North Dakota EBT Card Basics: What to Know Before You Apply

If you live in North Dakota and are looking for help buying groceries, you may hear about the EBT card. This guide explains how the North Dakota EBT card usually works, who typically qualifies, how to apply through official channels, and what to expect once you have a card.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application site. This article is meant to help you understand the basics so you can work more confidently with your local county office or the state benefits agency.

What Is an EBT Card in North Dakota?

An EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer card) is a plastic card that looks and works like a debit card. In North Dakota, it is commonly used to access:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food benefits
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash benefits

Each month, if approved, your benefits are loaded onto your EBT card. You can then:

• Use SNAP benefits to buy eligible food items at approved grocery stores, some farmers’ markets, and certain online retailers.
• Use TANF cash benefits (if you qualify) at ATMs and for purchases like a regular debit card, usually where EBT cash is accepted.

You do not get cash or checks from HowToGetAssistance.org. All benefit decisions and EBT cards are handled through North Dakota’s official public assistance system.

Programs That Use the North Dakota EBT Card

In North Dakota, the EBT card is usually tied to these major programs:

SNAP (Food Stamps)

SNAP helps low-income individuals and families pay for groceries. Money is added to your EBT card each month while you remain eligible.

You can typically buy:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Bread, cereal, and grains
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants that grow food

You generally cannot buy:

• Alcohol or tobacco
• Vitamins or medicines
• Hot prepared foods meant to be eaten in the store (with some limited exceptions)
• Non-food items like cleaning supplies, pet food, or paper products

TANF (Cash Assistance)

TANF provides limited cash assistance to qualifying families with very low income and dependent children. These benefits are also loaded onto the EBT card and can be withdrawn or used for necessary expenses.

Not everyone who has an EBT card receives both SNAP and TANF. Some families may get SNAP only, some TANF only, and some both, depending on eligibility.

Who Typically Qualifies for a North Dakota EBT Card?

You cannot apply for “an EBT card” by itself. Instead, you apply for SNAP, TANF, or other assistance programs through your local county social services office or the state’s human services/health and human services department. If you are approved, you are usually issued an EBT card to access those benefits.

Eligibility rules are set by state and federal law and can change, but common factors include:

For SNAP

Typical requirements often include:

• Residency: You must live in North Dakota.
• Citizenship/Immigration status: You must be a U.S. citizen or meet specific qualified non-citizen criteria.
• Income limits: Your household income must usually be at or below a certain level based on household size.
• Resources (assets): Some resources may count (like certain bank account balances), but many basics are excluded (like your primary home).
• Household definition: People who buy and prepare food together are usually counted as one household.

For TANF

TANF has its own rules, often including:

• Very low income and limited resources
• Having at least one dependent child, or being pregnant (rules vary)
• Meeting work or participation requirements, unless exempt
• Living in North Dakota and meeting citizenship or eligible immigration status requirements

Because requirements can be specific and change over time, it’s important to confirm details with your county social services office or the state TANF/SNAP office.

Documents You May Need to Apply

When you apply for SNAP or TANF in North Dakota, you are usually asked to provide proof of identity, income, and household situation.

Here are common documents people are often asked to submit:

• Identity:

  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Tribal ID
  • Passport or other government-issued ID

• Social Security numbers:

  • Social Security cards (for each person applying, if available)
  • Official documents that list the SSN

• Residency in North Dakota:

  • Lease, rental agreement, or mortgage statement
  • Utility bill or official mail with your name and address

• Income:

  • Pay stubs from the last 30 days (or more, depending on instructions)
  • Self-employment records
  • Social Security benefit statements
  • Unemployment benefit notices

• Expenses:

  • Rent or mortgage payment receipts
  • Utility bills (electric, water, heat)
  • Child care costs
  • Child support paid or received

• Household details:

  • Birth certificates or other proof of relationship for children
  • Documentation of disability, if relevant (for certain deductions or categories)

You may not need every document on this list, and the exact requirements can vary. Your local county office or the state benefits hotline can tell you what they require for your situation.

Where and How to Apply in North Dakota

You cannot apply through HowToGetAssistance.org. To apply for SNAP or TANF in North Dakota, people typically use one of these official channels:

1. Online Application

Many North Dakota residents are able to apply online through the state’s official benefits portal (often part of the Department of Health and Human Services or Human Services website). The portal usually lets you:

• Submit an application for SNAP, TANF, and sometimes other programs
• Upload documents (or you may be allowed to submit them later)
• Check messages or requests from your caseworker

To find the correct portal, you can:

• Search online for the official North Dakota SNAP or North Dakota TANF website
• Look for a site ending in “.gov” or clearly labeled as a state government site
• Call your county human service zone office to confirm the correct web address

2. In-Person at a County Office

Every county (often called a human service zone in North Dakota) typically has a local office where you can:

• Pick up a paper application
• Fill it out there or take it home
• Turn in documents or ask questions

Look up your county social services or human service zone office by:

• Calling 211 and asking for help locating the nearest public assistance office
• Checking the official North Dakota state government website directory
• Asking at a local community center, library, or nonprofit agency

3. By Mail or Fax

Some applicants prefer to:

1. Download or pick up a paper application.
2. Fill it out by hand.
3. Mail or fax it to their county office.

The office address and fax number are usually printed on the form or available by calling the county office directly.

