your benefit: The weekly benefit amount (WBA) is based on your wages in the “base period” and changes each July. From July 6, 2025–July 4, 2026, ND’s WBA ranges up to $815 per week; the chart lists minimum WBAs and the 12–26 week duration formula. Check the official Unemployment Benefit Chart (PDF) and the Benefits Estimator. (jobsnd.com)
  • File correctly the first time: The claim’s effective date is the Sunday of the week you file; claims can’t be backdated. Create an account in UI ICE, and gather Social Security number, employer history (last 18 months), and separation reason per File a Claim. (jobsnd.com)
  • Certify weekly without missing a week: Certify online in UI ICE or by phone at 1-701-328-4995. Your first eligible week is typically a non‑paid “waiting week,” so still certify it to get credit, then continue certifying every week. Use the “My To Do List” in UI ICE. (jobsnd.com)
  • Work‑search expectations: You must complete your required number of work‑search contacts each week and be able/available for work; the exact number shows in your weekly certification prompts. Many claimants are told to make 3+ contacts weekly—confirm your number in UI ICE or your claim letters. See After My Claim is Filed and the work‑search example page noting “3 job contacts each week.” (jobsnd.com)
  • Payments, direct deposit, and downtime: Set direct deposit or the state debit card in UI ICE Payment Options. Systems may be unavailable daily 10:00 pm–midnight and sometimes for scheduled maintenance; plan certifications accordingly (maintenance notices are posted by Job Service ND and Online Services Unavailable). (jobsnd.com)
  • Need in‑person help: Visit a Job Service Workforce Center in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Wahpeton, Williston, Devils Lake, Dickinson, or Jamestown; staff can help with claims, job search, and referrals. (jobsnd.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the claims line at 1-701-328-4995, then ask a supervisor if your issue isn’t resolved. For appeal questions call 1-800-351-9098 or use the Unemployment Insurance Appeals contact. Keep certifying weekly while problems are reviewed. If you suspect a technical outage, check Job Service ND News. (jobsnd.com)

Unemployment Insurance at‑a‑glance (July 2025–July 2026)

Item Details
Weekly benefit amount (WBA) range Up to $815/week (see benefit chart PDF)
Benefit duration 12–26 weeks, based on base‑period wages
Waiting week First eligible week is unpaid; still certify
Work search Number of contacts shown in your claim tasks; keep a log
Where to file/certify UI ICE online or 1-701-328-4995
Appeals UI Appeals 1-800-351-9098 per Contact

Sources: Benefit Chart (PDF) and Benefits Estimator. (jobsnd.com)

Reality check: System holds happen—identity verification, employer responses, or fact‑finding can delay first payment. Keep certifying weekly in UI ICE and answer any “To Do” items within deadlines. If you miss maintenance windows or weekly deadlines, reopen the claim and keep going. (jobsnd.com)

How to stop a utility shutoff in North Dakota today

Move fast. If you receive a shutoff or disconnection notice, call HHS LIHEAP to request “crisis” help and give your shutoff date. Ask whether a vendor contact is needed and confirm documentation you must upload in the Self‑Service Portal. For gas/electric, also review your rights under ND Admin Code on disconnections and call the PSC consumer line if needed. (hhs.nd.gov)

  • Programs & amounts: According to the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse (updated March 20, 2025), ND LIHEAP uses 60% of State Median Income for eligibility with 2025 benefit caps: heating up to 1,100,coolingupto1,100, cooling up to 1,000, and crisis up to $500. Confirm current caps with HHS LIHEAP before assuming amounts. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • What to say to your utility: Ask for a budget plan or deferred payment agreement and tell them you’ve applied for LIHEAP crisis. Investor‑owned utilities like Montana‑Dakota Utilities and Xcel Energy provide winter protections and payment plans—ask for any “cold‑weather rule” options in your service area. (montana-dakota.com)
  • If shutoff already happened: Call LIHEAP first, then your utility to confirm reconnection fees and the fastest way to post a pledge. For legal help with unlawful disconnection, contact LSND or the PSC. (hhs.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility to delay disconnection for medical reasons or age/disability per ND Admin Code; the notice must include your rights and the PSC’s phone number. If needed, file a PSC complaint and ask FirstLink 211 for one‑time faith‑based help. (law.cornell.edu)

