North Dakota SNAP Income Limits 2026
2026 North Dakota SNAP income limits and eligibility chart. See the gross and net income limits for SNAP in North Dakota by household size.
North Dakota SNAP Income Limits 2026
For fiscal year 2026, the SNAP income limits in North Dakota are based on the federal poverty level guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The gross monthly income limit (130% FPL) is $$1,580 for a one-person household, $$2,137 for two people, $$2,694 for three, and $$3,250 for four people. The net monthly income limit (100% FPL) is $$1,215 for one person and $$2,502 for four.
North Dakota uses the standard federal income limits of 130% FPL for gross income and 100% FPL for net income, with a $2,750 asset limit for countable resources. Households must meet both the gross and net income tests to qualify for benefits.
What Counts as Income for SNAP
Gross income includes all sources of income before any deductions, including wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security benefits (including retirement, survivors, and disability benefits), unemployment compensation, workers compensation, child support received, veterans benefits, alimony, rental income, and any other regular source of income. Some types of income are excluded from the SNAP calculation, including federal student aid (such as Pell Grants), loans that must be repaid, infrequent or irregular income under $30 per quarter, and certain payments for specific purposes such as energy assistance from LIHEAP.
How Deductions Reduce Countable Income
Net income is your gross income minus all allowable SNAP deductions including the standard deduction of $$204, the 20% earned income deduction on all work income, excess shelter costs including rent, mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utility expenses above 50% of your income after other deductions (capped at $712 for most households, with no cap for those 60+ or disabled), dependent care expenses necessary for employment or training, legally obligated child support payments to non-household members, and medical expenses exceeding $35 per month for elderly or disabled household members.
Special Rules for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Households that include a member who is age 60 or older or receiving disability benefits only need to meet the net income test, not the gross income test. This means that seniors and people with disabilities may qualify even if their gross income exceeds 130% FPL, as long as their income after deductions falls below the net income limit. This is particularly important for seniors who may have higher gross incomes from Social Security but also have significant medical expense deductions that can substantially reduce their countable net income. Additionally, the shelter deduction cap does not apply to households with elderly or disabled members, which can result in a much larger deduction for those with high housing costs.
Income Limits for Larger Households
For each additional household member beyond eight, add $557 to the gross income limit and $429 to the net income limit. If you are near the income limit, remember that deductions can significantly reduce your countable income — the 204 standard deduction and 20% earned income deduction alone can make a meaningful difference in your eligibility. Use our calculator above to determine whether your household qualifies for SNAP based on your specific income and expenses.
If you believe your household may be near the income limit, it is always worth applying and letting the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services make the final determination. Many households that appear to be over the income limit actually qualify after deductions are applied. Apply online at https://apps.nd.gov/eforms or call 1-800-755-2604 to start the application process.
68K
SNAP Recipients
$178
Avg Benefit
130%
Income Limit
EBT
ND
North Dakota Guide Key Information
When applying for SNAP in North Dakota, it is important to understand the specific rules and requirements that apply in your state. North Dakota operates under standard federal SNAP guidelines with a 130% FPL gross income limit and a $2,750 asset limit. Households must meet both the gross and net income tests to qualify for benefits. The asset limit applies to countable resources such as cash, bank account balances, and certain investments, but excludes your primary home, most retirement accounts, and often your vehicle.
The SNAP program is administered by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, which processes applications, determines eligibility, and issues benefits through the EBT system. North Dakota currently serves approximately 68K SNAP recipients with an average monthly benefit of $178 per person. The standard deduction for North Dakota is $204, and the shelter deduction cap is $712 for most households (no cap for those 60+ or disabled).
Key deductions available in North Dakota that can significantly increase your benefit amount include the $204 standard deduction (automatically applied), the 20% earned income deduction for working households, the excess shelter deduction for housing costs above 50% of income, dependent care expenses necessary for employment, child support payments to non-household members, and medical expenses exceeding $35 per month for elderly or disabled household members. Be sure to report all applicable expenses to your caseworker, as each deduction directly reduces your countable net income and increases your monthly benefit.
How to Apply for SNAP in North Dakota
If you believe you may be eligible for SNAP in North Dakota, there are several ways to submit your application. The fastest method is typically online at https://apps.nd.gov/eforms, where you can complete the application, upload required documents, and check your status at any time. You can also apply by phone at 1-800-755-2604 during business hours, or visit North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services in person for assistance. Before applying, gather proof of identity, Social Security numbers for all household members, income documentation for the past 30 days, housing cost verification, and utility expense information.
After submitting your application, you will need to complete an interview with a caseworker from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. The interview can usually be conducted by phone, which is the most convenient option for most applicants. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your household composition, income sources, monthly expenses, and any special circumstances. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, but households with extremely low income and resources may qualify for expedited service with benefits issued within 7 calendar days.
Apply Online
Fastest method
Apply by Phone
1-800-755-2604Apply in Person
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
EBT Card Information in North Dakota
Once approved for SNAP in North Dakota, your benefits are deposited onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at authorized SNAP retailers. Benefits are deposited on the 1st of each month. Benefits are automatically loaded on your scheduled date and you do not need to take any action to receive your deposit. You can use your EBT card at grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, farmers markets, and participating online retailers including Amazon and Walmart.
To check your EBT balance in North Dakota, call customer service at 1-800-630-3915, check online through the state EBT portal, or review your receipt after a purchase. Benefits that are not used in the current month roll over to the next month and remain available for up to 12 months. If your card is lost or stolen, contact customer service immediately to report it and request a replacement. The SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot also allows you to order groceries online for delivery or pickup, though delivery fees and tips must be paid with another form of payment.