What Happens After You Apply

Once your application is submitted through an official channel, the typical process includes these steps:

1. Initial Review

The county office reviews your application to check:

• If it’s complete
• If the information appears to match basic eligibility rules

If something is missing, they may send you a request for more information or documents with a deadline.

2. Interview

For SNAP and TANF, a phone or in-person interview is usually required. During the interview, a caseworker may:

• Confirm the information on your application
• Ask about your income, expenses, and household members
• Explain your rights and responsibilities
• Tell you what additional documents are needed

If you miss your interview, your application may be delayed or denied, so it’s important to reschedule quickly if you cannot attend.

3. Eligibility Decision

After reviewing your application, documents, and interview, the agency will usually:

• Decide if you qualify
• Decide how much you qualify for
• Send you a written notice (approval or denial) by mail and sometimes through the online portal

If you are approved, the notice usually explains:

• Benefit amount
• Start date
• Certification period (how long your benefits will last before review)
• When you should expect your EBT card (if you don’t already have one)

4. Receiving Your North Dakota EBT Card

If you are a new recipient:

• An EBT card is typically mailed to the address you gave on your application.
• You may receive separate instructions on how to activate the card and choose a PIN number.
• SNAP and/or TANF benefits will be loaded according to your scheduled issuance date.

If you already have an EBT card from a previous case, your new benefits may be loaded onto your existing card as long as it is still valid.

Using Your EBT Card in North Dakota

Once your card is activated and benefits are available, you can use it like this:

For SNAP Benefits (Food Purchases)

• At the store:

  • Select your eligible groceries.
  • Swipe your EBT card at checkout.
  • Enter your PIN.
  • Your receipt will show how much was deducted and your remaining balance.

• Online:

  • Some retailers allow SNAP payment online.
  • You usually must still pay for delivery fees or tips with another payment method.

For TANF Cash Benefits

If you receive TANF cash:

• Use your EBT card at ATMs that show the EBT or network logos listed in your program materials.
• Some stores allow cash back purchases with EBT cash.
• Be aware of ATM fees or transaction fees, which can vary.

Protecting Your EBT Card

Treat your EBT card like a bank card:

• Do not share your PIN with anyone, including friends or relatives, unless you fully trust them and want them to use your benefits.
• Keep your card in a safe place.
• Check your balance regularly through the official EBT customer service number or the state’s EBT balance tools.
• If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the official EBT hotline right away to report it and request a replacement.

Simple Overview: Application to Card Use

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Many people experience delays or denials due to issues that can sometimes be avoided. Some common reasons include:

• Missing documents: Not turning in proof of income, ID, or other requested information by the deadline.
• Uncompleted interview: Not answering calls from the agency or missing scheduled appointments.
• Incorrect or incomplete information: Leaving sections of the application blank or giving conflicting details.
• Income over the limit: Earning more than the allowable amount for household size under SNAP or TANF rules.
• Not meeting non-financial requirements: Such as not having an eligible immigration status or not meeting TANF work participation rules.

If you receive a denial notice, it should explain the reason and may tell you how to fix errors or reapply. If you believe the decision is wrong, you typically have the right to request a fair hearing or appeal.

How Appeals and Reviews Usually Work

If you disagree with an eligibility decision:

1. Read your notice carefully.

   • It usually explains the decision and gives a deadline for requesting an appeal or hearing.

2. Request an appeal in writing or by phone.

   • Follow the instructions in the notice.
   • You may need to contact your county office or a state hearings unit.

3. Prepare for the hearing.

   • Gather documents that support your case (pay stubs, bills, letters).
   • You may be allowed to bring someone to represent or support you, such as a legal aid advocate.

4. Attend the hearing.

   • A hearing officer or administrative law judge usually reviews both sides.
   • A written decision is mailed afterward.

You are not required to use a lawyer, but legal aid organizations in North Dakota sometimes help people with SNAP and TANF appeals. You can ask your local legal aid office if they handle these types of cases.

If You Don’t Qualify for SNAP or TANF

If you are denied benefits or don’t meet the requirements, you may still have options:

• Local food pantries and food banks

  • Often provide free groceries.
  • Contact 211 or your local community action agency to find nearby resources.

• Community action agencies

  • May offer energy assistance, housing support, budgeting help, and referrals.

• Free or low-cost meal programs

  • Some churches, schools, and nonprofits offer community meals or backpack food programs.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

  • If you are pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under 5, WIC may help with specific foods and nutrition services.
  • WIC uses a separate card and process from SNAP, so you must apply through the official WIC office.

Program availability and rules vary by county and city, so it helps to call 211 or ask your county social services office about local resources.

Avoiding Scams and Using Official Channels

When dealing with EBT and benefits, it’s important to protect yourself:

• Use only official sites.

  • Look for North Dakota government websites that clearly show they are state-run (often using “.gov”).
  • Avoid giving your Social Security number or EBT card details on unfamiliar or unofficial websites.

• Beware of texts or calls asking for your PIN.

  • Legitimate EBT and state agencies do not ask for your PIN.
  • If someone does, it is likely a scam.

• Check phone numbers.

  • Call the number listed on the back of your EBT card, your official notice, or the state’s website.
  • Be cautious if someone calls you unexpectedly and pressures you for sensitive information.

• If in doubt, verify.

  • You can always contact your county human service zone office directly to confirm whether a message or request is real.

This overview is designed to help you understand how the North Dakota EBT card typically works and what steps are involved. To move forward, you will need to contact your local county office or the official North Dakota benefits portal for applications, status updates, and official decisions.