Utility help quick table

Situation First call Back‑up
Shutoff notice in hand HHS LIHEAP Crisis PSC consumer line
Need payment plan Your provider (e.g., MDU, Xcel) LSND
Furnace issue HHS Energy Help Local CAP agency via LIHEAP page

Sources: HHS/LIHEAP, PSC rules, and utility policies. (hhs.nd.gov)

Rent and housing stability after job loss

  • Know what’s changed in 2025: ND’s pandemic‑era re‑housing assistance is ramping down. New applications from households experiencing homelessness closed March 14, 2025; ARPA funding ends September 2025. If you hold a valid Letter of Commitment, follow instructions before the listed expiration date. See HHS Housing Stabilization updates and the March 5, 2025 announcement. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • If you need help now: Ask for a Coordinated Entry assessment through the statewide ND Continuum of Care and call 211 for shelter referrals. Also check HUD North Dakota for local Public Housing Authorities and waiting lists for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). (ndcontinuumofcare.org)
  • Homeowners: If your mortgage is with the ND Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA), call loan servicing at 1-800-292-8621 or 1-701-328-8080 to request hardship options. For utility arrears or foreclosure prevention, ask NDHFA about any open homeowner supports and contact HHS. (ndhfa.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: For eviction help, use the ND Courts Self‑Help “Eviction for Tenants” guide and call Legal Services of ND for representation if eligible. Reach Great Plains Food Bank for immediate food to free up cash for rent. (ndcourts.gov)

Food, health coverage, and child care while you’re unemployed

  • Food: Apply for SNAP online; eligible households can get benefits within 30 days or within 7 days under expedited rules—ask the HHS Customer Support Center for help or contact the SNAP Outreach team at Great Plains Food Bank. For local pantries and mobile distributions, use Great Plains Food Bank — Get Help. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • Health coverage: If your income fell, apply for Medicaid Expansion (adults 19–64 up to 138% FPL; April 1, 2025 limits shown). If you’re over income, enroll in a Marketplace plan during a Special Enrollment Period for loss of coverage—get free help from the ND Navigator program. (hhs.nd.gov)
  • Child care: Keep your spot and stabilize your work search using CCAP. As of Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025, maximum monthly income examples: 2‑person 5,231;3‑person5,231; 3‑person 6,462; 4‑person $7,694. ND posts state provider rates; applications go through the Self‑Service Portal or your Zone office. (hhs.nd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your SNAP/Medicaid/CCAP case is denied or delayed, email applyforhelp@nd.gov and request a supervisor review. To appeal HHS decisions, file the “SFN 162 Request for Hearing” noted on SNAP/LIHEAP pages. For mental health and parenting stress, reach FirstLink 211/988 and walk‑in clinics listed at Help Is Here ND. (hhs.nd.gov)

CCAP — quick income guide (effective Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025)

Family size Max monthly income
2 $5,231
3 $6,462
4 $7,694
5 $8,924
6 $10,155
7 $10,386
8 $10,617

Source: HHS CCAP. (hhs.nd.gov)

Training, job search, and faster re‑employment

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a Job Service career specialist about WIOA Adult/Dislocated Worker eligibility and priority of service for low‑income parents; if applicable, request Vocational Rehabilitation if a health condition limits work. Rural moms can request outreach days at libraries/community sites as described in ND’s WIOA plan. (hhs.nd.gov)

Transit to interviews and child care

City/Region Main system Typical fares
Fargo–Moorhead MATBUS Discount fare available; some riders free (e.g., service‑connected veterans)
Grand Forks Cities Area Transit (CAT) Standard cash 2;reduced2; reduced 0.80 (as of April 14, 2025)
Minot Minot City Transit Cash 1.50;31‑dayadult1.50; 31‑day adult 36
Ward/Bottineau/Pierce/Mountrail areas Souris Basin Transit Demand‑response; call for pickup

Sources: MATBUS, Cities Area Transit, Minot City Transit, and Souris Basin Transit. (matbus.com)

Local organizations, charities, churches, and support

Diverse Communities: inclusive, practical help

LGBTQ+ single mothers: If you face discrimination in hiring or housing, contact the ND Department of Labor & Human Rights to file a complaint and ask about mediation, and use FirstLink 211 to find affirming counseling. Priority‑of‑service in Job Service ND workshops applies to veterans and opens to everyone—request mock interviews that address bias questions. (nd.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or caring for disabled children: Request Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) for adaptive equipment, job coaching, and training; ask for interpreter services or large‑print documents. Pair VR with AP so child care doesn’t block work or training.

