In this post we will outline step-by-step how to apply for food stamps in South Dakota online. Food stamps are a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) help low-income South Dakotans buy the food they need to stay healthy while they work to regain financial independence. SNAP benefits are not intended to cover all of a person or family’s food costs but will help with purchasing the food needed for a nutritionally adequate diet. SNAP benefits are administered by the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
In order to be eligible for SNAP benefits in South Dakota, you must first meet certain income requirements. Eligibility for SNAP benefits is also based on household size, income and allowable expenses. To find out whether you qualify to receive Food Stamps benefits, please refer to the monthly income limit chart below.
If you’re eligible to receive SNAP benefits in South Dakota, you’ll be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. EBT is an online system in which food stamp benefits are stored and electronically accessed by recipients at a point of sale machine with an EBT card. Your EBT card can be used just like a debit card at any participating grocery stores to purchase qualified food items. Your benefits are delivered to your EBT card on the same day each month.
If you qualify to receive SNAP benefits, then follow our step-by-step guide on how to apply for food stamps in South Dakota online. If you wish to apply for SNAP benefits, but are unable do so online, you may also apply at your local Department of Social Services office. To download the SNAP application, click the link here. If you wish to continue by applying for SNAP benefits online, please read our guide below.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in South Dakota Online:
Step 1 – Do you qualify to receive SNAP Benefits?
Before going through the process of applying for benefits, it’s important that you determine whether you are eligible to receive benefits. To determine eligibility, complete the USDA SNAP pre-screening tool at the following link. The pre-screening tool will determine will determine what benefits you are eligible to receive in the state of South Dakota. The tool will ask you for some personal information regarding yourself and the people in your household, so please have that ready.
Step 2 – Apply for South Dakota SNAP Benefits
Once you’ve determined your eligibility, the next step is to submit your SNAP application. You will be able to apply for benefits online at the South Dakota Department of Social Services website. It will take you anywhere from 10-45 minutes to complete the application – this depends on your household size and preparedness. You must sign up for an account in order to submit your SNAP application. Be sure to have the following information ready for each member of your household before applying for benefits.
- Social Security Number
- Personal Identification (Example: driver’s license, school ID with photo, Passport, Resident Alien Card, I-94 card, voter’s registration card)
- Residence Information (Example: lease agreement, utility bill, phone bill, or driver’s license with your address on it)
- Income (Example: check stubs, employer statement)
- Shelter costs (Example: mortgage payments, property tax, homeowner’s insurance, rent receipt, lease agreement)
- Utilities Costs (Example: electric bill, water bill, gas bill)
Step 3 – Complete an Interview
Once your application has been received by your local office, a Social Services agent will contact you to set up an interview. Interviews are usually done in-person or by phone. You will receive more information regarding the interview process after your SNAP application has been submitted. You may be asked to provide more information to determine your eligibility during your interview. Your agent will explain what information is needed and help you if you need assistance. Please be aware all information is confidential.
Step 4 – South Dakota EBT Card
If you’ve made it to this step, then that means you’ve been approved to receive SNAP benefits in the state of South Dakota! You’ll be receiving your debit-like EBT card within a few days in the mail. Your card is to be used exactly like a debit card at point-of-sale terminals. Be sure to set up your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) once your EBT card is received in the mail. Be sure not share this number with anyone.
Your benefits can be used to redeem approved food items at participating retailers. If you wish to know the current balance on your EBT card, please access that information here by logging into your EBT account.
To learn more about the South Dakota EBT Card, click here.
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We hope you found this guide useful when applying for SNAP benefits in South Dakota. If you have any questions or problems during the application process, please be sure to leave your feedback below. We would love to hear from you!