Program Overview
The Department for Self Reliance Program (DSR) is the Navajo Nation’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program. The DSR is established within the Navajo Division of Social Services.
Purpose of NNDSR
The DSR is a federally funded program that assists eligible individuals in obtaining the knowledge, skills, and experience to become self-reliant. Monthly assistance and necessary resources are provided to eligible families to meet their basic needs while they prepare for self-reliance.
Self Reliance through Taa hwo ajit’ eego
The DSR utilizes the Navajo traditional teaching of T’áá hwó ájít’ éego – taking responsibility for your life, as the basis for the services provided to empower Customers to take personal responsibility for themselves and their families.
DSR 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?
Individuals can apply for DSR assistance by submitting a completed and signed DSR Application for Assistance, along with required verification documents, to your nearest DSR office in person or by mail, fax or e-mail. Please click here for the application form.
DSR offices are located in Chinle, AZ; Tuba City, AZ; Window Rock, AZ;, Kayenta, AZ; Greasewood Springs, AZ; Gallup, NM; Farmington, NM, and Crownpoint, NM.
Eligibility Requirements
Review the following eligibility requirements before you visit the DSR.
Have at least one eligible minor child under the age of eighteen (18);
Meet income and asset criteria;
Live within the NNDSR Service Delivery Area.
In addition: If applying for a child that is not your child, you must have Legal Guardianship/Custody of the child.
What Are My Required Documents?
Social Security Cards for all Benefit Group members.
Birth Certificates for all Benefit Group members.
Valid Picture I.D. for all Adult Benefit Group members.
Information on Income and Assets (bank accounts) for all Benefit Group members.
School Enrollment/Attendance Verification for Minor Child(ren).
Verification of Residence.
Legal Guardianship documents (if applying for a child that is not your child)
What to Expect as a NNDSR Customer
Customers are required to comply with program requirements including:
Providing accurate and complete information about their present conditions, previous services and other information relating to his or her situation
Cooperating with DSR in the determination of their eligibility and the monitoring of their on-going eligibility, including investigations.
Complying with all scheduled appointments, including arriving on time, or contacting the DSR direct service staff to reschedule appointments in a timely manner
Completing a DSR Customer Orientation Session within thirty (30) business days after approval, unless exempted.
Completing a Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) within thirty (30) business days after approval, unless exempted.
Developing a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP) that reflects their personal goals to achieve self-reliance, by no later than thirty (30) business days after approval.
Reviewing and updating their Personal Responsibility Plan at least once every four (4) months or as situations change.
Complying with Work Participation Requirements. This applies to adult(s) who are included in a Benefit Group and receiving assistance.
Reporting any changes in their circumstances which may affect their eligibility, benefit amount, and/or their Personal Responsibility Plan, within five (5) business days from the change.
Submitting a Monthly Change Report each month to report any changes in your circumstances that may affect your eligibility for DSR assistance.
Following through with all referrals to internal and external resources.
