Understanding How SNAP Works in North Dakota

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible North Dakota households buy food each month. It is a federal program, but it is run day‑to‑day by the State of North Dakota, mainly through county human service/social service offices and tribal agencies.

This guide explains, in plain English, how SNAP typically works in North Dakota, who may qualify, how to apply through official channels, and what to expect after you apply.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, not an application portal, and cannot take or process SNAP applications. To apply, you must use official North Dakota SNAP offices, portals, or phone lines.

What SNAP Does in North Dakota

SNAP in North Dakota:

• Provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, sometimes called the North Dakota EBT card.
• Helps you buy eligible food items at grocery stores, some farmers markets, and other authorized retailers.
• Is meant to supplement your food budget, not necessarily cover all food needs.

You cannot use SNAP to buy:

• Alcohol or tobacco
• Vitamins, supplements, or medicines
• Hot prepared foods meant to be eaten in the store (with limited exceptions)
• Nonfood items (cleaning supplies, pet food, paper products, etc.)

You can generally use SNAP to buy:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Bread, cereal, and grains
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks
• Seeds and plants to grow food for your household

Who Usually Qualifies for SNAP in North Dakota

SNAP eligibility in North Dakota is based mainly on your household size, income, expenses, and citizenship/immigration status. There are also rules for students, people without dependents, and older adults or people with disabilities.

Only the official state agency can decide if you qualify, but here are the common factors:

1. Household Definition

A SNAP household in North Dakota usually includes people who:

• Live together, and
• Buy and prepare most of their food together.

Common examples:

• A single person living alone.
• A couple or family sharing meals and groceries.
• Roommates who share food and cook together (they may be one household) vs. roommates who keep food completely separate (they may count as separate households).

2. Income Limits

SNAP has gross income and sometimes net income limits. North Dakota uses:

• Gross income: Your household income before taxes and deductions.
• Net income: Gross income minus certain allowed expenses (like some shelter costs, dependent care, and medical expenses for some people).

Income rules can depend on:

• Household size
• Whether someone in the household is age 60+ or has a disability
• Whether the state is using certain federal options in a given year

To know the current income limits for North Dakota, it’s best to:

• Call your local county social service/human service office, or
• Visit North Dakota’s official SNAP information page or online benefits portal.

3. Citizenship and Immigration Status

In general:

• U.S. citizens may qualify if they meet all other rules.
• Some lawfully present non‑citizens may qualify, especially if they meet certain residency or status requirements.
• SNAP typically does not count the immigration status of some non‑applying household members toward eligibility, but you need to give enough information to calculate household size and income.

If immigration status is a concern, you can ask the official SNAP office how your information is used. They can explain what is required and what is optional.

4. Work Requirements

Work rules may apply differently depending on your age and situation.

Common categories:

• Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs):
  Adults (often ages 18–52, but this age range can change) who:

  • Do not have dependents in their SNAP household, and
  • Are not exempt due to disability, pregnancy, or other reasons.

  They may have to work, participate in approved employment or training activities, or meet hourly requirements to keep getting SNAP beyond a time limit. Time-limit and work rules can vary by county and by year.

• Other adults:
  In most cases, you are expected to register for work, accept suitable job offers, and not quit jobs without good cause. There are exceptions for:

  • People with disabilities
  • Older adults (e.g., 60+)
  • Primary caregivers for young children or people with disabilities
  • Others based on specific circumstances

For the most accurate information, check with your county SNAP office or the North Dakota SNAP hotline about current work requirements.

5. Students

College students face special SNAP rules. Generally, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education must meet additional criteria to qualify (such as working a certain number of hours per week, caring for young children, or participating in certain programs).

If you’re a student in North Dakota:

• Ask your financial aid office and your county SNAP office about SNAP student rules.
• Be prepared to show enrollment status and sometimes proof of work or participation in certain programs.

6. Older Adults and People With Disabilities

If someone in your household is age 60 or older or has a disability, there may be:

• Higher deduction allowances (e.g., medical expenses above a certain amount).
• Different income rules or resource limits.
• More flexible work requirements.

If this applies to your household, tell the official SNAP worker so they can apply the correct rules.

What You Typically Need to Apply for SNAP in North Dakota

North Dakota usually requires certain proof documents to decide eligibility. You do not have to have every single document perfectly ready to start an application, but having them helps avoid delays.

Common Documents to Gather

Below is a general list. The exact list can vary by county and household situation.

