North Dakota’s SNAP program provides monthly food benefits to eligible low-income households. If you’re wondering whether your household qualifies, this guide covers everything you need to know about North Dakota SNAP eligibility in 2026.
Benefits are issued via the North Dakota EBT Card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers including Amazon and Walmart.
Not sure if you qualify? Use our North Dakota SNAP Eligibility Calculator for an instant estimate based on your household size and income — no personal data stored.
What Makes North Dakota SNAP Eligibility Different From Other States
North Dakota is one of only six states that operates SNAP without Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility:
No BBCE — federal rules apply in full. North Dakota has not adopted BBCE. North Dakota applies the standard federal gross income limit of 130% FPL, enforces the federal asset test ($2,750 for most households; $4,250 for elderly/disabled households), and offers no state mechanism to raise the income threshold or remove the asset test.
This makes North Dakota one of the most restrictive SNAP states in the country, alongside Kansas, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming. A household that would easily qualify in neighboring Montana (200% BBCE) or Minnesota (200% BBCE) may not qualify in North Dakota under these stricter rules.
Food restriction legislation pending. North Dakota has proposed legislation to restrict certain SNAP purchases. As of 2026, no restriction is in effect — all federally approved SNAP items remain purchasable. Verify current status with HHS.
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. North Dakota operates a Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program providing additional vouchers for eligible households and seniors to purchase fresh produce at participating markets.
Apply for Help portal. North Dakota uses the Apply for Help portal for online applications, integrating SNAP with other HHS Economic Assistance benefits.
North Dakota SNAP is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through local Economic Assistance offices, reachable at (800) 755-2716.
Who Is Eligible for North Dakota SNAP Benefits?
To qualify for SNAP in North Dakota, your household must meet all of the following:
- Income: Gross income at or below 130% FPL (all households). Net income at or below 100% FPL after deductions.
- Assets: Countable assets below $2,750 (most households) or $4,250 (households with elderly or disabled members)
- Residency: Must currently live in North Dakota
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident. Lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the US, refugees, asylees, and children under 18 may qualify.
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents ages 18–64 must work or participate in approved training unless exempt
North Dakota SNAP Income Limits for 2026
Gross Monthly Income Limit — 130% FPL (All Households)
North Dakota applies the standard federal 130% FPL gross income limit. There is no BBCE to raise this threshold:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,768 |
| 2 | $2,392 |
| 3 | $3,016 |
| 4 | $3,640 |
| 5 | $4,264 |
| 6 | $4,888 |
| 7 | $5,512 |
| 8 | $6,136 |
| Each additional | +$624 |
Gross Income for Elderly/Disabled Households
If your household includes a member age 60+ or receiving SSI/SSDI, the gross income test is waived entirely under federal rules. Only the net income test applies, with no cap on the shelter deduction.
Net Monthly Income Limit — 100% FPL (All Households)
All households must pass the net income test after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $3,137 |
| 6 | $3,595 |
| 7 | $4,054 |
| 8 | $4,512 |
| Each additional | +$458 |
Use our Federal Poverty Level Calculator to check exactly where your household falls.
Asset Limits for North Dakota SNAP
Unlike most states, North Dakota enforces the federal asset test in full — there is no BBCE to remove or soften it.
Standard asset limit: $2,750 for households without elderly or disabled members.
Elderly/disabled asset limit: $4,250 for households with a member age 60+ or receiving SSI/SSDI.
Countable assets: Cash, bank account balances, stocks, bonds, money market funds, and secondary properties (excluding primary residence). Vehicles above a certain equity value may also count.
Non-countable assets: Primary home, all retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pension), household goods, and one vehicle per household member who uses it for transportation.
If your savings or investments exceed these thresholds, you will not qualify — even if your income is below the limit. Document your assets carefully when applying.
What Counts as Income for North Dakota SNAP?
Counted income includes:
- Wages and salaries (gross, before taxes; allowable business expenses deducted for self-employment)
- Social Security and SSI payments
- Unemployment insurance benefits
- Child support or alimony received
- Workers’ compensation
- Pensions and retirement withdrawals
Not counted: LIHEAP energy payments, EITC tax refunds, educational grants and loans used for tuition and fees, and certain veterans’ benefits. See the full list of income excluded from SNAP.
North Dakota SNAP Household Definition
A SNAP household includes everyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together — typically spouses and parents with children under 22 living at home.
You can qualify as a separate SNAP household if you buy and prepare food independently, unless you are a spouse or a parent with children under 22.
A senior with a disability unable to prepare food due to a permanent disability may form a separate household if the combined income of others they live with is below 165% FPL.
If household composition changes after approval, you are required to report those changes to SNAP within 10 days.
North Dakota SNAP Work Requirements
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) — adults ages 18–64 without children or dependents — must meet one of the following each month:
- Work at least 20 hours per week on average, or
- Participate in an approved work or training program through North Dakota’s SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program
Failure to meet this requirement limits benefits to 3 months in any 36-month period.
