Program Overview
The Navajo Nation Department for Self Reliance Program (NNDSR) is the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program for the Navajo Nation. The NNDSR is established within the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services.
What to Expect as a NNDSR Customer:
Customers are required to comply with program requirements including: developing a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP) that reflects their personal goals to achieve self-reliance; complying with established Work Participation requirements (if applicable); complying with Child Support Enforcement requirements (if applicable); and submitting Monthly Update Reports to verify continued eligibility.
Purpose of NNDSR
The Navajo Nation Department for Self Reliance is a federally funded program that assists eligible families in obtaining the knowledge, skills, and experience while providing necessary resources to become self reliant.
The NNDSR was created to help families in need. The NNDSR works with families to help them become self-reliant.
The NNDSR’s initiatives include:
- To provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives;
- To end the dependency of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.
- To prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies;
- To encourage the formation, maintenance, and strengthening of two-parent families;
- To reduce the future dependency of children on government benefits by promoting education and prevention.
- To promote responsible and involved parenting.
The NNDSR applies the Navajo teachings of the concept of 
to empower Customers to take personal responsibility for themselves and their families.
The Pathway to Self Reliance Service Delivery Model serves as guide for staff to prepare Customers for self reliance.
NNDSR Customers are responsible for decision-making regarding self-improvement and to strive for personal success through hard work, commitment and sacrifice. Customers begin their path to self-reliance by establishing their own personal career development plan.
How Do I Apply?
Be sure to review the following eligibility requirements before you plan to visit the NNDSR. You can apply for NNDSR assistance by completing a NNDSR Application for Assistance and submitting your completed and signed application in person at a NNDSR office or mailing your application to your nearest NNDSR office.
Eligibility Requirements
- Have at least one child under the age of eighteen (18) that is deprived of parental support and care due to the absence, death, disability, or unemployment/underemployment of (a) legal parent(s); NNDSR also serves two-parent families due to unemployment/underemployment.
- Meet income and asset standards;
- Be U.S. citizens; and
- Live within the NNDSR Service Delivery Area.
In addition:
- If there is an absent parent, comply with Child Support Enforcement requirements.
- If applying for a child that is not your own, you must have Legal Guardianship of the child; or if not, you must agree and show proof that you are actively pursuing legal guardianship.
- All adults in the filing must receive a favorable background check result.
What Are My Required Documents?
- Social Security Cards
- Birth Certificates
- Valid Picture I.D. for Adults
- Information on Income, Assets, and Resources
- School Enrollment/Attendance Verification for Minor Child(ren) or Dependent(s)
- Legal Guardianship documents (if applying for a child that is not your own)