North Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Good nutrition helps us stay active and independent—especially as we get older. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in North Dakota afford food and eat healthier on a budget.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll get an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card works just like a prepaid debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets to buy food. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

It’s worth checking North Dakota SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries. Find out if you’re eligible right now by using the state’s screening tool (click here).

Frequently asked questions

• How does North Dakota SNAP work?

• What is the SNAP application process like in North Dakota?

• How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

• How do I apply for SNAP in North Dakota?

• What happens after I apply for SNAP in North Dakota?

• How can I get help with my application?

• Other important tips to know

How does North Dakota SNAP work?

SNAP helps people with low income afford the food they need to stay healthy. If you’re eligible, you can use your benefits to buy groceries each month, like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, bread, and seeds to grow food. North Dakota SNAP can help free up money in your budget for other needs, like utility bills, prescriptions, and medical care.

North Dakota SNAP is run by Health and Human Services (HHS). Field offices across the state help people apply for SNAP, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions.

What is the SNAP application process like in North Dakota

Applying for SNAP is easier than you might think. A friend, family member, or HHS case worker can help you through the process.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for North Dakota SNAP:

• Fill out an application: You can apply for North Dakota SNAP online, in person, or by mail. This takes about 20 to 45 minutes.

• Have an interview: You must take part in a face-to-face interview once HHS receives your SNAP application.

• Wait for a decision: Most SNAP applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you need food now, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster.

• Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive an EBT card pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

To be eligible for North Dakota SNAP, your household (defined as people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together) must meet certain guidelines:

• Spouses and most children under age 22 must be one household.

• You must be a resident of North Dakota and a U.S. citizen.

• Your household must meet certain income (and sometimes asset) guidelines. Special SNAP rules apply to households with older adults (60+) and people with disabilities. This can make it easier to qualify, even if your income looks too high.

• Most adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.

Note:Certain legal non-U.S. citizens may qualify for SNAP (talk with an HHS worker to learn more). Even if you can’t get SNAP benefits, family members born in this country can. Getting SNAP benefits won’t hurt you if you want to become a citizen.

What are the SNAP work requirements in North Dakota?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. The age limit for these rules used to be 55.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get North Dakota SNAP benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local HHS field office to find out what these new work rules mean for you.

How much North Dakota SNAP can I get?

The amount of money you will get in North Dakota SNAP benefits depends on:

• How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security

• How many people live with you

If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more SNAP benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188.

What are the North Dakota SNAP income limits?

There are income guidelines to qualify for SNAP. In North Dakota, most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. SNAP has special rules that can help people age 60+ or people with disabilities qualify more easily. Many older adults are surprised they qualify for SNAP and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.

The general SNAP guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Your local HHS office can tell you if you qualify. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum gross monthly income (200% FPL)

1 $2,610

2 $3,526

3 $4,442

4 $5,360

5 $6,276

For each additional person, add: +$918

Source: North Dakota HHS - SNAP Eligibility (October 2025)

Some SNAP households may also have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home). Your HHS case worker will tell you if an asset limit applies to you.

How do I apply for SNAP in North Dakota?

If you want to, use the HHS screening tool to see if your household may be eligible for SNAP and other benefits. If you qualify, follow the steps below.

• Get important documents ready

When you apply, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and your benefit amount. Before you start, gather the following to make things easier:

• Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources

• Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members

• Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs

• Child care or adult day health care costs

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID

• Birth certificate

• Bank statements

• Pension statements

• Social Security statements

• Pay stubs

• Tax returns

• Social Security card

• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)

• Marriage license or divorce decree

If you want a friend or family member to help you gather documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

2. Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP in North Dakota is online through the Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) self-service portal. All your personal information is kept 100% private and protected by special security technology.

Apply on NDHHS's self-service portal

To get started:

• Visit the HHS website and click 'Apply Online' to access the Self-Service Portal.

• Once there, you will log into your account. If you don't have an account, click 'Create an account.' The system will guide you step by step to create a user ID and password. When you make an account, you can save your application and come back later to finish it. You will also be able to check and manage your benefits online.

• When you are logged in, scroll down and click 'Apply Now'.

