Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Questions
Who can apply for programs or services?
Anyone may apply for assistance. Eligible applicants will ordinarily reside in North Dakota. For additional information, please refer to the SNAP brochure.
Where do I apply for programs and services?
- Apply online using the self-service portal.
- Submit a request to have an application mailed to you.
- Apply in person by printing and completing the appropriate application listed below, then return it to the human service zone office in your county.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions prior to applying for programs or services?
The Customer Support Center can help you complete the application and answer any questions you have about the program. Find their contact information here.
Who has access to my information if I apply for programs or services?
The Department of Health and Human Services must follow federal and state laws on privacy. Only those individuals whose jobs require them to view your personal information in order to administer the programs or to process payments have access to your information. Department of Health and Human Services staff and human service zone office staff are bound by strict confidentiality rules that do not allow unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.
Are other programs or services available?
HHS provides a wide range of programs and services. You can return to the Apply for Help page to learn about other programs that may be available to assist with your financial needs.
Will there be any cost to me for programs or services?
There is no cost to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Do I qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?
Eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is based on financial and non-financial eligibility requirements. Contact the Customer Support Center for further information and to obtain an application.
How do I use my EBT card?
- Step 1: Before you shop, check your balance:
- On the ebtEDGE mobile app
- By visiting www.ebtedge.com
- By calling the FIS Customer Service Helpline at 1.800.630.4655.
- Step 2: Choose your groceries and go to an EBT check-out lane. (Stores will have EBT signs.)
- Step 3: Either hand your North Dakota EBT card to the clerk/cashier or slide the card through the machine.
- Step 4: Enter your 4-digit confidential PIN on the keypad. The machine will show (****).
- Step 5: Press the Enter key.
- Step 6: You will get a copy of a printed receipt showing the last four digits of your EBT card number, store location, date and time of purchase, amount of your purchase and remaining balance in your EBT account.
- Step 7: Make sure the purchase amount is correct.
- Step 8: Keep your receipt so that you will know your EBT account balance.
What can I buy with my Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits?
Households can use benefits to buy:
- Food such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and poultry, and dairy products
- Seeds and plants that produce fresh fruits and vegetables
Households cannot use benefits to buy:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
- Any non-food items, such as pet food, soaps, paper products, household supplies, vitamins and medicines
- Food that will be eaten in the store
- Foods that are hot at the point of sale.
If I qualify for the program, when do I get benefits?
If you qualify, benefits will be available within 30 days of applying or within 7 days if you meet expedited processing standards.
Child Care Assistance Program Questions
What is the Child Care Assistance Program?
The N.D. Child Care Assistance Program helps income-eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend school or training.
Who can apply for the program?
Anyone may apply for assistance. Individuals who qualify for the program must live in North Dakota.
Where do I apply for the program?
You can apply for the program one of three ways.
- Apply online
- Print out and complete the Application for Assistance and return it to your local human service zone office or the Customer Support Center.
- Submit a request to have an application mailed to you.
Who can answer questions I have about the Child Care Assistance Program?
The Customer Support Center can answer questions related to CCAP.
Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
Phone: 1.866.614.6005 or 701-328-1000 711 (TTY)
Fax: 701.328.1006
Mail: Customer Support Center P.O. Box 5562 Bismarck ND 58506
Will there be any child care costs that I will have to pay?
Most families pay a co-payment, which is the amount you are required to pay towards the costs of child care. Families must pay their co-payment and any costs charged by the child care provider that are not covered by the Child Care Assistance Program.
How is a co-payment determined?
The program uses your income and household size to determine your monthly co-payment. Learn how a co-pay and CCAP payments are calculated.
How is the payment to child care providers determined?
Payment rates are based on your child’s age, the amount of time your child is in care, and the type of child care provider that provides care. Any cost that is over what the program pays is your family’s responsibility to pay.
What are the requirements for providers?
A provider must be one of the following types to receive payment from the Child Care Assistance Program:
- Licensed provider - care is provided in a home or facility setting.
- Self-declaration provider - unlicensed care provided in a home.
- Tribal provider - care is provided by a provider who lives on a reservation and has applied through Tribal Social Services and has met their requirements.
- Approved relative provider - care is provided by a relative whose relationship to the child is by blood, marriage, or court decree. This includes a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling.