All non-exempt adults ages 16–59 must register for work at application and every 12 months thereafter.
North Dakota does not have a statewide ABAWD waiver — work requirements are enforced statewide.
For a full breakdown of qualifying activities, see our guide on SNAP work requirements.
Who Is Exempt from North Dakota SNAP Work Requirements?
You are exempt if you are:
- Under 18 or 65 and older
- Pregnant
- Responsible for a child under 18 or a dependent with a disability
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Receiving SSI, Social Security disability, or other disability-related benefits
- Experiencing homelessness
For the complete exemption list, see who is exempt from SNAP work requirements.
Deductions That Improve North Dakota SNAP Eligibility
Because North Dakota applies strict federal income and asset rules, deductions are especially critical for households near the income threshold. Every available deduction should be claimed:
| Deduction | Amount / Rule |
|---|---|
| Standard deduction | $204 (households of 1–3); $217 (household of 4); $251 (household of 5); $291 (households of 6+) |
| Earned income deduction | 20% of all gross wages automatically deducted |
| Dependent care costs | Actual costs required for work or school |
| Child support paid | Court-ordered payments to non-household members |
| Medical expenses | Unreimbursed costs over $35/month for elderly or disabled members (or a standard $136 deduction if verified) |
| Excess shelter costs | Rent + utilities above 50% of net income, capped at $744 (no cap for elderly/disabled) |
| Standard Utility Allowance | Fixed deduction for households paying heating or cooling separately |
| Homeless shelter deduction | $198.99/month — no documentation required |
North Dakota insight: North Dakota has some of the harshest winters in the continental US, with average January temperatures below -10°F in Bismarck and Fargo. Home heating costs — particularly natural gas and propane in rural communities — are among the highest in the region. Households that pay heating separately qualify for the Standard Utility Allowance, which meaningfully reduces net income. The SUA is especially valuable in western North Dakota (Williston, Dickinson, Minot) where oil boom and bust cycles create unstable income patterns. The asset test at $2,750 can also pose challenges for households in the oil patch that have accumulated modest savings during high-wage periods.
North Dakota SNAP Benefit Amounts for 2026
Your monthly benefit equals the maximum allotment minus 30% of your net income. Households with zero net income receive the full maximum:
| Household Size | Max Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional | +$220 |
For a personalized estimate, use our North Dakota SNAP Eligibility Calculator.
North Dakota SNAP EBT Payment Schedule
North Dakota distributes SNAP benefits on a staggered schedule from the 1st through the 3rd of each month based on the last digit of the primary applicant’s case number. Once approved, benefits load on the same date each month automatically.
You can check your EBT balance:
- Via the Apply for Help portal
- By calling 1-800-630-4655
- At the point of sale at any authorized retailer
- On your receipt after purchase
Learn more about how to check your SNAP balance.
How to Apply for North Dakota SNAP Benefits
North Dakota SNAP applications are handled by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Economic Assistance offices:
- Online: Apply for Help portal — apply for SNAP and other HHS benefits
- By phone: HHS at (800) 755-2716 or North Dakota 2-1-1 for multilingual assistance
- In person: Visit your local HHS Economic Assistance office
- By mail or fax: Download Form SFN 405 from the HHS website and submit to your local office
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to apply for SNAP benefits in North Dakota.
Documents You’ll Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or mail)
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit award letters)
- Social Security numbers for all household members (or proof of application)
- Proof of assets (bank statements, investment accounts) — required since North Dakota enforces the asset test
- Proof of housing costs (rent or mortgage statement, utility bills)
- Proof of other deductible expenses (childcare receipts, medical bills if applicable)
Keep your confirmation number and copies of all submitted documents.
How Long Does North Dakota SNAP Approval Take?
- Standard processing: Up to 30 days from application date
- Expedited benefits: Within 7 days for households with gross monthly income below $150 and liquid resources of $100 or less, or where housing costs exceed monthly income
After submitting, you can check your SNAP application status online through the Apply for Help portal.
After Approval — Your North Dakota EBT Card
Once approved, you’ll receive your North Dakota EBT Card by mail. Activate it before first use by calling the number on the card. It functions like a debit card at all authorized SNAP retailers statewide and nationwide.
Common card issues:
- Lost or stolen card: Report it and request a replacement immediately — call 1-800-630-4655
- Card not working: See why your EBT card might not be working
- Benefits didn’t reload: Check why SNAP benefits sometimes don’t reload on time
Electronic theft note: Federal authority to replace SNAP benefits stolen via card skimming ended December 20, 2024. Contact HHS for current theft protection information.
Where You Can Use Your North Dakota EBT Card
Your EBT card works at thousands of authorized grocery stores across North Dakota. Use our SNAP Retailer Locator to find participating stores near you.
Online shopping: North Dakota EBT is accepted at Amazon and Walmart for grocery delivery and pickup. Note: SNAP cannot cover delivery fees — only eligible food items.
