The Propel Guide To EBT In North Dakota

SNAP, sometimes called food stamps or just EBT, can be an essential tool for low-income households in North Dakota to help supplement their grocery budget every month.

SNAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each state manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal processes, and customer service details can vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what to know about EBT and SNAP benefits in North Dakota.

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How does SNAP work in North Dakota?#how-does-snap-work-in-north-dakota

In North Dakota, about 55,300 people receive SNAP benefits.

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, SNAP provides monthly support through an EBT card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.

After you apply, a caseworker from your local county office will typically contact you for a phone interview to verify details like your household size, income, and expenses. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

How to apply for food stamps in North Dakota#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-north-dakota

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in North Dakota.

Apply for SNAP online

You can apply through the official state SNAP website below.

Apply for SNAP by phone or in person

If you need help applying or prefer speaking with someone, you can

• Call the North Dakota SNAP hotline at 1-866-614-6005 for information and guidance on how to apply in your county (some counties may allow you to apply by phone)
• Apply in person at a county or local benefits office

SNAP application assistance is also available through your local food bank.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-snap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for:

• Proof of identity
• Information about everyone in your household, like birthdays and immigration status
• Income details, like pay stubs or benefit letters from SSI, SSDI, or Social Security Retirement
• Housing and utility costs

You do not need every document to start an application; you can submit missing information later.

Who is eligible for SNAP in North Dakota?#who-is-eligible-for-snap-in-north-dakota

SNAP eligibility is mostly determined by your household size and income, but some applicants may have to meet additional requirements.

In general, you may qualify for SNAP if:

• Your household income is at or below state limits
• You meet work requirements (if it applies to you)
• You are a U.S. citizen, or you meet immigration requirements

When are SNAP deposits issued in North Dakota?#when-are-snap-deposits-issued-in-north-dakota

SNAP benefits are sent out once per month in North Dakota on the first day of every month.

If your SNAP deposit doesn't arrive when expected, review these common reasons why deposits are delayed.

How do I renew my food stamps in North Dakota?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-north-dakota

SNAP benefits don’t last forever—you’ll need to renew your case (also called recertification) to keep getting them.

When to renew

Households in North Dakota are approved to receive SNAP benefits for a set period of time, called a certification period.

Most households in North Dakota have a 6 month certification period, meaning they can receive food stamps for 6 months before needing to renew. Households with no earned income, where all members are elderly or disabled, can receive SNAP for up to 12 months before needing to renew.

Your SNAP office should send you a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

How to renew

You can usually renew:

• Online through the North Dakota Login online portal
• By phone
• By mail or in person

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or the North Dakota SNAP hotline: 1-866-614-6005

What can I buy with EBT in North Dakota?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-north-dakota

Under federal SNAP rules, you can use your EBT card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

While SNAP benefits are strictly for groceries and related food items, some people also receive TANF, which provides cash on an EBT card for household needs, including rent, bills, and other expenses.

SNAP‑eligible foods in North Dakota include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods, like popcorn, chips, and pretzels
• Seeds and plants that grow food
• Drinks like juice and water
• Pantry staples like flour, olive oil, and spices
• Infant formula and baby food

What you can’t buy with SNAP in North Dakota:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
• Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
• Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
• Pet food
• Cleaning supplies and household items
• Diapers and wipes
• Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)

North Dakota has restrictions in place starting in September 2026, which means there are certain things you can no longer buy with your SNAP benefits. This includes items like candy, edible baking decorations, chewing gum, baking ingredients, nuts or trail mix that includes candy pieces, soft drinks like soda and other carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and sweetened cereal bars.

Where are EBT cards accepted in North Dakota?#where-are-ebt-cards-accepted-in-north-dakota

You can use your EBT card at:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Farmers markets
• Some online retailers

What SNAP changes do I need to report?#what-snap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report changes to your SNAP case.

In North Dakota, most households are assigned to simplified reporting. This means most changes are reported during your regular SNAP renewal or when the state asks for it.

However, some changes must be reported sooner to help avoid delays or issues with your benefits. If required, you must report changes by the 10th of the month after the change (for example if the change happened in March, you must report it by April 10).

Changes you should report by the 10th:

• Income goes over the limit: If your household's total gross monthly income goes over 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for your household size, if that income was at or below 130% when you were certified.
• Work hours drop: If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) and your work or training hours drop below 20 hours per week.
• Lottery or gambling winnings: If someone in the household wins $4,500 or more in a single game from the lottery or by gambling

How to report changes

To report a change, you can do one of the following:

• Use the North Dakota Login online portal
• Call your local SNAP office
• Call your caseworker
• Fill out a change report form and send it by email to applyforhelp@nd.gov; by mail to Department of Health and Human Services Customer Support Center PO Box 5562 Bismarck ND, 58506; or by fax to (701)-328-1006

If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported right away, contacting your SNAP office is the safest option.

• Online through the North Dakota Login online portal
• By phone
• By mail or in person

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or the North Dakota SNAP hotline: 1-866-614-6005

How do I report a lost or stolen EBT card in North Dakota?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-north-dakota

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft.

Here's what to do:

• Call North Dakota EBT customer service phone number 1-800-630-4655
• Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes. In North Dakota, your EBT card can unlock discounts and perks like:

• Free or reduced price entry to museums through Museums for All. Find participating museums nationwide.
• Double Up Dakota, which can match your SNAP spending on fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores, dollar for dollar.

You can even qualify for low–cost internet and discounted memberships to online retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.

Can I use my SNAP benefits at restaurants in North Dakota?#can-i-use-my-snap-benefits-at-restaurants-in-north-dakota

No, in North Dakota, you generally cannot use SNAP benefits to buy hot, prepared food or to eat at restaurants.

While some states have a Restaurant Meals Program for the elderly, disabled, or those experiencing homelessness, New Mexico does not participate in this program.

You can only use your EBT card at authorized retailers (like grocery stores and farmers markets) for food items intended to be prepared and eaten at home.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Yes, once your child is born, you should report your new family member to your county. More household members mean more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Can I use my North Dakota EBT card in another state?#can-i-use-my-north-dakota-ebt-card-in-another-state

Yes, your EBT card works in all 50 states, as well as most U.S. territories, at any store displaying the Quest® symbol or EBT/SNAP/food stamps accepted sign.

Keep in mind that while your card will work nationwide, some states have restrictions that may prevent you from using SNAP benefits to buy items like soda or candy at local stores.

Using your card exclusively outside of North Dakota for an extended period may trigger a residency review by your SNAP agency. If you move to another state permanently, you must close your North Dakota SNAP case and reapply in your new state to keep receiving benefits.

What other benefits are available to me in North Dakota?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-north-dakota

In addition to SNAP, you may qualify for other programs that help cover basic needs, including:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Cash assistance, called Cash EBT and workforce training opportunities
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Extra food assistance, breastfeeding support, and nutrition or health screenings for pregnant women, new moms, and children under age five.
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP): Free or reduced price school meals for children and Summer EBT for cash food assistance during non-school months
• Medicaid: Free or low-cost healthcare or discounts for private health plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace
• Child care assistance programs like Head Start and other free or low cost childcare options
• Energy or utility assistance programs like LIHEAP
• Housing support programs like like Section 8 housing vouchers and emergency assistance

The best way to find out what you qualify for is to apply through the North Dakota Login online portal or talk to a local caseworker, benefits office, or community agency.