Food & Nutrition

South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in South Dakota pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your EBT card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does South Dakota SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS). Social Services offices in 42 communities across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in South Dakota?

While the idea of applying for South Dakota SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DSS benefits specialist can assist you.

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. Completing the application can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
Have an interview: You must take part in an interview (over the telephone or in person) once DSS receives your SNAP application.
Wait for a decision: Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed 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.
Most able-bodied applicants age 16 to 59 must meet certain work requirements. Some exemptions apply.

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

What are the South Dakota SNAP income limits?

The following chart shows the maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still get South Dakota SNAP. Most households must have a gross income of less than 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with a person who has a disability or is age 60 or older are subject only to the net 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.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

What are the South Dakota SNAP asset limits?

Assets (resources) include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate. For South Dakota SNAP, households may have no more than $2,750 in countable resources, such as a bank account ($4,250 if at least one person in the household has a disability or is age 60 or older). Certain resources are not counted, such as your home and one vehicle.

How do I prepare to apply?

When applying for South Dakota SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather the following information to make your application process 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 someone else (like 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.

How do I apply for SNAP in South Dakota?

There are several ways to apply for South Dakota SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

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. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply on SD BEES

To get started, visit the South Dakota Benefits Eligibility and Enrollment System website.
- If you wish to, you can take a quick online screening to see if you may qualify for SNAP benefits. Click ‘Do I Qualify?’ and answer a few questions. When you’re done, if you’re found to be eligible, you can apply for SNAP.
- To apply right away, 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 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 successfully logged into the mySD portal, you'll have the option to select SNAP as the program you’re interested in and begin your application. The system will walk you through the application process step by step.

Tips for success:

Allow yourself 30 to 45 minutes to complete your South 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 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 services to 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 your food needs are urgent. 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.

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

What happens after I apply for SNAP in South Dakota?

It can take up to 30 days for DSS 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 an interview with a benefits specialist.

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 benefits specialist 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.

During your interview, you will be asked for documents such as your ID, paystubs, Social Security award letters, bank statements, rental lease or mortgage statements, and utility bills (if you haven’t already provided them). If you cannot get all of this information together by your interview date, you should still attend, since you will have additional time to provide it. If you need help getting this information, ask your benefits specialist at the time of the interview.

You should receive a letter regarding your SNAP eligibility within 30 days. This letter will tell you whether or not your household is eligible for 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 (this is called your “certification period”). For most households, that period is 12 months.

Within 5 to 7 days, 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 10th day of each month.

What if my South Dakota SNAP application is denied?

If your SNAP application is denied, you can request a fair hearing if you do not agree with the decision. You can submit this request in writing or verbally to the Office of Administrative Hearings or your local Social Services 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. However, if your address changes, your household income increases, a non-exempt household member begins working fewer hours, or you receive substantial gambling or lottery winnings, you must report those changes within 10 days. You can report changes through your mySD portal account or by contacting your local Social Services office.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in South Dakota?

You must renew your South 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.

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