How to Report Changes to SNAP in North Dakota

If you get SNAP (food stamps) in North Dakota, you are required to tell the state when certain things in your life change. Reporting changes on time helps keep your benefits correct and can prevent overpayments, interruptions, or penalties.

This guide explains when, what, and how to report changes to SNAP in North Dakota, and what to expect when you contact the official state agency. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource only—it is not a government office, and you cannot report changes or manage your case through this site.

SNAP in North Dakota: Why Reporting Changes Matters

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps low-income households buy food. In North Dakota, the program is run through the state human services agency and local county social services offices.

When you applied, your eligibility and benefit amount were based on information you provided at that time, such as:

• Household size
• Income
• Expenses like rent, utilities, and child care
• Where you live

If these details change, the state usually must recalculate your eligibility or benefit amount. Failing to report changes can lead to:

• Overpayments (you might have to pay back benefits)
• Underpayments (you may get less help than you qualify for)
• Sanctions or penalties if the agency believes you intentionally withheld information

Because rules and procedures can change, it’s always best to double-check with your local office or the state SNAP hotline for the most current requirements.

Who You Report SNAP Changes To in North Dakota

SNAP in North Dakota is typically handled by:

• Your county social services office (or human service zone office), and/or
• The state SNAP office through an official phone line or benefits portal

You can usually find the correct office by:

• Looking up “North Dakota SNAP” or “North Dakota Human Service Zone offices” on your state’s official website
• Calling 211 and asking for help finding your local SNAP office
• Checking any letters or notices you have already received about your case (they often list a caseworker name, office phone number, and mailing address)

You must report changes directly through these official channels, not through third-party websites.

Which Changes You Must Report for SNAP in North Dakota

North Dakota generally follows federal SNAP rules, but exact requirements and deadlines can vary. In most cases, you must report significant changes that could affect your eligibility or benefit amount.

Common changes that usually must be reported include:

1. Changes in Income

Report when:

• Someone starts or stops a job
• Work hours change significantly (going from part-time to full-time, or the reverse)
• Earnings go up or down noticeably
• Self-employment income meaningfully increases or decreases
• You start or stop receiving:
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Social Security or SSI
  • Child support
  • Pensions
  • Workers’ compensation or other benefits

Income changes are one of the most important things to report because they directly affect your benefit amount.

2. Changes in Household Size or Members

Report if:

• Someone moves into or out of your home
• A baby is born
• A child moves out, goes to live with another parent, or becomes independent
• A household member passes away
• A roommate leaves or starts sharing food and expenses with you

SNAP looks at who lives with you and buys/prepares food together. This is your SNAP household.

3. Changes in Residence or Housing Costs

Report if:

• You move to a new address
• Your rent or mortgage amount changes
• Your utilities change (for example, you start paying your own utilities when they were previously included in the rent)
• You move into or out of a shelter, group home, or institution

Housing and utility costs can affect the deductions used to calculate your SNAP benefits.

4. Changes in Work or School Status

In some cases, especially for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) or students, you may need to report when:

• You start or stop working
• You change from full-time to part-time or vice versa
• You start or stop attending school or training programs

These changes can affect both eligibility and any work requirements.

5. Disability or Elderly Status Changes

While disability status is often linked to other programs, it can matter for SNAP if:

• A household member is newly considered disabled (by Social Security or another official program)
• A previously disabled household member is no longer considered disabled

This can affect deductions, asset rules, and sometimes work requirements.

6. Changes in Certain Expenses

Some expenses can lower your countable income and raise your benefits. In North Dakota, you may need to report changes in:

• Child care or dependent care costs needed so someone can work or attend school/training
• Child support you pay to someone outside your household under a court order
• For elderly or disabled members:
  • Out-of-pocket medical expenses above a certain amount (if your state counts them)

When You Must Report Changes: Typical Time Frames

North Dakota generally follows federal timelines, but always confirm with your local office.

Common reporting timelines:

• Changes you must report within 10 days
  Many states require certain changes (especially income increases) to be reported within 10 days of the change or from when you learn about it.

• Changes to report by your next recertification
  Some smaller changes, or decreases in income, may only need to be fully reviewed during your next recertification or periodic report—unless local rules say otherwise.

• ABAWD or work requirement changes
  If you are subject to work requirements, you may need to report changes in work hours right away.

Because rules can differ based on your household type, your reporting status, or whether you’re in a specific program (like simplified reporting), it is safest to:

• Review any approval or recertification notice you’ve received; it often lists which changes you must report and by when.
• Call your local SNAP office and ask what applies to your specific case.

How to Report Changes to SNAP in North Dakota

You usually have several options for reporting SNAP changes. The exact options can vary by county or by how North Dakota structures its benefits portal.

Common methods include:

1. By Phone

You can typically:

• Call your local county social services / human service zone office
• Call the state SNAP customer service line or hotline

When you call:

1. Have your case number or Social Security number ready.
2. Write down the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with.
3. Ask if they need any supporting documents to verify the change.

2. Online Through the Official Benefits Portal

North Dakota may provide an official online portal where you can:

• Log in to your SNAP account
• Report changes electronically
• Upload documents

To verify you’re on the correct website:

• Look for clear references to North Dakota’s official government domain
• Ensure you see state seals or agency names (such as the Department of Human Services or equivalent)
• Do not enter your Social Security number or case information on websites that look unofficial or commercial

3. In Person at Your Local Office

You may report changes by:

• Visiting your local county social services / human service zone in person
• Speaking to your caseworker or the front desk
• Filling out a change report form if one is provided

This can be helpful if you have multiple documents to turn in, or if you want a date-stamped receipt.