Veteran single mothers: You have priority of service at Job Service ND and can connect with the ND Department of Veterans Affairs plus the Fargo VA Health Care System for health and mental health care. Ask about the Support Our Veterans Fund for emergency needs.

Immigrant/refugee single moms: Tap the HHS New American Employment Program for job coaching, license transfers, and English classes; for GED/ESL, contact your local Adult Learning Center. Ask for language interpreters at HHS (TTY 711).

Tribal‑specific resources: Call your tribal victim services (e.g., Spirit Lake Victim Assistance, Hearts of Hope at Turtle Mountain) via CAWS ND directory. For food, check FDPIR listings and your tribe’s program office.

Rural single moms with limited access: Job Service staff hold outreach in rural towns so you don’t have to drive far—see the WIOA plan notes on rural availability and ask for appointment days. Use FirstLink 211 to find local rides and church funds for gas cards.

Single fathers: Most programs in this guide are gender‑neutral. If your child support order no longer fits your situation due to job loss, request a review with ND Child Support. Use ND Courts Self‑Help forms if you must file on your own.

Language access and accessibility: Ask HHS for interpreters or translated notices and call 711 (TTY) where listed on HHS and Job Service ND pages. Request large‑print applications at HHS and VR if you’re low‑vision.

Resources by region

Fargo/Cass: Visit Job Service Fargo for hiring events, ride MATBUS to interviews, and contact YWCA Cass Clay for emergency shelter. Use Great Plains Food Bank mobile distributions.

Bismarck/Mandan: Reach Job Service Bismarck and call Abused Adult Resource Center (crisis 1-866-341-7009). HHS West Central Human Service Center lines are posted on statewide lists; for utility questions, contact the PSC.

Grand Forks: Use Job Service Grand Forks, ride Cities Area Transit, and check HUD ND for local housing authority info.

Minot/Ward: Contact Job Service Minot, ride Minot City Transit, or call Souris Basin Transit for demand‑response rides.

Williston/Bakken: Visit Job Service Williston for oilfield and healthcare roles; if homeless or nearly homeless, contact ND Continuum of Care for Coordinated Entry.

Jamestown/Devils Lake/Dickinson/Wahpeton: See your Job Service center for events and Adult Learning Centers for GED/ESL. Domestic violence programs are listed by CAWS ND.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Waiting to file UI: Claims start the week you file, not when you lost the job. File immediately through UI ICE.
  • Skipping the waiting week certification: You must certify the unpaid waiting week—otherwise your first paid week is delayed. Use the After My Claim is Filed checklist.
  • Not logging work‑search contacts: Failing to meet the required number each week can stop payment. Track contacts in a simple log and match it to UI ICE prompts.
  • Missing HHS documents: SNAP/CCAP/LIHEAP often pause over missing pay stubs or lease copies. Use the HHS checklists and upload in the Self‑Service Portal.

Reality check: Backlogs happen—especially during winter for LIHEAP and at quarter‑end for UI. Keep copies of everything, respond fast to “To Do” items, and call during off‑peak hours. If you get a denial, read the notice; you often have 10–30 days to appeal. Use HHS appeals (SFN 162) and UI Appeals.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need Where to start Back‑up
Unemployment claim UI ICE or 1-701-328-4995 UI Appeals 1-800-351-9098
Energy shutoff HHS LIHEAP crisis 1-866-614-6005 ND PSC
Food this week SNAP apply + Great Plains Food Bank 211 via FirstLink
Child care CCAP Zone office from HHS support page
Homeless services ND Continuum of Care HUD ND

Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

  • Photo ID: Driver’s license or state ID for UI ICE and HHS uploads.
  • SSN cards: For you and kids (SNAP/CCAP list allows verbal if you don’t have cards yet). See SNAP FAQs.
  • Last 30–60 days of income: Pay stubs or statement of zero income for SNAP/LIHEAP. Use LIHEAP checklist.
  • Lease & utility bills: Upload current lease, shutoff notice, and account numbers to HHS SSP.
  • Child care info: Provider name, rates, schedule for CCAP.
  • Job search log: Keep a weekly log to match UI ICE work‑search questions.

