SNAP in North Dakota: The No‑Nonsense Guide for Single Mothers (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick help box

• Apply online now: Apply for Help – North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) — official portal for SNAP, Medicaid, child care, and cash help.
• Don’t want online? Find your Human Service Zone office (county office) and phone number: Human Service Zones – Office Locator (ND HHS).
• See if you might qualify in a few minutes: SNAP Pre‑Screening Tool (USDA) — free and anonymous.
• Emergency food help if money/food is almost gone: SNAP “expedited service” can arrive in as little as 7 days; standard SNAP within 30 days. See rules here: USDA SNAP application timelines.
• Check EBT balance and replace a lost card: ebtEDGE cardholder portal (official EBT site used by many states) or call the number on the back of your card.
• Need free local food today: Dial 211 or search North Dakota 211 for food pantries (Great Plains Food Bank partners) and hot meals.

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Who qualifies for SNAP in North Dakota (at a glance)

Start here: do a quick self‑check with the official tool, then see the income table below.

• Quick check: USDA SNAP eligibility screener (pre‑screen; not an application).
• North Dakota specifics: SNAP is run by ND Health and Human Services via local Human Service Zones (county offices). Official info: North Dakota SNAP overview (ND HHS).
• Federal timelines: expedited SNAP if you have very low cash/income or are facing certain hardships — decision within 7 days; otherwise within 30 days of your application. Source: USDA SNAP application process.

FY 2025 income limits (Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025)

SNAP uses federal income standards that update each October. Many households must meet the gross (before taxes) and net (after deductions) monthly income limits. If someone in your household is elderly or has a disability, special rules can apply.

Source (accessed August 2025): USDA SNAP Income Eligibility Standards (FY 2025)

Note: ND may use “broad‑based categorical eligibility” (BBCE), which can adjust how income and assets are counted for many households. Always confirm with your zone office: Human Service Zones – Office Locator.

Table: Monthly income limits for the 48 states and DC (North Dakota follows these federal levels)

Important: Deductions (like child care costs you pay so you can work, part of your rent and utilities, and certain medical costs if someone is elderly/disabled) can reduce your countable income and help you qualify, even if your gross income is slightly above these numbers. See USDA deduction rules: SNAP Deductions (USDA).

Reality check: If your gross income is above the line, don’t quit. Many single parents qualify after deductions are counted. Use the screener or talk to your local office and give your actual expenses.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your gross income is a little over the table, apply anyway. Deductions are powerful, especially child care, rent, utilities, and court‑ordered child support you pay.
• If denied, ask for a copy of the budget calculation and how they counted your income/expenses, then request a fair hearing if needed. See the appeal steps below.

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Apply for SNAP in North Dakota (step‑by‑step)

Do this first: choose how you want to apply — online is fastest for most people.

Table: Ways to apply and when to use each

Key steps (don’t skip the interview; it’s required):

• Submit the application (even if you don’t have every document yet). The filing date locks in your place in line.
• Complete your interview by phone or in person. If you miss calls, call back the same day. Use the office locator to get your zone phone number: Find your Human Service Zone office.
• Upload or turn in proofs (see checklist below). If you can’t get a document, ask for help — the office can verify some items for you.
• Watch for letters in the mail and messages in the online portal. Keep your address and phone updated.

Required documents (bring what you can)

You don’t need every item to apply, but you’ll need to verify identity, income, and household details.

• ID (driver’s license, state ID, tribal ID, school ID, passport)
• Social Security numbers (or proof you’ve applied) for household members applying for SNAP
• Proof of North Dakota residency (lease, a letter you receive at your address, utility bill)
• Proof of income (recent pay stubs, employer letter, child support received, unemployment benefit letters)
• Child care costs you pay (receipts, signed statements)
• Housing costs (lease, rent receipt, mortgage, property taxes)
• Utility costs (electric, gas, water, trash, phone; you can also qualify for a standard allowance; see deductions)
• Medical costs over $35/month for elderly or disabled household members (receipts, prescriptions, bills)
• Proof of child support paid out (court order, payment receipts)

Processing times (official):

• Expedited SNAP (emergency): within 7 days if you qualify.
• Regular SNAP: within 30 days.
• Source (accessed August 2025): USDA SNAP application process and timelines.

