South Dakota Assistance Programs: Your Resource for State and Local Aid

Accessing support during challenging times can feel overwhelming, but a wide range of South Dakota assistance programs exists to provide stability and opportunity for residents. These state, federal, and community-based resources offer crucial aid for essential needs, including food, housing, healthcare, family support, and employment.

Navigating this system can be complex, as services are managed by various state agencies like the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Human Services (DHS), and South Dakota Housing (SDH). This resource simplifies that landscape by organizing programs based on life needs, providing a clear and direct path to the help available for individuals and families across the state.

Food and Nutrition Assistance: Securing Your Next Meal

South Dakota provides a multi-layered safety net to address food insecurity, ensuring residents have access to healthy and nutritious food. This system combines broad federal programs for sustained support, targeted aid for vulnerable populations like new families and seniors, and a flexible network of local non-profits for immediate, emergency needs.

If one program does not meet a household's needs or if eligibility is not met, other layers of support are available and should be explored.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is the state's primary defense against hunger. It helps low-income individuals and families supplement their grocery budget to purchase healthy food while they work toward financial independence.

Benefits are not intended to cover a household's entire food cost but to help stretch its resources further. This support helps children perform better in school, allows adults to focus on work and skill-building, and enables seniors and individuals with disabilities to maintain healthier, more balanced diets. SNAP benefits are distributed monthly via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and farmers' markets.

Who Is Eligible for SNAP

Eligibility for SNAP is determined by household size, income, and certain expenses. Households must meet specific income and resource tests.

• Income: Most households must meet both a gross monthly income test (130% of the federal poverty level) and a net monthly income test (100% of the federal poverty level). Households with a member who is elderly (age 60 or older) or has a disability are only subject to the net income test.
• Resources: Countable resources, such as funds in a bank account, are also considered. The limit is typically $3,000, but it increases to $4,500 if a household member is elderly or has a disability. A household's primary home and one vehicle are not counted as resources.
• Work Requirements: Most able-bodied adults without dependents must also meet certain work requirements to maintain eligibility.

Gross Monthly Income Guidelines (130% of Poverty)

Net Monthly Income Guidelines (100% of Poverty)

What You Can Buy with SNAP

SNAP benefits are intended for the purchase of food items for the household to eat.

• Allowed Items Include: Breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish, and poultry; dairy products; and seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat.
• Prohibited Items Include: Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco; nonfood items like pet food, soap, and paper products; vitamins and medicines; and hot foods or food intended to be eaten in the store.

How to Apply for SNAP

The South Dakota Department of Social Services offers several ways to apply for SNAP benefits:

1. Apply Online: The fastest and most convenient method is through the online portal at eaportal.sd.gov. This site can also be used to renew benefits or report changes.
2. Apply In Person: Applicants can visit their local Social Services office to file an application.
3. Apply by Mail: An application form can be downloaded from the DSS website, completed, and then mailed or returned in person to a local office.

After submitting an application, a benefits specialist will conduct an interview, typically over the phone. During this process, applicants will need to provide verification documents, including:

• Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license).
• Social Security numbers for all household members.
• Proof of income for the last 30 days (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns for self-employment).
• Information about resources (e.g., bank statements).
• Proof of expenses, which may increase the benefit amount (e.g., rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled members).

Specialized Nutrition Support for Families and Seniors

Beyond SNAP, several programs target the specific nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a federally funded program administered by the South Dakota Department of Health that serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five. The program provides checks or an EBT card to purchase specific healthy foods, such as milk, eggs, cereal, and formula. WIC also offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health and social services. To apply, families should contact their local WIC office.

Senior Box Program (CSFP)

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), widely known as the Senior Box Program, addresses senior hunger by providing a monthly box of non-perishable food items to low-income seniors. The food is specifically selected to supplement nutrients that may be lacking in their diets. This program is a partnership between the USDA, the South Dakota Department of Education, and Feeding South Dakota, which distributes the boxes through its network of partner agencies across all 66 counties.

