You may apply for food stamps in North Dakota through the state Department of Human Services (DHS). When you apply for this benefit, which is also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you must include information regarding each member of your household.
By definition, a household is any group of people who live together and share meals. As such, be mindful that you do not need to be related to one another. You can apply for ND SNAP using several different methods to suit your needs.
No matter the method you use, a food stamp application includes the same types of information. Once your form is complete, the DHS will interview you and, if approved, send you a benefit award letter in the mail. Read below to learn more about the application process and find out what steps you need to take after verifying you meet the eligibility requirements.
What do you need to apply for food stamps in North Dakota?
A North Dakota food stamp application form requires you to enter a variety of information that the DHS can use to determine if you are eligible. Details you may need to provide include:
- The amount and source(s) of your income.
- Your resources, such as bank accounts or cash.
- The name, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN) of each household member who wants benefits.
- Your street address and mailing address, if different.
- Your disability and/or employment status.
- Your signature.
If you do not have all of this information on hand, you can sign up for food stamps by simply providing your name, address and signature. However, keep in mind that you will need to submit the other required details to the DHS at a later date.
In any case, the DHS will need to see the documentation that verifies the information on your application. Your ND food stamp application may need to include paperwork such as bank statements, pay stubs, other benefit award letters, birth certificates and other documents. Learn more about the paperwork and information you may need to have by reading our free guide.
Applying for North Dakota Food Stamps Online
Filling out a food stamp application online is typically the fastest and most convenient method. To request food stamps online, you may use the official state application portal. This website is used to apply for many types of assistance, including food, cash and medical benefits.
Creating an account requires that you enter your name, address, phone number and email address. Then, you will choose a password and several security questions. You may apply for SNAP online once you are logged into your account. Your form will be sent to the correct department once you submit it.
Submitting a North Dakota Food Stamp Application by Mail
The DHS provides a paper SNAP benefits application form to residents who wish to apply through the mail. In order to apply for SNAP benefits by mail, download and print this form from the official state portal. Alternatively, you may contact the DHS to receive a copy if you do not have access to a printer. Once your application is complete, be sure to sign it. Next, send your form to your county DHS office.
Applying for SNAP In-Person in North Dakota
You may also apply for food stamps in North Dakota by visiting your county DHS office in person. To save time, you may wish to fill out your paper application ahead of time and gather any documents that the DHS may need to verify your eligibility. If you cannot access the application ahead of time, you may pick up a form in person and fill it out as you wait.
Checking Your SNAP Application Status in North Dakota
If you applied online, you may check your food stamp application status by logging into your state portal account. It is also possible to check the status of your SNAP application by contacting your local DHS office. To do so, you may need to provide details such as your case number and name, which are used to verify your identity.
Note that after you submit a food stamp application, it may take up to 30 days before you receive notice of your denial or approval. In certain emergency situations, the DHS can grant benefits in as little as a week.
North Dakota Food Stamp Interview Process
A North Dakota SNAP interview is another significant part of the application process. In some cases, you can have a food stamp phone interview, but other times, it may be necessary to attend an in-person appointment. Moreover, the DHS may arrange an in-home visit if you are elderly or have a disability, thus being unable to conveniently leave your home.
The purpose of the interview is to verify your information. During that meeting, you should be prepared to answer DHS questions and give any details that were missing from your application.
About SNAP Recertification in North Dakota
A food stamp renewal will be required in order to keep receiving benefits over an extended period of time. You may choose to renew food stamps online, by mail or in person. The renewal process is similar to the steps you took to submit your initial application. With that in mind, you will need to provide your most recent information and documents to verify your eligibility.
After you complete SNAP recertification in North Dakota, it is possible that your benefit amount will change. This is because your benefits are based on your current circumstances. For example, an increase in your income may mean that you are eligible for fewer benefits each month.
About Appealing a Food Stamps Denial in North Dakota
If you have your food stamps denied or reduced, you have the right to appeal the decision. If the DHS denies your benefits or changes the amount of assistance you can receive, you will get a letter in the mail. This notification will also include instructions for requesting an appeal.
When you appeal food stamps decisions, you may want to provide documentation and other information that can verify why you disagree with a DHS decision. Learn more about denials and appeals by reading our free guide.
Last Updated: February 27, 2023
