South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Program Overview

The South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (also known as Food Stamp Program) helps eligible low-income families to purchase food, to meet their daily food needs and stay healthy. The benefit amount an eligible family receives depends on the income level, family size and the expenses. People from all ages can benefit from the SNAP program. It assists children get balanced diets that can help them grow and perform better at school. The program helps adults in their daily chores and supports them to contribute better at job. In the same way SNAP also helps senior citizens get balanced diet for their well-being. The South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has proved as the first line of help for the residents of South Dakota. The program is immensely beneficial to the families that are transitioning from welfare to work.

The South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA). In South Dakota, the program is run by the South Dakota Department of Social Services.

Program Objectives

The main objective of the South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is to provide the underprivileged families living on a fixed budget with an opportunity to improve their food quality. It helps them add valuable nutrition to their diet by purchasing food that is healthy and nutritious. This leads them to live a healthy and self- sustaining lifestyle subsequently increasing the quality of life of the people in the state.

The eligible families for South Dakota SNAP are linked with government agencies, nutritionists, and local community-based organizations. These organizations make sure the families are fully educated about the program so that they can approach the application process in a well-informed manner. This helps families to make adequate decisions to take full benefit from the largest hunger preventive program in the country. Visit iGrow to learn more about how to feed your family with less money.

Eligibility Requirements

Only eligible applicants can avail the benefits of the South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Food Supplement Program (SNAP) and the eligibility requirements include:

• SNAP benefits are available to elderly and disabled
• The gross monthly income of the households must be 130 percent or less of the Federal poverty guidelines.
• Net monthly income must be 100 percent or less of the Federal poverty guidelines.
• Unemployed, working on low wages or a part time workers are eligible
• The applicants age 18 to 50 and able to work, may be subject to a work requirement in order to receive SNAP.
• The applicant is exempt from work requirements if participating in an approved work program, taking care of pregnant woman and children.
• Persons with disabilities are exempt from work requirements.
• Persons living in exempted locality are exempt from work requirement.

The number of members in a household and total household income; are also very important factors while considering a candidate for the South Dakota Supplemental Food Assistance Program.

The amount of the maximum gross income level before taxes must be less than or equal to:

An additional amount of $5,746 will be added per additional person if the size of the household exceeds more than 8 people. Also, it’s important to stay in touch with a proper managing agency in your locality to receive accurate guidelines and future policies related to the program. Before filling the application form make sure you have all the required information to speed up the process.

How to Apply

There are multiple ways to apply for the South Dakota Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Online Application

To apply for the South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) visit South Dekota Department of Social Services website. Here you can access the online application which you can then fill out and submit online to get the program’s benefits.

Apply through the local office

Another easy way of applying for the South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is by applying through your local department of social services. The office will provide the possible assistance and the representatives there will make the whole process easy by providing the necessary information. You can download an application form, complete and return it (in person or via mail) to your local Social Services Office. Once the application is submitted you cannot change it hence it is advisable to be careful while filling out the application form. 

Apply via phone call

Eligible households in the state of South Dakota can contact the program office by calling at (605) 773-3493 or 1-877-999-5612

For Further Information

In case of queries or any extra information required about the South Dakota Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP), it is available on the official website. The website provides information regarding the program policies and guidelines to applicants to help them get a better understating of the program.

You must carefully read the instructions and submit the form according to it, as giving false information can lead to penalties. You cannot receive cash from the retailer from your EBT card. You cannot buy non-food items such as alcohol, tobacco or paper products. If benefit holders violate the law then they may be barred from receiving the benefits and such violation is subject to fine. 

Also Read: Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)