Navajo Department for Self Reliance Program

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.

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. (See map of locations.)

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
• Be U.S. citizens
• 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.

• 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)

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