- Air Force provider - care is provided by a provider who lives on an U.S. Air Force Base and has applied through the Air Force Base child care licensing and has met their requirements.
- Out-of-State provider - care is provided by a provider who lives in another state, and has applied through their state and has met their state’s requirements.
How can I find a child care provider?
Use our online search tool to find a child care provider.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Questions
Who can apply for programs or services?
Generally speaking, anyone may apply for assistance. Eligible applicants will ordinarily reside in North Dakota. For additional information, please refer to the program brochure (172kb pdf).
Where do I apply for programs and services?
You can apply for the program one of three ways:
- Apply online
- Print out and complete the Application for Assistance and return it to your local human service zone office or the Customer Support Center.
- Submit a request to have an application mailed to you.
Who can help me fill out an application for LIHEAP?
A Community Options outreach worker can come to you and help with the LIHEAP application process.
Contact Community Options
Main Office Address:
4909 Shelburne Street
Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 223-2417
Toll-Free: (800) 823-2417
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Who do I contact if I have additional questions prior to applying for programs or services?
The Customer Support Center can answer any questions you may have about the LIHEAP heating assistance program.
Who has access to my information, if I apply for programs or services?
Health and Human Services (HHS) must follow federal and state laws on privacy. Only those individuals whose jobs require them to view your personal information in order to administer the programs or process payments, have access to your information. HHS staff and human service zone staff are bound by strict confidentiality rules that do not allow unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.
Are other programs or services available?
HHS provides a wide range of programs and services. You can return to the Apply for Help page to review other programs that may be available to assist with your financial needs (scroll down the page).
Will there be any cost to me for programs or services?
There is no cost to apply, but you will have to pay a percentage of some services based on your income.
When should I apply for Heating Assistance?
Applications are received from October 1 through May 31 of each heating season.
What happens after I submit an application?
You will be sent a Notice of Eligibility within 45 days telling you if you have been found eligible or denied benefits. All verifications should have been returned within 30 days from the receipt of the application.
You have the right to appeal and request a fair hearing if you disagree with any decision made on your heating assistance or emergency assistance application, or if you do not receive a written notice of the action taken on your heating assistance application within 45 days from the date your application is received.
What services are available if I am found eligible for LIHEAP?
The following services are available:
- heating assistance
- making your home energy efficient
- furnace and chimney cleaning
- emergency assistance
- furnace replacements
- minor repairs, and
- energy cost reduction devices
Click on the link to this brochure (272kb pdf) for additional information.
Am I required to pay the fuel dealer my fuel cost upon delivery?
You must follow your vendor's payment terms for your portion of the bill.
What is I can't pay my share of the fuel cost?
Your percentage will be calculated based on your income, so your portion should be manageable. However if you should find yourself in an unforeseen situation, emergency assistance is available. Eligibility requirements are more restrictive.
How can I lower my share of the heating bill?
Here are a some suggestions on how to lower your share of your heating bill.
- Buy from a supplier who will give you the ‘cash discount’ for fuel
- Buy from a supplier who will let you make 12 monthly payments for your share of the heating bills
- Ask your heating assistance worker for more information about “Energy Cost Reductions Services”
- Ask for Energy Conservation Services (Weatherization Services)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program Questions
Who can apply for programs or services?
Generally speaking, anyone may apply for assistance. Eligible applicants will ordinarily reside in North Dakota. For additional information, please refer to the TANF brochure or JOBS brochure.
Where do I apply for programs and services?
Online: Visit the Apply for Help page
By Mail: Submit a request to have an application mailed to you.
In Person: Print and complete the Application for Assistance (SFN 405) and then return it to the human service zone office in your county.
Who can help me if I have questions applying for TANF?
Please contact the Customer Support Center. Eligibility experts can help you complete the application and can answer your questions about assistance programs.
Who has access to my information if I apply for programs or services?
The Department of Health and Human Services must follow federal and state laws on privacy. Only those individuals whose jobs require them to view your personal information in order to administer the programs or to process payments have access to your information. Department of Health and Human Services staff and Human Service Zone Office staff are bound by strict confidentiality rules that do not allow unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.
Are other programs or services available?
HHS provides a wide range of programs and services. Visit the Apply for Help page to learn about other financial services available.
Will there be any cost to me for programs or services?