To be eligible, individuals must be 60 years of age or older and have a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. To apply, seniors can use the "Find Food" tool on the Feeding South Dakota website to locate a distributing agency in their area or call Feeding South Dakota for assistance.

Community Food Resources

For those facing an immediate food crisis or who may not qualify for federal programs, South Dakota's network of non-profits and community agencies provides a critical layer of emergency support.

Feeding South Dakota

Feeding South Dakota is the state's largest hunger-relief organization. It operates mobile food distributions that bring food directly to communities across the state and supplies a vast network of local food pantries, shelters, and meal programs. Their services are often available with fewer eligibility requirements than government programs, providing immediate assistance to anyone in need. Residents can find the nearest food distribution or pantry by visiting the Feeding South Dakota website.

Community Action Agencies

South Dakota is served by four regional Community Action Programs that provide a range of services to low-income residents, often including emergency food pantries and other food assistance. These agencies are located in Rapid City, Sisseton, Madison, and the Wagner area, with outreach offices in other communities. They serve as a local hub for various forms of assistance and can connect families with multiple resources.

Housing, Rent, and Utility Support: Keeping a Roof Overhead

Whether facing an immediate housing crisis or seeking long-term solutions for affordability, South Dakota offers programs to help residents secure and maintain stable housing. For those at imminent risk of homelessness or facing a utility shutoff, crisis resources are available and should be accessed immediately. For others, proactive programs can help reduce long-term housing costs and create pathways to homeownership.

Help with Heating and Energy Bills

Managing utility costs, especially during cold South Dakota winters, is a significant challenge for many households. State and federal programs are available to help with these expenses.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

LIEAP provides a one-time payment to help eligible low-income households pay for home heating costs. The benefit is paid directly to the household's energy supplier. Eligibility is based on household size, income, heating fuel type, and location. To qualify, a household's gross income for the three months prior to applying must be below the program's limits.

Heating Season Maximum 3-Month Income Limits

Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP)

For households facing an immediate heating emergency, such as a disconnection notice or being nearly out of fuel, the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) can provide assistance. This is an emergency component of LIEAP, and households in crisis should call 1-800-233-8503 immediately for help.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program offers a long-term solution to high energy bills by helping low-income households make their homes more energy-efficient. Services can range from air sealing and adding insulation to repairing or replacing furnaces and appliances. Priority is given to households with elderly members, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. This program is typically administered by local Community Action Agencies, and residents can apply through the agency serving their county.

Assistance for Renters

Several programs exist to make rental housing more affordable for low-income residents. These programs generally fall into two categories: tenant-based assistance, which is portable and moves with the family, and project-based assistance, which is tied to a specific rental unit.

Section 8 Housing (Housing Choice Voucher & Project-Based)

The Section 8 program is a major source of rental assistance.

• Housing Choice Voucher Program: This tenant-based program provides eligible households with a voucher that they can use to rent a qualifying unit from a private landlord. The household pays a portion of the rent (typically 30% of their income), and the voucher covers the rest.
• Project-Based Section 8: In this program, the rental subsidy is attached to a specific apartment unit in a privately-owned building. Low-income tenants who live in these units receive rental assistance.

Both Section 8 programs are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Interested households must apply through the PHA that serves their area. Waitlists for these programs are common.

Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDAP)

Coming up with a security deposit can be a significant barrier to securing rental housing. The Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDAP) provides funding to help eligible renters in emergency situations, preventing homelessness or helping them move from transitional to permanent housing.

This program is administered by South Dakota Housing (SDH) through a network of local partner agencies. Renters cannot apply directly to SDH; instead, they must contact a participating agency in their county to apply for assistance. Assistance is for low-income families (at or below 60% of the area median income) and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Emergency Housing and Homelessness Prevention

For individuals and families who are currently experiencing homelessness or are on the verge of losing their housing, a coordinated system is in place to provide immediate help.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

The ESG program is a federal block grant administered by SDH that funds critical services for the homeless population. These funds support street outreach, emergency shelters, and homelessness prevention activities, including short-term rental assistance and services to help people quickly find and stabilize in new housing.

