How to Apply for SNAP in North Dakota: Step‑by‑Step Guide

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible North Dakota households buy groceries each month. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that you can use like a debit card at most grocery stores and some farmers markets.

This guide explains how SNAP typically works in North Dakota, who may qualify, what to gather, and how to apply through official state and county agencies. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government office and not an application portal.

SNAP in North Dakota: The Basics

SNAP is a federal program that states run through their own agencies. In North Dakota, SNAP is administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), usually through county social service offices.

If approved, your household receives a monthly benefit amount based on:

• Household size
• Countable income
• Certain expenses, like high shelter or childcare costs

You then use your EBT card at participating stores to buy most food items for home use.

Who Typically Qualifies for SNAP in North Dakota?

Eligibility is set by federal rules but applied at the state and county level. North Dakota follows these general guidelines:

Basic Eligibility Factors

You may qualify if:

• You live in North Dakota, and
• Your household income is within SNAP limits, and
• You are a U.S. citizen or meet eligible non‑citizen criteria, and
• You meet work rules if you are an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD)

Common factors that affect eligibility:

• Household size (people who buy and prepare food together)
• Gross and net monthly income
• Shelter costs (rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities)
• Childcare costs needed so someone can work or attend training
• Child support paid to someone outside the household
• Certain medical expenses for older adults or people with disabilities

Income Limits

North Dakota uses federal SNAP income guidelines, which are updated annually. These limits depend on household size.

To see current income limits:

• Check the North Dakota HHS SNAP information on the official state website, or
• Call your local county social service office and ask about current SNAP income limits

Citizenship and Immigration Status

Generally:

• U.S. citizens can qualify if they meet income and other rules.
• Some lawfully present non‑citizens may also qualify (for example, certain lawful permanent residents after a waiting period, refugees, asylees).

Households can be “mixed status.” For example, some members are eligible and some are not. In that case, the office typically counts income from everyone, but only gives benefits for eligible members.

Students, Workers, and Special Situations

• College students (age 18–49) face additional SNAP rules. Some can qualify if they work a certain number of hours, participate in eligible programs, or meet specific exemptions.
• Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) may face time limits if they are not meeting work or training requirements, depending on current federal and state policies.
• People who are homeless, live in a group home, or stay in certain treatment or care facilities may still qualify under specific rules.

Because these details can change, it’s usually best to contact your county social service office or the state SNAP hotline and ask how the rules apply to your situation.

Documents to Gather Before You Apply

Having documents ready can make your SNAP application smoother. Not everyone will need every item, but these are commonly requested in North Dakota:

Identity and residency

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, or other official photo ID)
• Proof of North Dakota address (lease, utility bill, or official mail)

Citizenship or immigration

• Birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other proof of citizenship, or
• Immigration documents for non‑citizens applying (if applicable)

Income

• Recent pay stubs (usually last 30 days)
• Award letters for Social Security, SSI, unemployment, VA benefits, pensions
• Documentation of self‑employment income (business records, tax forms)
• Proof of other income, such as child support received

Expenses

• Rent or mortgage statement
• Property tax and homeowners insurance (if applicable)
• Utility bills (electric, heat, water, trash, etc.)
• Childcare receipts or statements
• Child support paid to someone outside your home
• For people 60+ or with disabilities: medical expense receipts and bills (for out‑of‑pocket costs)

Household details

• Names and dates of birth for everyone in the household
• Social Security numbers (or proof you have applied) for those who are applying

If you are missing something, you can still usually submit an application; the county office will tell you what else they need.

Ways to Apply for SNAP in North Dakota

In North Dakota, people typically apply for SNAP in one of three ways:

1. Online through the official state benefits portal
2. By mail or fax using a paper application
3. In person at a county social service office

The exact methods and forms can change over time, so always confirm through North Dakota HHS or your county office.

1. Applying Online

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

• Create an account
• Submit a SNAP application
• Upload documents
• Check messages from your caseworker

To find the correct portal:

• Go to the official State of North Dakota website or the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services site.
• Look for sections labeled “SNAP,” “Food Assistance,” “Economic Assistance,” or “Apply for Benefits.”
• Verify that the website address ends with “.gov” to confirm it is official.

Online application steps typically include:

1. Create an account (username/password) on the state portal.
2. Start a new SNAP application, or a combined application for multiple programs if available.
3. Enter household information: members, income, expenses, housing.
4. Upload documents, if the portal allows.
5. Review and submit your application electronically.
6. Save or write down any confirmation number you receive.

2. Applying by Mail or Fax

If you prefer paper forms:

1. Get a SNAP application form:

   • From your county social service office, or
   • By downloading it from the official North Dakota HHS website (look for “Application for Assistance” or similar wording).

2. Fill out the form as completely as possible, including:

   • Names and information for everyone in your household
   • Income and expense information
   • Your signature and date

3. Attach copies of your supporting documents, if you have them.

4. Mail or fax the completed application to your:

   • County social service office, or
   • Address/fax number listed on the form or instructions.

If you are not sure which county office to use, you can:

• Search for “[Your County Name] North Dakota social services SNAP,” or
• Call the state SNAP information line and ask where to send your application.

3. Applying In Person

You can usually apply for SNAP in person at your local county social service office in North Dakota.

Typical in‑person process:

1. Visit your county office during business hours.
2. Ask for a SNAP application (often called an “Application for Assistance”).
3. Fill out at least the first page with your name, address, and signature so the office can establish your application date.
4. Submit the rest of the information and documents as you have them, either the same day or as soon as possible.

If you have an emergency food need, mention that you want to know if you qualify for expedited SNAP (faster processing, if you meet certain criteria).