There is no cost to apply, but some economic assistance programs have a cost-sharing element.
What is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is intended to move families from public assistance to self-sufficiency by providing cash assistance along with work readiness, training and job placement services.
For full details refer to the TANF related brochures.
Who is eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is available to any needy child who has been deprived of parental support or care by reason of the parents' death, continued absence from the home, incapacity or disability, and who meets other criteria. To qualify, a child must also live in the home of a person who is related to the child by birth, marriage, or adoption.
Do I have to be a citizen of the United States to qualify for services?
Citizenship and immigration status affects eligibility. United States citizens are always eligible if they meet other eligibility criteria. Eligibility of non-citizens depends on their Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) classification. Non-citizens who are lawfully residing in the United States meet the technical requirements for immigration status, but their eligibility depends on immigration status and date of entry. Non-citizens admitted on or after August 22, 1996, must live in the United States for five years and must meet program participation guidelines before they are eligible.
What does the lifetime limit mean?
The state is prohibited from providing TANF benefits to households that include an adult who has received TANF assistance for a total of 60 months. To determine when a household reaches the 60-month lifetime limit, eligibility staff review the countable months of TANF assistance received by a North Dakota household since July 1, 1997. Information from other state TANF programs or tribal TANF programs is also reviewed and factored into the 60-month limit. In certain situations, a household may receive TANF benefits beyond the 60 months.
How are TANF benefits determined?
The amount of the benefit is based on the number of eligible household members, income available to the household members, allowable work expenses and childcare expenses, and the current level of payment.
Are there work requirements under this program?
Yes. Most individuals who receive a TANF benefit are referred to the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS) program and are required to be involved in work activities that will help them transition off of TANF and become more self-sufficient.
What is the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program?
The JOBS program is the employment and training component of North Dakota's TANF program. The goal of the program is to help TANF recipients become economically self-sufficient.
Who must participate in JOBS?
Unless determined to be exempt, individuals who receive a TANF cash grant are required to participate in the JOBS program. Exceptions to this requirement include: a caretaker or parent over age 65, a caretaker or parent of a child younger than 2 months of age, and teens who are enrolled in school full-time. For detailed information, view the JOBS program brochure.
What types of work activities are people required to do in the JOBS program?
JOBS participants are required to complete a minimum number of hours each week in one or more of the following approved work activities:
- Job readiness
- Job search
- Paid employment
- High school/GED or education directly related to employment
- Job skills directly related to employment
- On-the-job training
- Vocational training
- Unpaid work experience
- Community service
- Child care for another participant involved in community service
Involvement in education and training is limited and must be approved by a JOBS program coordinator.
How many hours of work activity per week must JOBS program participants complete?
Participants must complete a minimum average of 30 hours per week in one or more approved work activities unless they are responsible for the care of a child who is younger than six years of age. If caring for a child under age six, an individual must complete a minimum average of 20 hours per week in an approved work activity.
Are there any special assistance available to JOBS participants?
The JOBS program offers some supportive services to help participants in their efforts to become self-sufficient. Supportive services include: transportation, childcare, job readiness, relocation, and tuition assistance; money for license, certification and examination fees; tools for employment; and care of incapacitated household members. Some of these supportive services can be provided to former TANF participants for up to six months after their TANF case closes in order to help them succeed in the workforce.
What happens if an individual fails or refuses to participate in the JOBS program?
Individuals who fail or refuse to participate in the JOBS program without a good reason, can be sanctioned (penalized). A sanction takes the sanctioned individual's financial needs out of the TANF grant for one month. If the sanctioned individual fails to demonstrate cooperation with JOBS program requirements in the penalty month, the entire case will be closed and the sanctioned individual and her or his household will be ineligible for TANF for one additional month. After reapplying for TANF, no one in the household will be eligible for a TANF benefit until the sanctioned individual cooperates with JOBS program requirements.
NDRH Housing Stabilization Questions
What is my username?
Try to enter your name as “firstname.lastname” when you log into the portal. If this does not work, do not create another account. Please contact the contact center for additional assistance dhserb@nd.gov or 701-328-1907.
How long does it take to process an application?
Application processing times may vary depending on the number of applications coming in and the priority level of the application. Eviction prevention applications will be prioritized first with all applications being processed in the order they are received.
