Food Assistance Changes Coming For 28,000 North Dakota Households

North Dakota Health and Human Services announced Thursday that some residents could receive partial November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as early as Nov. 7, following federal court orders related to the 2025 federal government shutdown.

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

The state said it is aware of additional federal court orders for full funding and is ready to comply with any new guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture once systems are updated.

About 28,000 North Dakota households receive SNAP benefits. According to HHS, federal compliance required a recalculation of benefits for all recipients. The partial November benefit is based on a temporary maximum benefit amount per household size while deducting the standard 30% of net adjusted income, as outlined in federal rules.

With the federal government funding SNAP at only 65% for November, many households will see reduced benefits or none at all. One- and two-person households will still receive at least the federally required minimum monthly benefit, but larger households have no minimum requirement.

The recalculation applies only to November and does not affect eligibility or certification periods.

In response to the shortfall, Gov. Kelly Armstrong directed $915,000 in state funds to the Great Plains Food Bank. The funding will allow the food bank to purchase and distribute about 450,000 pounds of food in November, enough to assist an estimated 24,000 households.

WIC funds for November have also been released, ensuring uninterrupted services statewide without the need for state dollars to backfill the program.

For information or assistance with SNAP, visit hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp/liheap or call the Customer Support Center at 866-614-6005.