$158/month

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. Certain legal non-U.S. citizens may qualify for SNAP (talk with a Human Service Zone 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.
• If you are age 16 to 59 and able to work, you may need to meet general work requirements to get SNAP benefits. Some exemptions apply.

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

The following chart shows the maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still get North Dakota SNAP. Most households must have a gross income of less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with members who are not eligible due to failure to comply with SNAP requirements must meet the 130% gross income test.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean? 

• Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
• Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted. 

These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Some household expenses may be subtracted from your total monthly income to help you meet the North Dakota SNAP income limit; these are called deductions. They include:

• 20% of earned income
• A standard deduction based on household size
• Medical expenses over $35 a month for older people (60+) or people with a disability 
• Certain dependent care costs when needed for training, education, or work
• Legally owed child support
• A percentage of shelter costs

A Human Service Zone worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. 

What are the North Dakota SNAP resource (asset) limits?

Assets (resources) include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate. For North Dakota SNAP, assets are not counted for most households, unless a member is not eligible due to failure to comply with SNAP requirements. Households with a member who is 60+ or who has a disability may have up to $4,250 in countable assets. Other households may have up to $2,750. HHS does not count the assets of people who are receiving state cash assistance (TANF), federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or TANF Information and Referral Services. 

How do I prepare to apply?

How do I apply for SNAP in North Dakota?

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP in North Dakota is online within the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) self-service portal . You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

• 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 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. You’ll also be able to manage your benefits online later on.
• When you are successfully 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

• Allow yourself 20 to 45 minutes to complete your North Dakota SNAP application. Make sure to provide a current and accurate mailing address, phone number, and email address so that you don’t miss out on any important communication. Fill out as much information as you can, since that can speed up your approval process. 
• 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.

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. 

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245. 

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

After applying, you must have a face-to-face interview with a Human Service Zone worker. An in-person interview may be waived in favor of a telephone interview on a case-by-case basis. 

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your eligibility worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions you have, and even help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing. 

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, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

After your interview, you will have to provide proof of your household situation, including income, resources, and expenses (if you have not already done so). Be prepared to provide things like paystubs, Social Security award letters, bank statements, rental lease or mortgage statements, and utility bills. The Human Service Zone worker will give you a specific list and a due date. It’s very important to provide all requested documents on time.

You should receive a Notice of Decision regarding your SNAP eligibility within 30 days. This notice shows whether or not your household is eligible for food assistance benefits. 

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for North Dakota SNAP, the Notice of Decision you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households, that period can range from 6 months for most households up to 12 months for households with older people (60+) or people with a disability. 

Within 30 days of applying, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be pre-loaded with your first month of benefits. After the initial month, benefits become available on the first day of each month.

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 promptly 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. This will help ensure you are receiving the right amount of SNAP benefits for your household size. 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 benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.