Coordinated Entry System (CES)

To access services funded by ESG and other homeless assistance programs, the first and most important step is to contact the Coordinated Entry System (CES). CES is the centralized point of access for anyone in a housing crisis. A specialist will conduct a housing needs assessment and refer the individual or family to the appropriate local agency for assistance. The statewide, toll-free number for the Coordinated Entry System is 1-800-664-1349.

Support for Homeowners

South Dakota also offers unique programs to support affordable homeownership and help existing homeowners maintain their properties.

Governor's House Program

This hallmark South Dakota program provides affordable, high-quality, and energy-efficient homes to income-qualified individuals and families. The homes are built by inmates at the Mike Durfee State Prison and sold at a low cost.

Purchasers are responsible for securing a lot, preparing the foundation, arranging for utility hookups, and providing appliances and floor coverings. Eligibility is based on household income and net worth, and the program is open to both first-time and repeat homebuyers.

Home Repair and Improvement Loans

• Community Home Improvement Program (CHIP): CHIP provides low-interest loans (currently 2.9%) to eligible homeowners for home improvements or repairs. The program has generous income limits and is administered through a network of participating lenders across the state. Homeowners apply directly with a CHIP-participating lender.
• USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program: This federal program serves very-low-income homeowners in rural areas. It provides loans to repair or modernize homes and offers grants of up to $10,000 to elderly homeowners (age 62 or older) to remove health and safety hazards. Applications are accepted year-round through local USDA Rural Development offices.

Healthcare and Medical Coverage: Accessing Essential Care

Access to affordable healthcare is fundamental to well-being. South Dakota offers several public health coverage programs, primarily Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), to ensure that low-income residents can get the medical care they need.

The system is structured in tiers based on factors like income, age, and family status. Because the income limits are very specific, individuals who believe they may not qualify for one program should still apply, as they may be eligible for another.

South Dakota Medicaid

South Dakota Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost for eligible individuals and families. It covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and long-term care. Eligibility is determined based on which "coverage group" a person falls into, each with its own income requirements.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid (Key Coverage Groups)

• Medicaid Expansion - Adult Group: Covers adults aged 19 to 64 with household incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This group has significantly higher income limits than traditional Medicaid categories.
• Low-Income Families: Covers parents or other adult caretaker relatives living with a dependent child under age 18. The income limits for this group are substantially lower than for the adult expansion group.
• Pregnant Women: Pregnant women are eligible for full medical coverage with income limits up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This coverage continues for a 12-month postpartum period after the pregnancy ends.
• Newborns: Newborns born to a mother on Medicaid are automatically eligible for coverage for their first year.
• Seniors & People with Disabilities: Medicaid provides critical support for long-term care services, both in-home and in facilities, for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Maximum Gross Monthly Income Limits for Select Groups

How to Apply for Medicaid

Applications for Medicaid can be submitted through the same channels as SNAP :   

• Online: At eaportal.sd.gov.
• Paper Application: Downloaded from the DSS website and mailed or submitted in person.
• In Person: At a local Department of Social Services office.

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP is designed for children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford to buy private health insurance. The program provides comprehensive coverage for children under age 19, including check-ups, dental care, and vision services.

A key feature of South Dakota's CHIP is that it can also help families who already have private health insurance. For these families, CHIP may be able to cover deductibles, co-insurance, and services not covered by their primary plan, providing significant financial relief. Eligibility is based on household income, with different limits for children with and without private insurance.

Help for Seniors with Medicare

While Medicare is a federal program, the state offers assistance to help low-income seniors manage their Medicare costs.

Medicare Savings Programs

These Medicaid-administered programs can help pay for some or all of a person's Medicare expenses, including Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Eligibility is based on income and resources. Seniors can apply for these programs through the Department of Social Services.

Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE)

Navigating Medicare can be confusing. SHIINE is a free, federally funded program that provides unbiased, one-on-one counseling and information to Medicare beneficiaries. Trained volunteers can help seniors understand their benefits, compare plans, and solve problems with their coverage. SHIINE has regional offices serving eastern, central, and western South Dakota.

Financial Aid and Family Services: Support for Stability and Growth

For families facing financial hardship, programs that provide direct cash assistance and support for essential services like child care can be a lifeline. These programs are often designed to work together with employment services, forming an interconnected pathway that supports parents as they work toward economic self-sufficiency. A parent seeking cash assistance will almost certainly need to engage with both child care and workforce development resources to meet program requirements.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with children, along with support to help them find and maintain employment. The program's goal is to help families move from welfare to work and become self-sufficient.

Who Is Eligible for TANF

TANF is a needs-based program for families with children under age 18 (or under 19 if still in high school). To qualify, a family must need financial support due to a parent's death, absence from the home, physical or mental incapacity, or unemployment.

Work Requirements and Time Limits

TANF is fundamentally a work program. Adult recipients are required to participate in work activities for a minimum number of hours each week (typically 30 hours, or 20 if caring for a child under six). Participants sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement (PRA) and develop a work plan with an employment specialist. Assistance is time-limited; an adult can receive TANF benefits for a lifetime maximum of 60 months (five years).

How to Apply for TANF

The TANF application process has two distinct parts, reflecting its dual focus on financial eligibility and work participation:

1. Work Component: The process begins with an employment specialist at a Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) Local Office (or a DSS office in reservation areas). The specialist helps develop the work plan.
2. Eligibility Component: After engaging with the employment specialist, the applicant works with a caseworker at a local Department of Social Services (DSS) office to determine financial eligibility.

Child Care Assistance Program

The high cost of child care is a major barrier to employment for many parents. The South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program helps low-income families afford quality child care so parents can work, attend school, or participate in job training.

Who Is Eligible for Child Care Assistance

Eligibility is based on family size, household income, and meeting minimum work or school requirements. Families may be required to pay a portion of their child care costs, known as a co-payment, which is determined by a sliding fee scale based on their income.

Sliding Fee Scale for Adjusted Monthly Income

How It Works

Payments are made directly from the state to the chosen child care provider. Families can choose from a variety of provider types, including licensed child care centers, registered family day care homes, or certain relatives like a grandparent, aunt, or uncle.

How to Apply for Child Care Assistance

Families can apply for assistance through the Department of Social Services:

• Online: Via the DSS website.
• Paper Application: Download and mail or email the completed form.

The application requires selecting a provider and providing documentation of income and work or school hours.

Employment, Education, and Job Training: Building a Career

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to help residents build skills, find employment, and advance in their careers. Recognizing that job seekers have different needs, DLR provides multiple "on-ramps" to the workforce. Whether a person needs short-term experience, formal training, or a long-term apprenticeship, a program exists to match their situation.

Workforce Services for Job Seekers (DLR)

The primary way to access DLR's training programs is by contacting a local Job Service office. Workforce experts at these offices provide career coaching and connect individuals with the right resources.

• On-the-Job Training (OJT): This program is ideal for individuals who are ready to be hired but need specific job skills. Under an OJT contract, a company hires a participant, and DLR reimburses the employer for up to 50% of the individual's wages during the training period. This incentivizes businesses to hire and train workers they might not otherwise consider.
• SD Up Skill: For those who need a formal certificate or credential to enter or advance in a high-demand field, SD Up Skill can help cover the cost of tuition for approved training programs. This allows individuals to gain valuable qualifications with little to no out-of-pocket expense.
• Work Experience: This program is designed for individuals who need to build their resume, gain recent work history, or explore a new career field. Participants are placed with an employer for a limited time, and DLR pays their wages. It functions like a paid internship, providing valuable experience and references.