Determination times may be delayed if the program is unable to reach the housing provider to complete a payment request or if the applicant did not submit all information needed to make a determination.
What is AMI and am I over it?
AMI is Area Median Income. The midpoint of the region’s income distribution, meaning that half of the households in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median. AMI is published for each county in the United States by U.S. Housing and Urban Development and is the basis for the NDRH Housing Stability income thresholds. An applicant’s AMI must be at or below 30% to qualify for assistance.
See where your income falls on this Income Limit AMI Chart.
Can you help me search for housing?
NDRH Housing Stabilization remains a neutral party among North Dakota’s Housing Providers. Searching newspapers, Facebook marketplace, ads, online resources, and asking friends and family about any known rentals properties is a good starting place.
Do I have to meet with a coach?
NDRH Housing Stabilization seeks to prioritize the understanding of the application process and renter/housing provider relationships. Re-housing applicants will be required to meet with a coach to review a Letter of Commitment and New Renter Training prior to having their Letter of Commitment issued.
Eviction prevention applicants must also complete New Renter Training after the approval of their application.
Both application types may be required to complete additional trainings dependent on how many months they are eligible to receive assistance.
Can NDRH Housing Stabilization pay the security deposit upfront?
NDRH Housing Stabilization is only able to pay the security deposit after an applicant with a Letter of Commitment has submitted their housed application. The security deposit will be paid upon approval of the housed application as long as the ledger shows the security deposit as outstanding. NDRH cannot reimburse applicants for previously paid balances. Contact the contact center if you have questions at dhserb@nd.gov or 701-328-1907.
Can the program pay me back for my application fee and holding fee?
NDRH Housing Stabilization cannot reimburse renters for any costs they covered on their own.
Where do I find a copy of my Letter of Commitment?
Applicants who have received a Letter of Commitment under NDRH Housing Stabilization can log into their portal and download a copy of their Letter of Commitment. If you are working with a housing facilitator, you may contact them to receive a copy of your Letter of Commitment.
My household size or county has changed since I received my Letter of Commitment. Can I get my Letter of Commitment updated?
Steps for Updating Letter of Commitment
Step 1: Email us a request to update your Letter of Commitment at dhserb@nd.gov. NDHS staff will make the option to update your Letter of Commitment available in the portal.
Step 2: Your application will go back into review, then if approved, your Letter of Commitment will be re-issued.
Does my Letter of Commitment expire?
Letters of Commitment expire 90 days after the date that they are issued. The issue date should reflect the date that your re-housing application was approved.
What do I do if my Letter of Commitment expires?
The option to renew will automatically update in portal once Letter of Commitment expires. Please login to your portal and update any information that has changed. A new Letter of Commitment will be issued to you upon review of your renewal.
Do not sign a lease with an expired Letter of Commitment.
I owe money to a previous housing provider. Can I get help?
If you have a past rental debt that is preventing you from finding stable housing, you may submit a request for a barrier to housing payment to cover this debt.
Can I move while receiving assistance?
Applicants are only able to utilize their Letter of Commitment for one residence. Since NDRH Housing Stabilization only provides short term assistance, having applicants stay at the residence they were approved for ensures housing stability.
In rare extenuating circumstances, applicant moves will be allowed if the stability or living conditions of the household are compromised. Please contact the contact center prior to moving at dhserb@nd.gov or 701-328-1907 to see if your move can be pre-authorized.
Where can I submit an Eviction Prevention application?
Eviction Prevention applications can be submitted through the ND Housing Stability Portal.
See the user guide here for step-by-step instructions for application submission.
Would a non-renewal of lease or lease termination be considered for Eviction Prevention?
Yes, non-renewals or lease terminations can be submitted to the Eviction Prevention program for assistance. Since lease terminations typically are due to reasons beyond non-payment, the hosuing provider and renter may need to participate in mediation services to resolve existing conflicts.
I currently receive assistance from the Re-Housing program, but I just got an eviction notice. Can I apply for the Eviction Prevention program?
If you are currently receiving assistance from the Re-Housing program and get an eviction notice from your housing provider, please contact the call center at 701-328-1907 or dhserb@nd.gov to determine if an eviction prevention application is necessary.