If your application gets denied

  • Unemployment: Read the determination letter and file an appeal by the deadline. Call UI Appeals at 1-800-351-9098 for process help, keep certifying, and upload any requested documents in UI ICE. For wage theft/last paycheck issues, consider a Wage Claim with the ND Department of Labor.
  • SNAP/LIHEAP/CCAP/Medicaid: You can request a supervisor review, then appeal with the SFN 162 Request for Hearing (attach your denial). Ask LSND for representation if eligible.
  • Eviction/utility shutoff: Use ND Courts Self‑Help forms to file responses and request fee waivers; report illegal utility practices to the PSC.

County‑to‑county variations (what actually differs)

  • Transit reach and hours: Larger cities (Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot) have fixed‑route service like MATBUS, CAT, and Minot Transit. Rural counties rely more on demand‑response systems like Souris Basin Transit.
  • Shelter coverage: Domestic violence shelters are county‑based; if one program is full, call another through the CAWS ND directory.
  • Hiring events: Job Service offices host region‑specific fairs—check your local site via Job Service ND Events.

How to protect child support after job loss

If your income changed, request a review to adjust your order. Use ND Child Support — Review and Adjustment and submit the Financial Declaration. You can also use My Child Support to update your employer and contact info. If you must self‑file sooner than 18 months, use ND Courts Self‑Help forms.

Ten North Dakota FAQs for unemployed single moms

  1. How much can I get from ND unemployment in 2025–2026: The maximum weekly benefit is $815 between July 6, 2025 and July 4, 2026. Check your number on the Benefit Chart (PDF) or run the Benefits Estimator.
  2. How long will benefits last: Between 12 and 26 weeks, based on your base‑period wages. See the duration table in the Benefit Chart (PDF).
  3. How soon will I be paid: There’s an unpaid waiting week; you must still certify it. If there are no issues, the first paid week follows your first successful certification. Certify weekly in UI ICE.
  4. How many job searches do I need: The number is shown in your weekly certification prompts; many claimants are instructed to make 3+ contacts. Confirm in UI ICE or claim letters.
  5. Can I apply for SNAP and child care while on unemployment: Yes. File for SNAP and CCAP through HHS; report UI as income. SNAP can expedite within 7 days if you qualify.
  6. I’m facing a shutoff—what’s the fastest path: Apply for LIHEAP crisis, call your utility for a payment plan, and reference PSC rules if needed.
  7. Where can I get interview help: Use Big Interview with your ND Workforce Connection account, and attend Job Service virtual job fairs.
  8. I lost Medicaid—what now: Re‑apply for Medicaid Expansion if income fits or enroll in a Marketplace plan using the ND Navigator for free enrollment help.
  9. How do I fix my child support after job loss: Request a review at ND Child Support. If you need to self‑file, use ND Courts Self‑Help.
  10. Is there veteran‑specific help: Yes—priority of service at Job Service ND, plus emergency support via the ND Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

Spanish summary (resumen en español)

Este resumen fue traducido por herramientas de IA y puede contener errores. Para información oficial, use los enlaces de agencias estatales.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified: September 2025, next review January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information. It links to official sources like Job Service North Dakota and North Dakota Health & Human Services, which control eligibility and payments. Always confirm current rules, amounts, and deadlines directly with the agency or with a qualified legal professional such as Legal Services of North Dakota.

What to do next

What to do if this still doesn’t work: File formal appeals, ask LSND for representation, and connect with the ND Continuum of Care or HUD ND for housing stability while you re‑apply or wait.

Tables index (for quick scanning)

  • Unemployment Insurance at‑a‑glance
  • Utility help quick table
  • CCAP quick income guide
  • Transit to interviews and child care
  • Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Each table above links directly to the application or contact page to help you move fast.

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