How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in South Dakota

You can apply for SNAP benefits in South Dakota online, in person, or by mail. Each method requires the same eligibility information to be processed.

Online Application

The quickest way to apply is through the state's online portal. You can complete the application and upload documents from home, saving a trip to a local office. This is the most efficient method available.

To qualify, your household must meet income and resource limits. For example, a four-person household must have a gross monthly income under $3,380 and a net income under $2,600.

Most households can have up to $2,750 in countable resources. If your household includes a member who is 60 or older or has a disability, the limit increases to $4,250.

In-Person Application

If you prefer face-to-face help, visit your local Department of Social Services office. Staff can guide you through the application and answer your questions directly, ensuring all forms are correctly filled out.

You must be a South Dakota resident and apply in the county where you live. You will also need to provide a Social Security number for everyone in your household requesting benefits.

U.S. citizens and certain qualified non-citizens are eligible. This includes refugees, asylees, and some lawful permanent residents who meet federal rules. You will need to provide proof of your status.

Mail-In Application

Applying by mail is a solid option if you lack reliable internet. You can download and print the application form, fill it out, and mail it to your local DSS office for processing.

General work rules require able-bodied adults to register for work and accept suitable job offers. You cannot voluntarily quit your job or reduce your hours and remain eligible for benefits.

Adults aged 18-54 without dependents have additional work requirements. They must work or participate in a training program for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits for more than three months.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in South Dakota

For help with your application or questions about eligibility, you can contact the SNAP Information Line.

• Phone: 877-999-5612

• Hours: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time

See South Dakota EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in South Dakota

Once you're 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. It works very similarly to a debit card but is used for your food assistance funds. This is a secure way to access your benefits without handling paper coupons.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, swipe your card and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is deducted from your SNAP account. You can check your balance in real-time with the Benny app.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card is for purchasing household foods. You can buy items like breads, cereals, fruits, and vegetables. It also covers meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and seeds or plants that produce food for the household to eat.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

There are some items you cannot buy with your SNAP benefits. These include things that are not considered essential food items or are prepared hot. Knowing these restrictions helps you shop without any issues at the checkout counter.

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Live animals (with some exceptions)

• Hot foods

• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, or cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Managing your SNAP benefits helps you make the most of your monthly food budget and stay on top of important dates.

EBT Deposit Schedule in South Dakota

In South Dakota, SNAP benefits are deposited on the 10th of every month for all recipients. This fixed date, not tied to your case number, helps you plan your monthly food shopping and budget accordingly.

You can find specific payment dates in our South Dakota deposit schedule.

See South Dakota EBT deposit schedule 2026

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your balance through the online ebtEDGE portal, by calling the number on your card, or on your last store or ATM receipt. You can also check your balance with the Benny app.

Our guide covers each of these methods for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your South 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. It also provides 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.