While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Northern Mariana Islands Food Stamps FAQ Sheets

Table of Contents

What Are Food Stamps?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.

SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and coupon books to distribute the benefits.

The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. Learn more about SNAP on the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs website here.

What Can Food Stamps Buy?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:

  • Fruits and vegetables;
  • Meat, poultry, and fish;
  • Dairy products;
  • Breads and cereals;
  • Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and
  • Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.

There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.

How Much Assistance Does SNAP Provide?

SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household, 2) your household income and 3) where you live.

Maximum Monthly Benefit Allotments for Sipan Maximum Monthly Benefit Allotments for Tinian Maximum Monthly Benefit Allotments for Rota and Northern Islands

Household Number
11 $283$299$344
2$519$546$629
3$743$782$901
4$944$998$1,150
5$1,121$1,180$1,360
6$1,345$1,417$1,544
7$1,487$1,569$1,808
8$1,699$1,785$2,057
Each additional household member+212+227+262

You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.

To learn more about your benefit amount in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, click here.

Requirements to Qualify for SNAP in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

To qualify for SNAP in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a United States citizen or legal resident
  • You must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
  • You must have a household income and resources that do not exceed the limits set by the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the federal government
  • You must work or participate in an employment training program, if applicable

Learn more about the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands’ income limits and other eligibility criteria here.

Steps to Apply for SNAP in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:

  1. Review the application requirements.

Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.

  1. Submit the application at your local Food Assistance office.

Click here to find the nearest Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs office location.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, call the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Food Assistance hotlines at 1 (670) 237-2801 or 1 (670) 237-2802.

You can also email the department at support@cnminap.gov.mp.

How to Check Your Application Status

To check your application status, call the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Food Assistance hotlines at 1 (670) 237-2801 or 1 (670) 237-2802.

You can also contact the local Department of Community and Cultural Affairs offices.

What Happens After You Apply for SNAP?

After you have submitted your application to your county Food Assistance Office, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be face-to-face or by telephone.

Your application will be delayed if documents are missing from your application, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs needs more information from you to finish processing your request or you miss your interview or scheduled appointments.

If you are approved, you will then receive your coupon book and program identification card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:

  • Your household has less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash.
  • Your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s combined monthly income.
  • A member of your house is a migrant or seasonal farmworker.

Once you receive your coupon book, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept SNAP transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.

You will receive a coupon book with your monthly allowance amount. SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits or a Low Benefit Amount

If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, you can appeal your decision in writing within 10 days of receiving your determination letter.

To file a claim, you will need to submit your request orally or in writing. The written statement should include the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal, whether you were denied benefits or you received a lower benefit amount than you believe you should have
  • Your desired solution for how the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs should remedy the situation

Your determination letter will have the contact information for the office.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Food Assistance hotlines at 1 (670) 237-2801 or 1 (670) 237-2802.

You can also email the department at support@cnminap.gov.mp.

You can also visit or call a local Food Assistance Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

Table of Contents

How to Apply for SNAP in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:

  1. Review the application requirements.

Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.

  1. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.  

You can view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.

  1. Submit the application at your local Food Assistance office.

Click here to find the nearest Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs office location.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, call the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Food Assistance hotlines at 1 (670) 237-2801 or 1 (670) 237-2802.

You can also email the department at support@cnminap.gov.mp.

How to Check Your Application Status

To check your application status, call the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Food Assistance hotlines at 1 (670) 237-2801 or 1 (670) 237-2802.

You can also contact local Department of Community and Cultural Affairs offices. Find your nearest location here.

What Happens After You Apply for SNAP?

After you have submitted your application to your county Food Assistance Office, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be face-to-face or by telephone.

Your application will be delayed if documents are missing from your application, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs needs more information from you to finish processing your request or you miss your interview or scheduled appointments.

If you are approved, you will then receive your coupon book and program identification card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:

  • Your household has less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash.
  • Your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s combined monthly income.
  • A member of your house is a migrant or seasonal farmworker.

Once you receive your coupon book, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept SNAP transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.

You will receive a coupon book with your monthly allowance amount. SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits or a Low Benefit Amount

If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, you can appeal your decision in writing within 10 days of receiving your determination letter.

To file a claim, you will need to submit your request orally or in writing. The written statement should include the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal, whether you were denied benefits or you received a lower benefit amount than you believe you should have
  • Your desired solution for how the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs should remedy the situation

Your determination letter will have the contact information for the office.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Food Assistance hotlines at 1 (670) 237-2801 or 1 (670) 237-2802.

You can also email the department at support@cnminap.gov.mp.

You can also visit or call a local Food Assistance Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.