Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) FAQs

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Frequently Asked Questions.

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Anyone may apply for assistance. Eligible applicants will ordinarily reside in North Dakota. For additional information, please refer to the SNAP brochure.

The Customer Support Center can help you complete the application and answer any questions you have about the program. Find their contact information here.

The Department of Health and 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 Health and Human Services staff and human service zone office staff are bound by strict confidentiality rules that do not allow unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.

HHS provides a wide range of programs and services. You can return to the Apply for Help page to learn about other programs that may be available to assist with your financial needs.

There is no cost to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

Eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is based on financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. Contact the Customer Support Center for further information and to obtain an application.

  • Step 1: Before you shop, check your balance:
  • Step 2: Choose your groceries and go to an EBT check-out lane. (Stores will have EBT signs.)
  • Step 3: Either hand your North Dakota EBT card to the clerk/cashier or slide the card through the machine.
  • Step 4: Enter your 4-digit confidential 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 the last four digits of 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.
EBT sample card

Sample of an EBT Card

Households can use benefits to buy:

  • Food such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and poultry, and dairy products
  • Seeds and plants that produce fresh fruits and vegetables

Households cannot use benefits to buy:

  • Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
  • Any non-food items, such as pet food, soaps, paper products, household supplies, vitamins and medicines
  • Food that will be eaten in the store
  • Foods that are hot at the point of sale.

If you qualify, benefits will be available within 30 days of applying or within 7 days if you meet expedited processing standards.