South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eating healthy helps us stay strong and independent 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 South Dakota buy the nutritious food they need every day.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, you will 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 use your EBT card to buy food items on Amazon.

It’s worth checking South 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 South Dakota SNAP work?

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

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

• How do I apply for SNAP in South Dakota?

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

• How can I get help with my application?

• Other important tips to know

How does South Dakota SNAP work?

SNAP helps people with low income eat better on a budget. 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. South Dakota SNAP can help free up money in your budget for other needs, like utility bills, prescriptions, and medical care.

South Dakota SNAP is run by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Social Services 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 South Dakota?

Applying for SNAP is not as hard as you might think. A friend, family member, or field office worker can help you through the process.

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

• Complete an application: You can apply for South Dakota SNAP online, in person, or by mail or fax. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

• Have an interview: You must have an interview (over the telephone or in person) once DSS 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 South Dakota SNAP, your household must meet certain guidelines:

• Participating household members must be a resident of South Dakota and a U.S. citizen. Certain legal non-citizens may qualify (talk with a DSS benefits specialist to learn more).

• All household members must provide a Social Security number or apply for one if they wish to receive benefits.

• Households 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.

What are the SNAP work requirements in South 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 South Dakota SNAP benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local DSS office to find out what these new work rules mean for you.

How much SNAP can I get in South Dakota?

The amount of money you will get in South 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 South Dakota SNAP income limits?

There are income guidelines to qualify for South Dakota SNAP. Most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. But SNAP has special rules that can help people age 60+ and people with disabilities qualify more easily. Many older adults are surprised they’re eligible for SNAP and get more help than they expected. The best way to know is to apply.

The general SNAP guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Your 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 (130% FPL)

1 $ 1,696

2 $ 2,292

3 $ 2,888

4 $ 3,483

5 $ 4,079

For each additional person, add: +$ 596

Source: SD DSS - 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 South Dakota?

First, you can take a quick online screening to see if you may qualify for SNAP. If you do, follow the steps below.

1. Get important documents ready

When applying for South Dakota SNAP, you’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. 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:

• Proof of identity (driver’s license, etc.), non-citizen status

• Social Security numbers for all household members

• If employed, proof of income (wage stubs, earning statements, etc.) for the past 30 days

• If self-employed, proof of income (income tax return, self-employment ledgers, etc.)

• Proof of all other income (Social Security, SSI, workmen’s compensation, unemployment benefits, BIA general assistance, child support, rental income, VA benefits, interest income for last year, etc.)

• Information about checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, credit union accounts, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, dividends, etc.

Other verifications that may increase your benefits, if provided, include:

• Proof of shelter costs (rent or mortgage payment, lot rent, household, real estate taxes, utility bills - heat, electricity, water/sewage/garbage, telephone)

• Proof of dependent care expenses (statement from provider, signed receipts)

• Proof of medical expenses not paid by another source (health insurance, doctor bills, hospital bills, drug receipts, pharmacy statement) for any household member age 60 or older or who has a permanent disability

• If paying child support payments, proof of obligation and payment (divorce decree/administrative order, canceled checks, clerk of courts receipt)

If you would like to have a friend or family member help you gather the necessary 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 South Dakota is online through the South Dakota Benefits Eligibility and Enrollment System (SD BEES) portal. All of your information is secure and confidential.

Apply on SD BEES

To get started:

• Visit the South Dakota Benefits Eligibility and Enrollment System website and click ‘Apply for Benefits.’

• If you don't have a mySD account, enter your email address and click 'Continue.'

• On the next screen, click ‘Sign up now.’ You will be asked to verify (prove) your email address.

• Once you verify your email address, the system will walk you through the process of setting up a user ID and password. Creating an account will allow you to save your application and return any time to complete it.

• Once you have created an account and logged into the mySD portal, choose SNAP as the program you’re interested in and begin your application. Then follow the steps on the screen to complete your application.

Tips for success:

• Set aside 20 to 45 minutes to complete your South 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. 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 SD BEES website or setting up a mySD account, visit the Login Help page or call 1-605-773-3011 for assistance.

• Upon request, DSS provides:

• Free language servicesto people whose primary language is not English, such as qualified interpreters and information written in other languages.

• Free aids and services to people with disabilities, such as qualified sign language interpreters and written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats).

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

Print a copy of the SNAP application and mail, fax, or bring the completed form to your local Social Services office. Find a location near you.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get South Dakota SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 days from the date on your application) if you need food now. Your household must meet one of the following requirements:

• Households with gross monthly income of less than $150 and resources of $100 or less.

• Households with rent, mortgage, and utilities that are more than the household’s gross monthly income and resources

• Households with a migrant or seasonal farm worker with resources (including cash, checking, and savings accounts) of $100 or less, whose income is stopping or starting

Need food today? Visit the Feeding South Dakota 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 South Dakota SNAP application. You can:

• Call your local Social Services office to talk to a benefits specialist (find a location near you). For TTY/TTD, call 711 or 1-800-877-1113.

• 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 South Dakota?

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

After you apply, you must have an interview with a DSS case worker.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the SNAP interview is just a check-in. It’s not meant to trip you up. The worker just reviews the information you already shared, answers your questions, and can help if you’re missing any documents or need assistance.

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 can help to practice answering questions in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member. This may help you feel more relaxed and confident.

At your South Dakota SNAP interview, you may be asked to show documents such as your ID, pay stubs, Social Security letters, bank statements, rent or mortgage papers, and utility bills if you have not already provided them. If you cannot get all of these documents before your interview, you should still attend. You will have more time to send the remaining documents later. If you need help getting these documents, ask the DSS worker during your interview.

You should receive a letter regarding your SNAP eligibility within 30 days. This letter will tell you whether or not your household can get food assistance benefits.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for South Dakota SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for. For most households, that period is 12 months.

Within 5 to 7 days, you will receive your EBT card in the mail. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits.

What if my South Dakota SNAP application is denied?

If your SNAP application is denied and you don’t agree with the decision, you can request a fair hearing. A judge will review your case. You can write a note asking for a hearing or you can call your local DSS office.

Other important tips to know

How do I get started using my SNAP Card?

Call the EBT Customer Support line at 1-800-604-5099 (or the number on the back of your card) to set up your PIN, check your benefits, or report a lost or stolen card. You can also visit ebtEDGE (you must create an account first).

How can I manage my South Dakota SNAP benefits online?

You can check the status of your SNAP application, view your benefits, report changes, and renew your benefits through your mySD portal account.

Certain household changes only have to be reported every 6 months. But other changes, like a change in address or income, must be reported within 10 days. You can report changes through your mySD portal account or by contacting your local office.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in South Dakota?

You must renew your South 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.