Registered Apprenticeships

Start Today SD is South Dakota's official Registered Apprenticeship program. This "earn while you learn" model is a direct pathway to a career in the skilled trades and other technical fields. Apprentices are hired by an employer and receive structured, paid on-the-job training combined with related classroom instruction. Upon completion, they receive a nationally recognized credential, signifying their mastery of the occupation.

Specialized Employment Programs

DLR and its partner agencies also offer employment programs tailored to specific populations.

• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP): This program provides paid, part-time community service and work-based training opportunities for low-income individuals aged 55 and older. SCSEP helps older workers gain valuable skills and experience to improve their employment prospects.
• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): VR services, offered through the Department of Human Services, are designed to help South Dakotans with disabilities prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment. VR counselors work one-on-one with individuals to create a personalized employment plan, which can include career counseling, job training, assistive technology, and job placement services.

Specialized Support for Seniors and Residents with Disabilities

The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers a wide range of services designed to support the independence, health, and well-being of older adults and residents with disabilities. To simplify this process, the state has established a central, coordinated entry point for these services.

For any senior, person with a disability, or caregiver seeking support from DHS, the first and most important step is to contact Dakota at Home. This free service acts as the state's Aging and Disability Resource Center, with knowledgeable staff who assess needs, provide information, and make direct referrals to the appropriate programs and services.

Services for Older Adults

DHS provides a continuum of care to help seniors live safely and independently in their communities for as long as possible.

• In-Home Services: A variety of services are available to help seniors remain in their own homes. These include personal care (assistance with bathing, dressing), homemaker services (help with household chores), nursing services, and emergency response systems. The Paid Family Caregiver program can even provide a stipend to a family member who is providing care.
• Nutrition and Community Programs: To combat malnutrition and social isolation, DHS supports congregate meal sites where seniors can enjoy a nutritious meal in a social setting. Adult Day Services offer structured activities and supervision during the day, providing both engagement for the senior and respite for their primary caregiver.

Services for Individuals with Disabilities

DHS offers specialized services tailored to the needs of individuals with various types of disabilities.

• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Services: The Division of Developmental Disabilities provides support through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, such as Family Support 360 and CHOICES. These programs offer services like respite care, assistive technology, and job coaching to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live and work in their communities. The application process for these services begins with Dakota at Home or by submitting a DDD Services Application.
• Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI): This division provides rehabilitation services to help citizens who are blind or have a visual impairment achieve employment and independent living goals. Services include training in Braille and assistive technology, orientation and mobility instruction, and vocational counseling.
• Rehabilitation Services (DRS): DRS offers comprehensive employment services for adults with any physical, mental, or sensory disability that presents a barrier to employment. This includes career preparation for students transitioning from high school.
• Section 811 Housing: This specific rental assistance program provides project-based subsidies for extremely low-income persons with significant disabilities. It is a partnership between SDH, DHS, and local service providers to create integrated, supportive housing opportunities.

Your Path Forward: Key Agencies and Central Resources

Understanding which state agency manages which program is key to efficiently accessing help. While the programs are diverse, they are administered by a few core departments. For personalized assistance navigating these systems, the 211 Helpline Center is a valuable statewide resource.

Key State Agencies

• Department of Social Services (DSS): Manages most of the state's primary safety net programs, including SNAP, TANF, LIEAP, Child Care Assistance, and Medicaid.
• South Dakota Housing (SDH): Administers a wide range of housing programs, from rental assistance and homeownership loans to homelessness prevention grants.
• Department of Human Services (DHS): The primary agency for services supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities, including in-home care, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disability services.
• Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR): Manages the state's workforce development system, including Job Service offices, job training programs, and apprenticeships.

The 211 Helpline Center

When a situation is complex or it is unclear where to turn, dialing 2-1-1 connects individuals to the Helpline Center. Trained specialists provide free, confidential information and referrals to thousands of local and statewide health and human services. It is an excellent starting point for anyone needing help but unsure of the specific program to ask for.

South Dakota Assistance Program Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions