SNAP Eligibility Calculator – South Dakota

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (South Dakota)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in South Dakota with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in South Dakota. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In South Dakota, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in South Dakota includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In South Dakota, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in South Dakota, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in South Dakota includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in South Dakota include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in South Dakota to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in South Dakota. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in South Dakota. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In South Dakota, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in South Dakota if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in South Dakota. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in South Dakota, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

What are the SNAP income limits in South Dakota?

South Dakota uses the federal SNAP income charts for gross and net income. The calculator checks both tests based on your household size.

How much does 1 person get in food stamps in South Dakota?

A 1-person household could receive up to approx. $291 max per month in FY2025 — the calculator estimates your exact benefit based on deductions.

Does South Dakota have an asset limit for SNAP?

Most South Dakota households do not have an asset limit due to broad categorical eligibility. Some elderly/disabled cases may have one.

Can unemployed people get food stamps in South Dakota?

Yes — SNAP is based on income. You can still qualify if you are unemployed or temporarily out of work.

Do rent and utilities affect SNAP eligibility in South Dakota?

Yes — South Dakota uses Standard Utility Allowances and shelter deductions which lower countable income — the calculator applies these automatically.

Do Social Security and SSI count as income for SNAP in South Dakota?

Yes — all Social Security, SSDI and SSI are counted as unearned income and must be included in the calculator.

Can college students qualify for SNAP in South Dakota?

Yes — but they must meet student exemptions like work hours, disability, caring for a dependent child or being in certain education programs.

Does child support paid lower SNAP income in South Dakota?

Yes — legally owed child support payments can reduce countable income. The calculator subtracts this when entered.

Do medical bills help increase SNAP benefit in South Dakota for seniors?

Yes — if someone is age 60+ or disabled, certain medical expenses may increase deductions and raise the benefit estimate.

Can gig workers like Uber drivers get SNAP in South Dakota?

Yes — gig earnings count as earned income. The calculator can estimate SNAP amounts using your monthly averages.

Does living with parents stop someone from getting SNAP in South Dakota?

No — if you buy and prepare food separately, you may be considered a separate SNAP household.

Does South Dakota require the net income test for SNAP?

Yes — most applicants must meet the net income test after deductions such as shelter, utilities and medical expenses.

Do SNAP benefit amounts change every year in South Dakota?

Yes — income limits and maximum allotments update every October. The calculator uses current values.

How does South Dakota define a SNAP household?

A household is the group that buys and prepares food together — roommates can be separate households if food is purchased separately.

Where do you apply for SNAP in South Dakota after using the calculator?

You apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services — online, in office or by mail — followed by an interview and documentation review.