Depending on where you are in the application process completion of other tasks instead of an eviction prevention application may be necessary. For instance, if you have not completed all of your coaching sessions or submitted your extended benefits recertification, the completion of these tasks may be more suited for resolving your situation than an eviction prevention application.
How many times can a renter apply for Eviction Prevention if they end up facing eviction again?
Eligible renters may be approved for Eviction prevention payments a maximum of 2 times.
Upon approval of their first Eviction Prevention application, applicants can receive up to 6 months of rental assistance. The assistance is contingent upon their continued eligibility and completion of required trainings.
Why should housing providers complete a payment request for an Eviction Prevention application?
Payment requests submitted by housing providers ensure that payment can be received by the housing provider directly and through their preferred payment method. Additionally, completion of the payment request within the 21-day outreach window is required to be able to request payments for housing provider mitigation or vacancy loss.
While payment requests are optional for both the Re-Housing and Eviction Prevention programs, only Eviction Prevention has the ability to send an eviction payment to the housing provider through their Supplier ID without a payment request due to the urgent nature of the program. Housing providers must complete a payment request to receive available rental assistance payments after the eviction prevention payment has been sent.
If a payment request is not completed in either program, the renter will recieve payment directly via check to their address.
I am a housing provider, and I can't remember my Supplier ID or Company ID.
If you cannot remember your Supplier ID or Company ID, please contact dhserb@nd.gov or 701-328-1907.
When do payments go out?
The NDRH Housing Stabilization program has payments go out once per week on Thursdays. Payments sent via check typically take around 2 weeks to be received. Payments sent via direct deposit are typically received within 3-5 days of payment issuance.
How do I report a missing payment?
Payment times vary depending on how the housing provider has registered to receive payment. Direct deposit payments will typically show up in the selected account within 5 days of payment being sent. Check payments usually take around 14-21 days to be received by mail.
If you are a housing provider and have not received your payment within the timeframe specified by your preferred payment method, please contact the call center at 701-328-1907 or dhserb@nd.gov.
If you are a renter and your housing provider has not yet posted payment to your ledger within a two-week time frame of it being sent, please contact your housing provider first to confirm if they are missing the payment and then contact us at 701-328-1907 or dhserb@nd.gov.
How do I know if I qualify to recertify?
Applicants that have utilized a Letter of Commitment that was issued prior to May 1st, 2023, to obtain housing may qualify for up to 12 months of assistance with continued eligibility and completed recertifications.
Applicants that have utilized a Letter of Commitment that was issued on or after May 1st, 2023, to obtain housing will qualify for up to 6 months of assistance and security deposit.
If you qualify to receive additional assistance, you will receive an email to recertify from IT Service Desk.
Can I get assistance with utilities?
NDRH Housing Stabilization does not provide utility assistance. If you have a past utility debt that is preventing you from finding stable housing, you may submit a request for a barrier to housing payment to cover this debt.
You can seek assistance for home energy costs from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Where can I find additional assistance?
Visit the Apply for Help page for other financial help programs.
EA and Medicaid SSP Questions (North Dakota uses a Self-Service Portal (SSP) for Medicaid, SNAP, CCAP, TANF and LIHEAP.)
What information do I need to apply for benefits/complete my review online?
For more information on what is required for Medicaid, SNAP, CCAP, TANF and LIHEAP programs, please reference the Application for Assistance Guidebook.
What file sizes, file types and file names can be uploaded?
File sizes greater than 0 KB and up to 10 MB are accepted.
Supported file types include: BMP, DOC, DOCX, GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, TIF, TIFF, TXT, XLS, and XLSX. Trusted Partners may upload MP3, MP4, and WAV files for telephonic signatures.
File names must be 80 characters or less in length and can only contain letters, numbers, spaces and special characters (- _ ( ) . ,).
Are there alternate ways to submit documentation outside of the Self-Service Portal upload?
Yes. You may send documents related to your case either by email, fax or mail via the Customer Support Center.
Contact the center at:
Email: applyforhelp@nd.gov
Phone: 1.866.614.6005 or 701-328-1000; 711 (TTY)
Fax: 701.328.1006
Mail: Customer Support Center P.O. Box 5562 Bismarck ND 58506
How can I appeal my denied application?
View the information on client rights and appeals.
How do I reset the password to my account?
To resolve issues with your account and/or password, click here.