Reality checks:

• Interviews can get missed due to wrong phone numbers or blocked calls. Add your zone’s number to your contacts and pick up unfamiliar numbers during the application window.
• Some employers are slow to verify earnings. If you can’t get a letter, submit pay stubs and ask your worker to use those.
• If you recently moved or lost mail, go to your zone office and ask for copies of any letters to avoid a denial for “failure to provide.”

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask for expedited processing if you’re down to little/no money and food. Use USDA’s expedited criteria: SNAP Expedited Service (USDA).
• If your application is delayed past 30 days, call your zone office and ask for a status update and to complete any missing steps immediately.
• If denied, file a fair hearing request right away (details below).

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How much SNAP can I get?

The exact benefit depends on your household size, your countable net income, and the USDA Thrifty Food Plan maximum for your household size. These maximums are updated each October.

Official source for current benefit amounts (accessed August 2025): USDA SNAP FY 2025 COLA: Maximum Allotments and Deductions

Why we link the official table: amounts can change each year with inflation, and we do not publish fixed figures that may go out of date. Use the USDA table above for the exact maximums for your household size for October 2024–September 2025.

How your amount is calculated (simplified):

• Start with the USDA maximum for your household size.
• Subtract 30% of your countable net income (after SNAP deductions).
• Most households get between the minimum benefit and the maximum for their size, depending on income and deductions.

SNAP deductions that can raise your benefit

You want your deductions counted correctly. This can make the difference between a small benefit and a meaningful monthly amount. See full rules: SNAP Deductions (USDA).

Table: Common deductions you can claim

Reality check: Don’t assume the office knows about your child care or higher winter utility bills. Those often move families from “no SNAP” to “approved.”

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your benefit seems low, ask for a budget breakdown and which deductions were counted. You can submit missing receipts within the certification period to adjust benefits going forward.
• If your shelter or utility costs change seasonally, report that change.
• If your hours or income drop, report right away — benefits can increase mid‑period.

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Real‑world examples (North Dakota situations)

These are examples to show how deductions matter. Your actual amounts depend on the USDA maximums and your verified expenses. Use the official USDA tables and the pre‑screening tool linked above.

• Example A: Fargo mom with 2 kids, works 35 hrs/week at $17/hr\ast \ast (about\ast \ast$2,583 gross/month), pays $850\ast \ast rent,\ast \ast$300 in child care, electric and heat. Gross income is a little above the 3‑person gross limit ($2,797\ast \ast ).Afterthe20$2,152), making her likely eligible.
• Example B: Minot mom with 1 toddler, part‑time at $15/hr\ast \ast ,20hrs/week(about\ast \ast$1,300 gross/month), sharing rent ($400\ast \ast hershare),paying\ast \ast$200 child care. She’s under the 2‑person gross limit ($2,214). With deductions, she likely gets a meaningful monthly benefit.
• Example C: Bismarck household where a child has a disability and ongoing medical costs of $120/month\ast \ast .Thosecostsover\ast \ast$35 can count. Submitting pharmacy printouts can raise the SNAP benefit.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If the budget uses wrong income (like an old full‑time rate), give current pay stubs and ask for a recalculation.
• If you split rent with a roommate, submit a written statement showing your share, to avoid the office assuming you pay the full amount (which can backfire if they think the roommate is part of your SNAP household).

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The interview: what to expect and how to pass it fast

Most ND SNAP cases require a phone or in‑person interview.

• Be ready to confirm your household members, income, rent, utilities, child care, and any child support paid.
• Have pay stubs and bills nearby. If you’re missing something, tell the worker; they can give you time to submit it.
• If you miss the call, call the zone office back the same day. Use the locator: Find your Human Service Zone office.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t make the scheduled time, call ahead and reschedule.
• If you have no phone, go to the zone office in person and ask to complete the interview.

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Work rules, student rules, and ABAWD time limits

Work requirements can be confusing. Here are the basics with official sources.