• On the next screen, click 'Begin' and then check the box next to 'Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program' then, click 'Next'.

• The system will walk you through the process of completing and submitting your North Dakota SNAP application.

Tips For Success

• Set aside 20 to 45 minutes to complete your North Dakota SNAP application. Be sure to enter your current mailing address, phone number, and email so you don’t miss important messages. Try to fill in as much information as you can, because this can help your application get approved faster.

• Be ready to share details about the money you earn and the things you pay for/own. You will also be able to upload the requested documents online.

• If you need help using the Self-Service Portal, you can find videos and step-by-step instructions on the SSP Help page. You can also call the HHS Customer Support Center at 1-866-614-6005 or by dialing 711 (TTY).

• You can switch to a different language by clicking on the ‘Language’ drop-down menu at the top right of your screen.

APPLY IN PERSON

Call your nearest Human Service Zone office to set up a meeting with a worker. Find the office closest to you.

At your appointment, you will meet with a worker, answer some questions, and sign a few forms. If you cannot go to the office, you may send a family member or friend to help you. You may also be able to talk with a worker by phone.

APPLY BY MAIL

You can print out a SNAP application at homeor request that one be mailed to your house. Mail your signed and dated application to the HHS Customer Support Center:

Department of Health and Human Services

Customer Support Center

P.O. Box 5562

Bismarck, ND 58506

You can also fax your application to 701-328-1006 or email it to applyforhelp@nd.gov.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get North Dakota SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 days from the date on your application) if you need food right now. To get expedited (faster) benefits, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Your household’s income before taxes is $150 or less.

• You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker.

• Your household’s monthly rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s income before taxes.

Need food today? Visit the Great Plans Food Bank website to find resources near you while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your North Dakota SNAP application. You can:

• Call the HHS Customer Support Center at 1-866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000; or dial 711 (TTY).

• Talk to a Great Plains Food Bank SNAP Outreach Coordinator by calling 1-855-405-0000 or emailing SNAP@greatplainsfoodbank.org.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in North Dakota?

It can take up to 30 days for HHS to review your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, your benefits are based on the date your application is received.

After you apply, you must complete an interview with an HHS case worker. This interview is usually in person, but in some cases it may be done by phone.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the North Dakota SNAP interview is simply to review the information on your application. Your case worker can also explain the program and answer any questions you have.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What is your full name and birthday?

• What is your Social Security number?

• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)

• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)

• What is your monthly income?

• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?

• What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your appointment. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

After your interview, you may need to provide documents that show your household situation. This may include proof of income, money in the bank, and monthly expenses if you have not already provided them.

Examples include pay stubs, Social Security letters, bank statements, rent or mortgage papers, and utility bills. Your HHS worker will give you a list of what you need to send and the deadline. It is important to send all documents on time.

You should receive a decision letter within 30 days. This letter will tell you if your household qualifies for SNAP food benefits.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for North Dakota SNAP, you will receive a letter showing how much you will receive each month and how long your benefits will last. Most households receive benefits for about 6 months. Households with someone age 60 or older or a person with a disability may receive benefits for up to 12 months.

Within 30 days of applying, you will get your EBT card in the mail. Your first month of benefits will already be on the card.

What if my North Dakota SNAP application isdenied?

If you don’t agree with the reason for your SNAP denial, you can have this decision reviewed. Be sure to carefully read your decision letter to find out how to file a timely appeal.

Other important tips to know

How do I start using my SNAP card?

Call the FIS Customer Service Helpline at 1-800-630-4655 (or the number on the back of your card) to set up your PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen EBT card. You can also visit ebtEDGE (you must create an account first).

You must report any changes to your household situation. This includes changes to your address, who lives in your home, or if your expenses have gone up or down. The easiest way to report these changes is through your Self-Service Portal account.

How can I manage my North Dakota SNAP benefits online?

You can manage your SNAP benefits through your Self-Service Portal account. Actions you can take on the website include:

• Apply for other types of assistance

• Complete a review

• Update your contact information

• View details about your case

• Report changes

• Upload documents

• View notices

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in North Dakota?

You must renew your North Dakota SNAP before your time period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew.