North Dakota is receiving almost $500,000 for performing well on a food stamp program, according to the Department of Human Services.

The USDA notified Gov. John Hoeven and Department of Human Services Executive Director Carol K. Olson that the state will receive a $460,933 bonus for having the sixth-highest accuracy rate in the country.

Last year, North Dakota ranked eighth and received a $213,251 bonus.

Heather Steffl, a spokeswoman for the department, said there are several possible uses for the money, including the reprocurement of an electronic system that distributes the benefits. The money won't be used to give out more food stamps, Steffl said.

The Department of Human Services' 2005-07 food stamp budget totals $105.8 million.

County social service office employees determine eligibility and benefit amounts, and issue cards. State employees provide direction, training, technical assistance and quality control services. A contractor issues benefits through the cards.

Food stamp benefits are funded entirely with federal dollars.

Each month, North Dakota's program assists about 42,500 low-income individuals and others in need of temporary help to meet their nutrition needs. It provides for just under $4 million in benefits per month, which are used to purchase food at about 424 participating grocers.

The state's performance ranking is based on an analysis of 2005 federal fiscal year overpayments and underpayments. North Dakota achieved a 96.41 percent accuracy rate. The national average was 94.16 percent.

USDA distributed $24 million total in bonus funding to 10 states.

(Reach reporter Tom Rafferty at 223-8482 or tom.rafferty@;bismarcktribune.com.)