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.
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 to distribute the benefits.
The South Dakota SNAP food assistance program is administered by the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS). Learn more about SNAP on the South Dakota Department of Social Services website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
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.
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 and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| Each additional household member | +219 |
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, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in South Dakota, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about South Dakota’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the South Dakota 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:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the South Dakota Department of Social Services website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on South Dakota’s Benefit Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest South Dakota Division of Welfare office location.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local Social Services office here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services at 1 (605) 773-4105.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
If you applied for SNAP online, in person, or by mail, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Social Services with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 14 days of your determination letter.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 604-5099. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the South Dakota Department of Social Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within the period specified on your determination letter.
To file an appeal for a Fair Hearing by mail or email, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail or email.
After writing your request letter, you can send it by mail to the following address:
Department of Social Services
Office of Administrative Hearings
700 Governors DrivePierre, SD 57501
To email your request letter, use this address: admhrngs@state.sd.us.
You can also request a Fair Hearing by phone by calling 1 (605) 773-6851. Remember to have all the information you would have written in your request letter on hand and be sure to have your determination letter as well.
For more information about the Fair Hearing process, click here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 604-5099. You can also check your balance online here.
You can also check your EBT card balance and more when you download the South Dakota EBTedge app. This app allows you to view your benefits at any time and is available on both the Google Play and Apple Store.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the South Dakota Department of Social Services EBT card page here.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call South Dakota’s EBT customer service number at 1 (800) 604-5099.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a DSS office in South Dakota.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) at 1 (605) 773-4105 or toll-free at 1 (877) 999-5612.
You can also contact the South Dakota DSS by sending a request here.
To send the South Dakota Department of Social Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (605) 773-7183.
You can also visit or call a local DSS Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM
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 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.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the South Dakota 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:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the South Dakota Department of Social Services website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on South Dakota’s Benefit Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest South Dakota Division of Welfare office location.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local Social Services office here.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services at 1 (605) 773-4105.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
If you applied for SNAP online, in person, or by mail, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Social Services with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 14 days of your determination letter.
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 604-5099. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the South Dakota Department of Social Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within the period specified on your determination letter.
To file an appeal for a Fair Hearing by mail or email, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail or email.
After writing your request letter, you can send it by mail to the following address:
Department of Social Services
Office of Administrative Hearings
700 Governors DrivePierre, SD 57501
To email your request letter, use this address: admhrngs@state.sd.us.
You can also request a Fair Hearing by phone by calling 1 (605) 773-6851. Remember to have all the information you would have written in your request letter on hand and be sure to have your determination letter as well.
For more information about the Fair Hearing process, click here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 604-5099. You can also check your balance online here.
You can also check your EBT card balance and more when you download the South Dakota EBTedge app. This app allows you to view your benefits at any time and is available on both the Google Play and Apple Store.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the South Dakota Department of Social Services EBT card page here.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call South Dakota’s EBT customer service number at 1 (800) 604-5099.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a DSS office in South Dakota.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) at 1 (605) 773-4105 or toll-free at 1 (877) 999-5612.
You can also contact the South Dakota DSS by sending a request here.
To send the South Dakota Department of Social Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (605) 773-7183.
You can also visit or call a local DSS Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM
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 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.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024