• General work rules apply to many adults 16–59 (register for work, don’t quit a job without good cause). See: USDA SNAP Work Requirements.
• ABAWD time limit (Able‑Bodied Adults Without Dependents): Federal law can limit benefits to 3 months in 3 years unless you meet work hours or are exempt. The age for this rule gradually increased and applies up to age 54 starting Oct 1, 2024, unless you are exempt. Some areas or populations can be waived. Check current ND status: USDA ABAWD Time‑Limit Waivers and Policy.
• Students in college: Only certain students qualify (for example: working 20+ hours/week, in a federal/state work‑study program, caring for a child under 6, etc.). Full rules: SNAP Students (USDA).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If the ABAWD rule is an issue, ask your worker about exemptions (pregnancy, medical conditions, homelessness, caring for a person, etc.) and whether your county/tribal area has a waiver.
• If you’re a student, check all student exemptions and talk to financial aid about work‑study options that can help meet SNAP rules.

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Timelines and what happens after you’re approved

Table: Timeline at a glance (federal rules + ND practice)

Reality check: Mail delays and missed interviews are the top reasons cases stall. Keep your contact info updated and ask your worker how to upload documents quickly (online portal, email, fax, drop‑off).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your case is pending and you have no food, ask the zone office about expedited SNAP and same‑day interviews.
• If your EBT card is missing, use ebtEDGE or the phone number on the back of the card to request a replacement right away.

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Keep your case active: reporting and recertifying

Stay ahead of letters and deadlines.

• Report changes that could increase benefits (reduced hours, increased child care, higher rent/utilities) as soon as they happen.
• Watch for recertification packets or interim reports. Missing these can close your case.
• If you move, submit your new address the same week to avoid missing mail.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If your case closes for not turning in paperwork, submit the missing items fast. Many cases can be reopened without a new application if you act quickly.
• If a deadline passes, turn in the packet anyway and explain the delay; ask the zone whether you need a new application.

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Not claiming child care costs. These often make or break eligibility.
• Forgetting to submit utility bills (or to ask for the Standard Utility Allowance).
• Missing the interview call. Save your zone office number and answer unknown calls during the application window.
• Not reporting a drop in hours/pay. SNAP can go up mid‑period.
• Assuming roommates count in your SNAP household. Only people who buy/prepare food together count as one SNAP household. If you share only the lease, you can be separate households.
• Throwing away mail from HHS thinking it’s junk. Those envelopes often contain deadlines.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you missed something, submit it with a short note asking for reconsideration.
• If you disagree with a decision, request a fair hearing by the deadline on your notice. Ask your zone office how to file and keep a copy of your request.

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If SNAP doesn’t cover the whole month: Plan B food resources

SNAP rarely covers every grocery trip. Use these options to stretch your food budget.

• Great Plains Food Bank network: statewide food pantry locator and mobile distributions. See schedules and partners: Great Plains Food Bank – Find Help.
• FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations): If you live on or near a reservation and meet rules, FDPIR can be an alternative to SNAP. Learn more: USDA FDPIR program and local contacts: FDPIR Contacts by Area.
• WIC for pregnant/postpartum people and children under 5: nutrition foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling. Start here: WIC – USDA program overview. For ND locations, ask your zone office or your local public health unit.
• School meals: Free and reduced‑price meals through your child’s school via ND DPI Child Nutrition. Details: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction – Child Nutrition Programs.
• 211: Dial 211 or search Find Help – 211 to locate pantries, hot meals, and community resources near you.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t find a pantry, call your zone office and ask about local emergency assistance, churches, or community action agencies that provide food vouchers.
• Ask your child’s school office about summer EBT or backpack food programs if available.

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Local organizations and practical help

These are trustworthy, statewide or well‑known resources.

Table: Trusted North Dakota partners

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your Human Service Zone about local churches with food vouchers, Salvation Army, and county emergency funds.
• If transportation is the problem, ask if any pantries in your area offer drive‑through or delivery for families with kids.

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Diverse communities: specific tips and options

This section addresses situations many families in ND face. Policies can change, so confirm with your zone office or the linked official sources.

