The Navajo Nation Department for Self Reliance Program (DSR) is the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program for the Navajo Nation. The DSR is established within the Navajo Division of Social Services.

Customers are required to comply with program requirements including: developing a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP) that reflects their personal goals to achieve self-reliance; and complying with established Work Participation requirements (if applicable).

The DSR 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 DSR was created to help families in need. The DSR works with families to help them become self-reliant.

The DSR’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;

The DSR applies the Navajo teachings of the concept of T'aa hwo aji' eego 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.

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.

Be sure to review the following eligibility requirements before you plan to visit the DSR. You can apply for DSR assistance by completing a DSR Application for Assistance and submitting your completed and signed application in person at a DSR office or mailing your application to your nearest DSR office. Please click here for form.

• Have at least one child under the age of eighteen (18); DSR 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 applying for a child that is not related to you, you must have Legal Guardianship/Adoption papers for the child.

• 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 related to you)