Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (Food Stamp Program) Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for programs or services?
- Where do I apply for programs and services?
- Who do I contact if I have additional questions prior to applying for programs or services?
- Who has access to my information if I apply for programs or services?
- Are other programs or services available?
- Will there be any cost to me for programs or services?
- Am I eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance?
- How do I use my EBT card?
- What can I buy with my benefits?
- If I am eligible when do I get benefits?
- How much will my benefits be?
Q. Who can apply for programs or services?
A. Generally speaking, anyone may apply for assistance. Eligible applicants will ordinarily reside in North Dakota. For additional information, please refer to the Brochure (3.12 Mb pdf).
Q. Where do I apply for programs and services?
A. To apply, contact your local County Social Service Office. For local contact information, click on the county closest to your home on the locator map. You may also view the Application for Assistance. Completing the application prior to visiting the County Social Service Office may shorten the eligibility determination process.
Q. Who do I contact if I have additional questions prior to applying for programs or services?
A. The County Social Service Office staff can help you complete the application and can answer any questions you may have regarding the program.
Q. Who has access to my information if I apply for programs or services?
A. The Department of Human Services must follow federal and state laws on privacy. Only those individuals whose jobs require them to view your personal information in order to administer the programs or to process payments have access to your information. Department of Human Services staff and County Social Service agency staff are bound by strict confidentiality rules that do not allow unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.
Q. Are other programs or services available?
A. The Department of Human Services provides a wide range of programs and services. You can return to the Financial Help page to review other programs that may be available to assist with your financial needs.
Q. Will there be any cost to me for programs or services?
A. There is no cost to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits.
Q. Am I eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance?
A. Eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is based on financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. Contact your local County Social Service Office for further information and to obtain an application. To help determine whether you may be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits, use our Calculator.
Q. How do I use my EBT card?
- Step 1: Before you shop, check your balance by calling the EBT Customer Service Helpline at (800) 947-6600. You cannot spend more than this balance.
- Step 2: Choose your groceries and go to an EBT check-out lane. (Stores will have EBT signs.)
- Step 3: Either hand your Dakota EBT card to the clerk/cashier or slide the card through the machine.
- Step 4: Enter your 4-digit secret PIN on the keypad. The machine will show (****).
- Step 5: Press the Enter key.
- Step 6: You will get a copy of a printed receipt showing your EBT card number, store location, date and time of purchase, amount of your purchase and remaining balance in your EBT account.
- Step 7: Make sure the purchase amount is correct.
- Step 8: Keep your receipt so that you will know your EBT account balance.
Q. What can I buy with my Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits?
A. Households can use benefits to buy:
- Food for the household to eat, such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and poultry; and dairy products.
- Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.
Households cannot use benefits to buy:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco;
- Any nonfood items, such as pet food, soaps, paper products, household supplies, vitamins and medicines;
- Food that will be eaten in the store;
- Hot foods
In some areas, restaurants can be authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits from qualified homeless, elderly, or disabled people in exchange for low-cost meals. Benefits cannot be exchanged for cash.
Q. If I am eligible, when do I get benefits?
A. If you are eligible, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits will be available within 30 days of applying. After the initial month, benefits become available on the first day of each month.
Q. How much will my benefits be?
A. If you are eligible, the amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits you may receive each month is determined by subtracting 30 percent of your net adjusted income from the Thrifty Food Plan for your household size.
The Thrifty Food Plan is listed below:
| Household Size | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $176 |
| 2 | $323 |
| 3 | $463 |
| 4 | $588 |
| 5 | $698 |
| 6 | $838 |
| 7 | $926 |
| 8 | $1,058 |
| Each Additional Member | +132 |
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