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: SNAP does not treat you differently based on sexual orientation or gender identity. If documents don’t match your current name/gender, bring what you have and ask for reasonable accommodation to verify identity.
• Single mothers with disabilities or caring for a disabled child: Keep medical receipts and pharmacy printouts; out‑of‑pocket medical costs over $35/month for elderly/disabled members can be deducted. Ask your worker about disability‑related exemptions from work rules. See rules: USDA SNAP disability rules.
• Veteran single mothers: Connect with ND Dept. of Veterans Affairs for additional benefits. Some veteran benefits count as income for SNAP; some do not — ask your worker to verify how yours are counted.
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: “Qualified” immigrants may be eligible (e.g., LPRs after 5 years, refugees, asylees). Children who are U.S. citizens can get SNAP even if a parent isn’t eligible. You won’t be asked about the immigration status of non‑applicant household members beyond basic info to verify household size. See: USDA SNAP for Non‑Citizens.
• Tribal‑specific resources: If you live on or near a reservation, check whether FDPIR is available and whether ABAWD time‑limit waivers apply in your area. Start with FDPIR overview and ABAWD waivers.
• Rural single moms: If internet is spotty, use the in‑person or mail options. Ask your zone office if they have a drop‑box for documents and the best fax/email for your worker. The office locator is here: Human Service Zones – Office Locator.
• Single fathers: SNAP is household‑based. If your kids live with you and you buy/prepare food together, list them in your SNAP household even if custody is shared. Provide proof of where the children stay most of the time.
• Language access: You have the right to free language help. Tell the zone office the language you prefer. For hearing or speech disabilities, ask for TTY or other accommodations.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you face discrimination or can’t get interpreter services, ask to speak to a supervisor and write down names, dates, and what happened. You can also seek help from Legal Services of North Dakota: LSND – Get Help.

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City‑specific FAQs (North Dakota)

Fargo (Cass County)

• Where do I apply? Use the online portal: Apply for Help – ND HHS. For local help, use the office locator to get the Cass Human Service Zone phone and address: Find your Human Service Zone office.
• How fast can I get help? If you qualify for expedited service, within 7 days; otherwise within 30 days. Source: USDA SNAP timelines.
• Food today? Check Great Plains Food Bank – Find Help and dial 211 for pantry times.

Bismarck (Burleigh County)

• Where’s the office info? Use the locator for the Burleigh Human Service Zone phone and location: Office Locator (ND HHS).
• Can I do the interview by phone? Usually yes. Make sure your number is correct on the application.
• Any veteran‑specific help? Yes: ND Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

Grand Forks (Grand Forks County)

• Where to start? Apply online: Apply for Help – ND HHS.
• College students at UND: Student SNAP rules are strict; see USDA SNAP Students. Ask about exemptions (work 20+ hours/week, work‑study, caring for a child under age 6).
• Food pantry network: Great Plains Food Bank – Find Help and 211.

Minot (Ward County)

• Lost your EBT card? Use ebtEDGE or the number on your card to request a replacement.
• Can I apply in person? Yes — get the Ward Human Service Zone details via the locator: Office Locator.
• Need utility help too? Try Community Action Partnership – find local office.

Williston/Dickinson (Williams/Stark Counties)

• Oilfield schedules make interviews tough — what do I do? Ask your worker for a phone interview time you can make and submit pay stubs early.
• Where’s my local SNAP office? Use the locator for Stark or Williams Human Service Zones: Office Locator.
• Food today if I’m between paychecks? Check Great Plains Food Bank – Find Help and dial 211.

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Appeal a denial or a low benefit

You have the right to a fair hearing if you think the decision is wrong.

• Read your denial or benefit letter. It lists the deadline to appeal (do not miss it) and how to file.
• Ask your zone office for your full case file and the budget calculation used.
• Get free legal advice: Legal Services of North Dakota.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you miss the appeal deadline, reapply right away and include any missing documents.
• If the issue is a simple proof (like one missing pay stub), submit it and ask for a quick reconsideration.

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Contacting your local office

North Dakota SNAP is handled by your Human Service Zone (county office).

