Some North Dakotans to receive partial November SNAP benefit as early as Nov. 7

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that in accordance with federal court orders related to the 2025 federal government shutdown, some North Dakotans can expect to receive a partial November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit on as early as Nov. 7.

"We know how important these benefits are to families and individuals across North Dakota," said HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor. "Our team has been working diligently to update systems, recalculate benefits and ensure households receive their adjusted benefits as quickly as possible."

North Dakota is aware of additional court orders for 100% funding earlier today and is prepared to comply with any new federal guidance from the USDA pending the outcome of ongoing court proceedings and once systems are updated.

Compliance with the federal directive required HHS to recalculate the SNAP benefits for all of the approximately 28,000 households in North Dakota that receive benefits. The amount of the partial November SNAP benefit is based on a federal recalculation that applies a temporary maximum benefit amount per household size for November while also deducting the standard 30% of net adjusted income, based on SNAP rules.

With the federal government funding SNAP at only 65% at this time, for November, based on the SNAP formula calculation, many households will receive either a decrease in their monthly benefit or no partial benefit at all. One-and two-person households are required to receive at least the minimum monthly benefit in accordance with federal law. However, households with three or more people do not have a minimum benefit requirement under federal rules.

This recalculation applies only to November 2025 SNAP benefits and does not change eligibility rules or certification periods.

EBT card balances can be reviewed at ebtEDGE mobile app, by visiting ebtedge.com or by calling the FIS Customer Service Helpline at 1-800-630-4655.

Although some households may receive temporary benefits, the shortfall of federal food assistance will continue to affect North Dakotans. In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Gov. Kelly Armstrong recently directed $915,000 in state funds to the Great Plains Food Bank. The state funds will allow the Great Plains Food Bank to purchase and distribute an additional 450,000 pounds of food in November, enough to assist approximately 24,000 households.

To find help, or ways to help, visit ndresponse.gov/shutdownresources.

If you have questions about SNAP, visit the SNAP FAQ webpage at hhs.nd.gov/snap-faqs. You can also visit hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp or contact the Customer Support Center by email at [email protected], phone Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT at 866-614-6005 or 701-328-1000, 711 (TTY), or mail to Customer Support Center, P.O. Box 5562, Bismarck, ND 58506. You can also contact a local human service zone office.

WIC funds available through November

The federal government has also released November Women, Infants and Children (WIC) funds for November, ensuring uninterrupted WIC services and benefits statewide without the need for the $500,000 to $600,000 in state general funds that Gov. Armstrong announced last week to backfill the program.

WIC serves qualifying infants, children up to their fifth birthday, and pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women. WIC offers access to nutritious foods through WIC EBT cards including fresh fruits and vegetables; milk, eggs, cheese and yogurt; cereal and whole grains; and peanut butter and beans. The program also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals to local health, social service and community programs. To apply, contact a local WIC clinic at hhs.nd.gov/food-programs/WIC/apply or visit signupwic.com. You may also call the state WIC office at 701-328-2496.

Senior Nutrition Program

60+ years old individuals are eligible for the senior nutrition program. Eligibility is based on age and there are no income requirements. There are 137 sites across the State that provide congregate meals, and home delivered meals. Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Link (ADRL) - 1-855-462-5465 for assistance.

LIHEAP funding

North Dakota's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program is still operating as normal with funding available and is well-positioned to continue providing services at this time. To apply for assistance visit hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/liheap.