4. By Mail or Fax

Many offices still accept:

• Written change report forms
• Letters outlining your changes
• Copies of verification documents

If you mail or fax:

• Use the address or fax number listed on your most recent SNAP notice
• Include:
  • Your full name
  • Your case number (if you know it)
  • Your current contact information
  • A clear explanation of the change and the date it happened

Quick Comparison: Ways to Report SNAP Changes in North Dakota

Information and Documents You May Need to Report a Change

When you report a change, the office will often ask for verification. What you need depends on the type of change.

Here are common examples:

For Income Changes

You may be asked for:

• Recent pay stubs (showing new hours or new pay rate)
• A letter from your employer confirming start/end date, pay rate, or reduced/increased hours
• Notices about:
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Social Security / SSI
  • Pension
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Other benefit letters that show the new amount

For Household Member Changes

You may be asked for:

• Birth certificate or hospital record (for a new baby)
• Lease changes, eviction notice, or a letter confirming someone has moved out
• A death certificate or obituary for a member who has passed away (if easily available)
• School records or custody papers if a child has moved

For Address or Housing Cost Changes

You may be asked for:

• A new lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, etc.)
• A letter from your landlord stating your current rent and which utilities you pay

For Child Care or Dependent Care Changes

You may be asked for:

• A statement or invoice from your child care provider
• Receipts or a written agreement showing the amount you pay and how often

For Medical Expense Changes (Elderly/Disabled Members)

Where applicable, you may be asked for:

• Pharmacy printouts
• Doctor or clinic bills
• Insurance premium statements
• Proof of co-pays or other out-of-pocket expenses

If you are unsure what documents to provide, you can always ask your caseworker or the SNAP office for guidance.

What Happens After You Report a Change

Once you report a change to SNAP in North Dakota, this is typically what happens:

1. The office records your report.
   They may log it into their system and note the date they received it.

2. You may be asked for verification.
   If documentation is needed, they may:

   • Tell you which documents are required
   • Give you a deadline to provide them

3. Your case is reviewed.
   The agency will use the new information to:

   • Recalculate your benefit amount, and/or
   • Reassess your eligibility

4. You receive a written notice.
   The state must usually send you an official notice explaining:

   • Any change in your benefits
   • The effective date of the change
   • Your appeal or fair hearing rights if you disagree

5. Your benefits change (if needed).

   • If your income goes up or your household size shrinks, your benefits may go down or stop.
   • If your income goes down or your household size increases, your benefits may go up, if you remain eligible.

If you believe the decision is wrong, you typically have the right to request a fair hearing within a certain number of days after the notice is mailed. The notice should explain how to request that hearing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reporting Changes

People often run into problems with SNAP because of simple misunderstandings. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Waiting too long to report a required change.
  Missing deadlines can cause overpayments or interruptions.

• Reporting only by word of mouth.
  If possible, try to:

  • Get a written receipt (in person) or
  • Keep a record of your phone call and what you reported.

• Not providing requested documents.
  If the office asks for verification and you don’t turn it in by the deadline, your benefits could be reduced or closed, even if the change would not have hurt your case.

• Using unofficial websites.
  Be careful of websites that:

  • Ask for payment to “manage” your SNAP
  • Ask for your Social Security number or EBT PIN
    Always use official government portals or phone numbers listed on your benefit letters.

If Your SNAP Benefits Are Reduced or Stopped After a Change

If you report a change and then receive a notice that your SNAP benefits are going down or ending, you still have rights.

Typical next steps:

1. Read the notice carefully.
   Look for:

   • The reason for the change
   • The effective date
   • Your right to appeal or request a fair hearing

2. Contact your caseworker or office.
   If you think there was a mistake, call or visit your local office to:

   • Clarify what information they used
   • Ask if more documentation might fix an error

3. Ask about a fair hearing.
   You usually have a limited number of days to:

   • Request a hearing where you can explain your case
   • Submit evidence (such as pay stubs, rent receipts, etc.)

4. Seek local help if needed.
   You may find help understanding the process from:

   • Legal aid organizations
   • Community action agencies
   • Nonprofits that assist with benefits

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file appeals for you, but you can use your official notice and local resources to move forward.

If You Don’t Qualify for SNAP Anymore

If your income rose or your situation changed so you no longer qualify for SNAP, you might still be able to find help through other programs.

Options to consider:

• Food pantries and food banks
  Many communities in North Dakota have nonprofit organizations that provide free groceries.

• Meals programs

  • School meal programs for children
  • Senior meal sites or home-delivered meals for older adults

• Other assistance programs
  Depending on your situation, you might qualify for:

  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • LIHEAP for help with heating or energy bills
  • WIC for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children

You can usually find these by:

• Calling 211 and asking about food and financial assistance in North Dakota
• Contacting your county social services / human service zone office
• Reaching out to local community or faith-based organizations

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official SNAP Channels

To protect your personal information and avoid scams:

• Do:

  • Use phone numbers and addresses that appear on official letters from the state
  • Look for websites that clearly show state government branding and end with an official domain
  • Call your local SNAP office directly if you’re unsure

• Don’t:

  • Pay anyone to “guarantee” more SNAP benefits
  • Share your EBT card number, PIN, or full Social Security number on unfamiliar websites or over text messages
  • Assume that an online ad or social media post about “boosting food stamps” is official

HowToGetAssistance.org is a neutral information site. It does not process SNAP applications, recertifications, or change reports, and it cannot access your case. To officially report changes, always go through North Dakota’s state agency or your local county office.