• Find your office’s phone, address, and hours: Human Service Zones – Office Locator (ND HHS).
• Apply or upload documents online: Apply for Help – ND HHS.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If phones are busy, go in person during office hours. Bring your ID and any letters/notices you received.
• If you can’t get to the office, ask about mailing/faxing documents or using a drop‑box.

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Quick reference tables

Table: Application checklist you can screenshot

Table: SNAP milestones and what you do

Table: “Is this person in my SNAP household?”

Table: Expedited SNAP (emergency) basics

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Sources and official links (verified August 2025)

• USDA SNAP – Program overview and how to apply — federal program site (accessed August 2025).
• USDA SNAP – Apply and timelines (7‑day expedited, 30‑day standard) (accessed August 2025).
• USDA SNAP – Income Eligibility Standards (FY 2025) (effective Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025; accessed August 2025).
• USDA SNAP – FY 2025 COLA (Maximum Allotments and Deductions) (accessed August 2025).
• USDA SNAP – Recipient eligibility (non‑citizens, deductions, students) (accessed August 2025).
• USDA SNAP – Students (accessed August 2025).
• USDA SNAP – Work Requirements and ABAWD and ABAWD Time‑Limit Waivers (accessed August 2025).
• North Dakota SNAP overview (ND HHS/DHS) — state program page (accessed August 2025).
• North Dakota HHS – Apply for Help portal (accessed August 2025).
• Human Service Zones – Office Locator (ND HHS) (accessed August 2025).
• ebtEDGE – Cardholder portal (accessed August 2025).
• Great Plains Food Bank – Find Help (accessed August 2025).
• Community Action Partnership of North Dakota (accessed August 2025).
• Legal Services of North Dakota (accessed August 2025).
• ND Dept. of Veterans Affairs (accessed August 2025).
• WIC – USDA Program Overview (accessed August 2025).
• North Dakota DPI – Child Nutrition Programs (accessed August 2025).

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Resources by region (quick links)

Use the office locator to get the exact phone and address for your county. Pantries and mobile distributions are updated often online.

• Eastern ND (Fargo/Grand Forks): SNAP help via Cass and Grand Forks Human Service Zones — use the Office Locator. For food pantries, see Great Plains Food Bank – Find Help.
• Central ND (Bismarck/Mandan, Jamestown): Use the Office Locator. Check Community Action and 211 for utility and rent help.
• Northern ND (Minot/Williston/Dickinson): Use the Office Locator. Rural areas: ask about document drop‑boxes and the fastest way to complete interviews.
• Tribal areas: Ask about FDPIR and whether there are SNAP ABAWD waivers in your area. Start with FDPIR overview and confirm with your local tribal office.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• If you can’t find the right office, call 211 and ask for the SNAP county office phone.
• If transportation is the barrier, ask your zone office about phone interviews and mail/fax options.

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What to do if you’re denied or your case closes

Stay calm and act within deadlines.

• Read the notice carefully. It lists the reason and the deadline to appeal.
• If it’s missing documents, submit them immediately.
• If the decision is wrong, request a fair hearing by the deadline. Ask your zone for how to file and keep proof of your request.
• Get free legal help: Legal Services of North Dakota.

Plan B if this doesn’t work:

• Reapply and include all documents upfront.
• Use 211 and food banks to bridge the gap while you re‑apply.

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from North Dakota Health and Human Services, USDA, ND Department of Public Instruction, and established nonprofits such as Great Plains Food Bank and Legal Services of North Dakota.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified August 2025, next review April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 48 hours.

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Disclaimer

Program rules, dollar amounts, utility allowances, and office procedures can change at any time. Always verify current eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and local office contact details with official sources:

• North Dakota HHS SNAP overview: ND SNAP program page
• Apply online and upload documents: Apply for Help – ND HHS
• Find your Human Service Zone office: Office Locator
• USDA policy and current income/benefit tables: USDA SNAP FY 2025 income and COLA tables and USDA SNAP Income Standards

Need a correction or have a tip that could help other parents? Email us at info@asinglemother.org.

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