How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in North Dakota

Applying for SNAP in North Dakota is straightforward. You can submit your application online, in person, or through the mail.

Apply Online

The fastest way to apply is through the North Dakota Health and Human Services online portal. This method allows you to submit your application and documents electronically from anywhere with internet access.

To apply online, visit the North Dakota HHS website. You will need to create an account and be prepared to upload documents verifying your income, identity, and residency.

Apply In Person

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can apply in person at a local office. Staff can help answer your questions and guide you through the paperwork.

You must apply at the Human Service Zone office that serves your county. Find your local office on the HHS website and bring your required documents with you.

Apply By Mail

For those who prefer a paper application, you can download the form and mail it. This is a good option if you lack reliable internet access or transportation.

Download the application from the official SNAP website. After filling it out, mail the completed form and copies of your documents to your county’s Human Service Zone office.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in North Dakota

• For help with your SNAP application, call the Great Plains Food Bank SNAP Outreach at 855-405-0000.

• Service hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, but you should call to confirm.

See North Dakota EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in North Dakota

Once approved for SNAP, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it as a special debit card just for your food assistance. It allows you to access your benefits electronically, making shopping simple and secure.

Using your EBT card is easy. You swipe it at the checkout counter of participating stores and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN), just like you would with a regular debit card. The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your SNAP benefits are intended to help you purchase food for your household. Generally, you can buy any food item meant to be prepared and eaten at home. Eligible items include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants which produce food to eat

It is also important to know what you cannot buy. SNAP does not cover non-food items, alcohol, or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. Ineligible items include:

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot foods

• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and household goods

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Staying on top of your SNAP benefits helps you budget effectively and make sure you always have access to food assistance.

EBT Deposit Schedule in North Dakota

In North Dakota, SNAP benefits are deposited on the 1st of each month for all recipients. This predictable schedule, not based on your case number or last name, helps you plan your monthly food budget.

You can check your specific payment date in our North Dakota deposit schedule.

See North Dakota EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your balance for free using the online cardholder portal or by looking at your last store receipt. You can also call the number on your card or use the Benny app to see your balance.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your North Dakota EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.