Identity

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, school ID, etc.)
• Birth certificate, passport, or other official document if requested

Residency

• Current lease, utility bill, or mail showing your name and North Dakota address
• For people without a traditional address, the local office can explain alternatives

Social Security Numbers

• Social Security numbers (SSNs) for each person applying, if they have one
• If someone does not have an SSN and is not applying for themselves, the office will explain what is needed

Income

• Recent pay stubs
• Self-employment records
• Award letters for:
  • Social Security
  • Unemployment
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Pensions
  • Veteran’s benefits
• Proof of any other income (child support received, etc.)

Expenses

• Rent or mortgage statement
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, trash, phone if applicable)
• Child care or dependent care receipts
• Child support paid (if court-ordered and you are paying it)
• For certain older adults or people with disabilities:
  • Medical expenses not covered by insurance (prescriptions, copays, medical transportation, etc.)

Immigration Status (if applicable)

• Permanent resident card
• Other official immigration documents, if they are applying for SNAP for themselves

If you are missing some documents, you can still start an application through the official portal or office, and then work with a caseworker to submit what’s needed.

Ways to Apply for SNAP in North Dakota

You cannot apply through HowToGetAssistance.org. To apply, you must use one of North Dakota’s official channels.

Common options include:

1. Online Application

North Dakota typically offers an official online benefits portal where you can:

• Create an account
• Start and submit a SNAP application
• Upload some documents electronically

To find it, search for terms like:

• “North Dakota SNAP apply online”
• “North Dakota benefits portal”
  and make sure you are on a .gov website or the state’s official human services site.

2. Paper Application (Mail, Drop-Off, or Fax)

You can usually:

1. Download an application from the official ND SNAP website, or
2. Pick up a paper application from your county human service/social service office, then
3. Return it by:
   • Mailing to your county office
   • Dropping off at the office
   • Faxing to the office, if they list a fax number

Look up your county social service/human service office to get the correct mailing address and fax information.

3. In-Person Application

You can usually apply at your local county social service/human service office or tribal office during business hours.

• Some offices may help you fill out the form.
• If transportation is a challenge, you can ask if phone interviews or accommodations are available.

4. Phone Assistance

While full phone applications may or may not be available in every situation, you can:

• Call your county SNAP office for guidance.
• Call the statewide SNAP information or customer service line (if listed on the official ND site) to:
  • Ask where to apply
  • Request an application be mailed to you
  • Ask about required documents

SNAP Application and Review: Typical Timeline in North Dakota

Timeframes can vary, but here is a common pattern:

*Timelines are general and can be shorter or longer depending on your situation and office workload.

Expedited or Emergency SNAP

Some households in North Dakota may qualify for expedited (emergency) SNAP, which is processed faster, often within 7 days, if:

• They have very little income and money on hand, and
• Meet certain specific criteria.

To see if you might qualify for faster service, mention your situation when:

• You submit your application, or
• You speak with a SNAP worker or hotline.

The SNAP Interview in North Dakota

After you apply, you usually must complete a SNAP interview with a caseworker.

How the Interview Usually Works

• Often done by phone, sometimes in person.
• The worker reviews your:
  • Household members
  • Income and expenses
  • Housing situation
  • Work status and other details

They may:

• Ask for clarification if something on the application is unclear.
• Request additional documents if needed.

✅ Tip: Have your pay stubs, bills, and ID nearby during the interview. It can help answer questions more quickly.

If you miss a scheduled interview, it can delay your case or even lead to denial if the interview is never completed. If you miss it accidentally, contact your local office right away to reschedule.

After You’re Approved: EBT Card and Using Benefits

If you are approved for SNAP in North Dakota:

1. Getting Your EBT Card

• You receive an EBT card by mail (or instructions to pick it up, depending on local practice).
• You must activate the card and set a PIN using the official EBT phone number or system.

2. Using Your Card

• Use it at the checkout like a debit card at stores that display SNAP/EBT signs.
• Choose “EBT” or “SNAP” as the payment type.
• Enter your PIN to complete the purchase.

3. Monthly Benefits and Rollover

• Benefits are added to your card once a month on a specific issuance date based on state rules.
• Unused benefits generally roll over month to month, but long periods of no use may eventually lead to removal of old benefits or account closure.

For exact rules about benefit schedule and expiration, check:

• The North Dakota EBT card pamphlet that comes with your card, or
• The official SNAP or EBT website or hotline.

Keeping Your SNAP: Reporting Changes and Renewals

Receiving SNAP in North Dakota is usually not a one-time event. You must:

1. Report Certain Changes

You may be required to report changes such as:

• Income increase or decrease
• Changes in who lives in your household
• Moving to a new address
• Changes in childcare or dependent care costs
• Changes in disability or work status

North Dakota may use different reporting rules (for example, simplified reporting), so your notice of approval will describe:

• What changes to report
• How soon you must report them
• How to report (online portal, phone, mail, fax, in person)

Failing to report required changes can:

• Affect your benefit amount, and
• Cause overpayment or other issues that may have to be repaid later.

2. Renewal / Recertification

SNAP benefits are usually approved for a set certification period (for example, 6 or 12 months—this can vary).

Before that period ends, you must:

1. Complete a renewal application or recertification form, and
2. Sometimes do another interview.

If you miss your renewal deadline:

• Your SNAP can stop, and
• You may have to reapply as a new applicant.

Pay close attention to:

• Dates on letters from the SNAP office
• Any online portal messages
• Voicemail and mail from your county office

Common Reasons SNAP Applications Are Delayed or Denied in North Dakota

Only the official agency can tell you exactly why your case was delayed or denied, but some common issues are:

• Missing documents (e.g., no pay stubs, no proof of rent)
• No completed interview (missing or not rescheduled)
• Income too high for program rules
• Household composition confusion (who is counted in the SNAP household)
• Not meeting work or student requirements, when they apply
• Not responding to requests for more information or clarification

If you receive a denial notice, it should explain:

• The reason you were denied, and
• Information about appeal rights and deadlines.

How Appeals and Fair Hearings Usually Work

If you disagree with a decision about your SNAP case in North Dakota—approval amount, denial, termination, or sanction—you typically have the right to ask for a fair hearing (appeal).

Basic Appeal Steps

1. Read your notice carefully.
   It should explain:

   • Why the decision was made
   • How long you have to appeal (there is a deadline)
   • Where to send your appeal request

2. Request the hearing in writing (or as allowed).
   Follow the instructions in your notice. This often involves:

   • Sending a written request to the address listed, or
   • Contacting your county office or a state hearings office directly.

3. Prepare for the hearing.
   You can:

   • Gather documents supporting your case
   • Bring witnesses or support people
   • Ask about free or low-cost legal help if you want it

4. Attend the hearing.
   It may be:

   • In person
   • By phone
   • By video, depending on state options

A hearing officer or judge will review the facts based on SNAP rules and make a decision.

If You Don’t Qualify for SNAP: Other Food Resources in North Dakota

If you are denied or only qualify for a small SNAP benefit, there may be other resources in North Dakota:

• Food pantries and food banks
  Many communities have local pantries. You can:

  • Call 2‑1‑1 (a nationwide information line in many areas) and ask about food programs in your county.
  • Ask your county social service/human service office or community organizations.

• Free or reduced‑price school meals
  Families with school‑aged children may be able to apply through their school district.

• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  WIC serves pregnant/postpartum individuals, infants, and young children. Contact your local WIC clinic through ND’s health or human services department.

• Senior nutrition programs
  Older adults may have access to:

  • Home-delivered meals
  • Congregate meal sites
    through local senior centers or Area Agencies on Aging.

These programs have their own rules and application processes. Contact them directly for details.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official SNAP Channels (And Avoid Scams)

Because SNAP is a public benefit, scammers sometimes pretend to be official agencies. Use these tips to protect yourself:

• Check the website address.
  Official North Dakota government websites usually end in “.gov” or are clearly linked from the state’s human services department.

• Be careful with third‑party sites.
  Information sites (like this one) can explain programs, but cannot approve you for SNAP or take your official application.

• Never pay to apply for SNAP.
  Applying for SNAP through the official portal or office is free. If a site or person asks for a fee “to get you approved,” that is a red flag.

• Protect your personal information.
  Only give your:

  • Social Security number
  • Date of birth
  • EBT card number or PIN
    to official agencies, and never share your EBT PIN with anyone.

• Verify phone numbers.
  If you get a call about your SNAP case:

  • Hang up and call back using the number listed on your official notices, EBT card, or the North Dakota human services website, not the number from a text or email you don’t recognize.

If you are unsure whether a contact is legitimate, you can:

• Call your county SNAP office directly, using a number you look up yourself.
• Ask them to verify any requests you’ve received.

By understanding how SNAP works in North Dakota—who might qualify, how to apply through official state channels, and what happens afterward—you can take your next steps with more confidence. For exact rules, current income limits, and application forms, contact your local county human service/social service office or visit North Dakota’s official SNAP information or benefits portal.