Comparing Application Methods in North Dakota

No matter how you apply, you are still working with official state and county offices, not with HowToGetAssistance.org.

What Happens After You Apply

After your county office receives your SNAP application, the next steps typically include:

1. Application Date and Initial Review

• Once your signed application is received (even if incomplete), your filing date is set.
• The office does an initial review to see if you may qualify for expedited processing (emergency SNAP).

2. SNAP Interview

Most North Dakota applicants must complete an interview with a caseworker. This is usually:

• Done by phone, or
• Occasionally in person, if needed or requested

During the interview, the worker may:

• Ask about your income, expenses, and household situation
• Clarify any missing or unclear information on your application
• Tell you what supporting documents are still needed

Be sure to:

• Answer phone calls from unknown or local government numbers
• Call back promptly if you miss the call
• Let the office know if you need accommodations, an interpreter, or special assistance

3. Submitting Any Missing Documents

If more information is needed, the county will usually:

• Send you a notice listing missing documents and a deadline
• Explain how to turn in paperwork (online portal, mail, fax, or in person)

Submit items as soon as you can. If you are having trouble getting a document, call your caseworker and ask what alternatives might be acceptable.

4. Decision and Notice

By federal rules, most SNAP applications must be processed within 30 days of your application date, and faster for emergency cases.

You will receive a written notice telling you:

• Whether you are approved or denied
• Your monthly benefit amount, if approved
• Your certification period (how long your benefits last before review)
• Your rights and responsibilities, including how to appeal

If you are approved, you’ll generally receive:

• An EBT card (if you don’t already have one)
• Instructions on activating the card and selecting a PIN

Using Your North Dakota EBT Card

If approved for SNAP in North Dakota:

• Your benefits are loaded each month onto your EBT card.
• You can use the card at most grocery stores and some farmers markets that accept SNAP.
• You can buy eligible food items such as:
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, fish
  • Bread, cereal, rice, pasta
  • Dairy products
  • Seeds and plants that grow food

You generally cannot use SNAP to buy:

• Alcohol, tobacco
• Hot foods ready to eat immediately (with limited exceptions in some settings)
• Non‑food items (cleaning supplies, toiletries, pet food, etc.)

If you have questions about where you can shop or how to check your EBT balance, contact the EBT customer service number listed on the back of your card or ask your county office.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems with your SNAP application in North Dakota.

Frequent causes of delay:

• Missing documents (pay stubs, ID, rent receipts)
• Not completing the interview
• Incomplete application sections that need clarification
• Mail delays if sending paperwork close to deadlines

Frequent reasons for denial:

• Income above program limits
• Not meeting citizenship or eligible non‑citizen requirements
• Not meeting student rules or ABAWD work requirements (when applicable)
• Not providing requested information by the stated deadline

If you receive a denial notice and do not understand why, you can:

• Call your caseworker for clarification, and/or
• Ask how to request a fair hearing or appeal if you believe the decision is incorrect

How Reviews, Renewals, and Changes Usually Work

SNAP approvals are typically for a set certification period (for example, several months to a year). Before it ends:

• You will receive a renewal or review form from the state or county office.
• You must complete and return it, often with updated income and expense information.
• Another interview may be required, depending on your situation and current state procedures.

During your certification period, you must report certain changes, such as:

• A significant change in income
• Someone moving in or out of your household
• A move to a new address
• Changes in work hours that could affect work requirements

Your approval notice or rights and responsibilities paperwork usually lists which changes to report and how quickly to report them.

If You Don’t Qualify for SNAP in North Dakota

If you are not eligible for SNAP, or your benefit is very low, you may still be able to get help from other resources:

• Local food pantries and food banks – Often run by community groups, faith organizations, or non‑profits.
• Community meal sites or soup kitchens – Provide free prepared meals.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – For eligible pregnant or postpartum individuals and young children.
• School meal programs – Free or reduced‑price breakfast and lunch for eligible students.
• 211 – You can dial 2‑1‑1 in most areas to reach an information and referral line for local assistance programs.

These programs are separate from SNAP and have their own eligibility rules, but they can help fill gaps.

Avoiding Scams and Confirming You’re on an Official Channel

Because SNAP involves personal information (like Social Security numbers and income), it’s important to be sure you are dealing with legitimate government offices.

Here are some ways to verify:

• Look for “.gov” in website addresses for state and federal agencies.
• If someone calls you claiming to be from the SNAP office, you can hang up and call back using the phone number listed on:
  • Your SNAP approval or denial notice,
  • The official North Dakota HHS website, or
  • Your county social service office directory.
• Be cautious of anyone who:
  • Asks for money or fees to file or “speed up” a SNAP application
  • Promises guaranteed approval
  • Asks you to share your EBT card number or PIN

North Dakota’s official SNAP application and services are free. HowToGetAssistance.org does not process applications, review documents, or issue benefits.

How to Take Your Next Step

To move forward with applying for SNAP in North Dakota:

1. Gather basic information and documents – ID, proof of address, income, and expenses.
2. Locate the official state SNAP page – Use the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services website or search for “North Dakota SNAP apply” and confirm you’re on a .gov site.
3. Decide whether to apply:
   • Online through the official portal,
   • By mail or fax using the state form, or
   • In person at your county social service office.
4. Submit your signed application, even if you’re still collecting documents.
5. Complete your interview and turn in any requested paperwork by the deadlines listed on your notices.

This process goes through North Dakota’s official agencies, not through HowToGetAssistance.org. This guide is here to help you understand what to expect so you can work more confidently with your local office and the official state systems.