Farmers’ markets: North Dakota’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides additional vouchers for eligible households to purchase fresh produce at participating markets statewide.
What You Cannot Buy With North Dakota SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol, beer, wine, or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods intended to be eaten immediately — see the hot food EBT rule
- Pet food — can you buy dog food with food stamps?
- Cleaning supplies, paper products, or hygiene items
- Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
- Delivery fees for online grocery orders
North Dakota food restriction status: North Dakota has proposed legislation to restrict certain SNAP purchases. As of 2026, no restriction is in effect — all federally approved SNAP items remain purchasable. Verify current status with HHS.
For what you can buy, see the complete list of SNAP-eligible foods and surprising things you can buy with EBT.
Extra Perks for North Dakota EBT Cardholders
- Amazon Prime: Discounted Prime membership at $6.99/month for EBT holders. Learn how to use EBT on Amazon.
- Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: Additional vouchers for fresh produce at participating North Dakota farmers’ markets
- Online grocery orders: North Dakota EBT accepted at Amazon and Walmart for delivery and pickup
- Museums for All: Free or reduced admission at participating North Dakota museums and cultural institutions
- Coupons: You can use coupons alongside your EBT card to stretch benefits further
Special Situations for North Dakota SNAP Applicants
Seniors and Social Security Recipients
North Dakota households with members age 60+ or receiving SSI are exempt from the gross income test entirely. Only net income applies, with no cap on the shelter deduction. The asset limit rises to $4,250 for these households. Can seniors on Social Security get food stamps? — Yes, though the asset test remains in effect at $4,250.
Oil and Gas Workers
Western North Dakota’s oil patch (Williston Basin, Bakken Formation) creates highly variable income patterns — high wages during active drilling seasons and layoffs during downturns. If your income has dropped significantly due to an oil industry layoff, you may qualify for SNAP even if recent pay stubs show high earnings. Contact HHS about how fluctuating oil patch income is averaged for SNAP eligibility purposes.
Veterans
North Dakota has a notable veteran population relative to its size. Veterans may qualify for SNAP based on income alone, with work requirement exemptions for service-connected conditions. See our guide on food stamps for veterans.
Unemployment Recipients
Unemployment benefits count as income but do not disqualify you. Learn about food stamps and unemployment.
WIC and SNAP Together
Pregnant women and households with children under 5 may qualify for both SNAP and WIC simultaneously. Check North Dakota WIC income guidelines to see if you qualify for both programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota SNAP Eligibility
Does North Dakota have a BBCE that raises income limits or removes the asset test?
No. North Dakota is one of a small number of states — alongside Kansas, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming — that has not adopted BBCE. North Dakota applies the full federal 130% FPL gross income limit and the federal asset test ($2,750 for most households). There is no state mechanism to raise the income threshold or eliminate the asset test.
What is the asset limit for North Dakota SNAP?
North Dakota enforces the federal asset test: $2,750 for most households and $4,250 for households with elderly or disabled members. Bank accounts, investment accounts, and other countable resources above these limits will disqualify your household even if income qualifies.
Do work requirements apply in all North Dakota areas?
Yes. North Dakota does not have a statewide or county-level ABAWD waiver. Work requirements are enforced statewide. Able-bodied adults without dependents ages 18–64 must work or participate in approved training for 20+ hours per week.
How does oil patch income affect SNAP eligibility?
If you work in western North Dakota’s oil and gas industry, income fluctuates significantly between active drilling periods and downturns. SNAP uses monthly average income — if you’ve been laid off or your hours have been cut significantly, you may qualify even with recent high-income pay stubs. Contact HHS at (800) 755-2716 to discuss how your specific income situation is calculated.
Can I receive both SNAP and Medicaid in North Dakota?
North Dakota expanded Medicaid in 2014 to 138% FPL for adults. Many North Dakota SNAP households qualify for both simultaneously. Check North Dakota Medicaid income limits to see if your household qualifies.
Where can I get emergency food assistance in North Dakota?
Contact the Great Plains Food Bank at (701) 232-6219 or call North Dakota 2-1-1 for referrals to food pantries and meal programs statewide across all 53 North Dakota counties.
Additional Resources
- Apply for Help Portal — Apply or Manage Benefits
- How to Apply for SNAP in North Dakota — Step-by-Step Guide
- North Dakota SNAP Benefits by Household Size
- North Dakota Medicaid Income Limits
- North Dakota WIC Income Guidelines
- SNAP Retailer Locator — Find Authorized Stores
- SNAP Income Limits — National Overview
- Great Plains Food Bank: (701) 232-6219
- North Dakota 2-1-1 — Emergency Food Assistance
- USDA SNAP Official Information
This guide is based on USDA FNS FY2026 data and North Dakota HHS program rules. Income limits and benefit amounts are updated each October. Always confirm current figures with North Dakota HHS at (800) 755-2716 or at hhs.nd.gov before applying.
Last Updated: 2026