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A national food plan is used to determine the monthly cost of food a family needs to purchase for a healthy, nutritious diet. Amounts vary based on household size. Benefits are paid quarterly, which means you will receive three months of benefits in one payment.
The sales tax amount on any food stamp benefit you have received in the three months prior to the application month is deducted from the monthly amount before the sales tax refund payment is calculated.
You will receive your sales tax on food refund benefits in an electronic account. After your benefits have been approved, a plastic debit card, called the Dakota EBT card, will be sent to you along with instructions on using it. The card may be used in most grocery stores anywhere in South Dakota and in most other states.
You can use your benefits to buy almost any food item. You cannot buy hot foods such as deli items or food that will be eaten in the store, alcohol which includes beer or wine, pet food, soap, paper products, household supplies, vitamins or drugs. (The food purchases allowed are the same as in the Food Stamp Program.)
If you are buying a combination of items such as food and paper goods, only the eligible food items will be paid from your Dakota EBT card. You will need to pay cash for all other items.
Three months after you have received your first benefit, you will receive a report form in the mail. The form is simple to complete and asks for any changes in your household size and income for that three-month period.
Once you have completed your report form, mail it to:
If you have received food stamp benefits for three months in a row, you will automatically be approved for sales tax on food refund benefits, unless you have already received a refund. If you only received food stamp benefits for one or two months in a row, you can apply for this program, or you can wait until you receive food stamp benefits three months and receive automatic eligibility.
For more information about the Sales Tax on Food Refund Program or assistance filling out your application, you can contact our office by calling (605) 773-4105 or toll-free at 1-866-674-0543 or email at SalesTaxOnFoodRefund@state.sd.us.