SOUTH DAKOTA

South Dakota Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

South Dakota TANF is a temporary public assistance program for low-income families with children under age 18 that helps them “move from welfare to work”.

It provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and expenses other than medical, including job training, and support services.

Participants who aren’t exempt are required to take part in allowable work activities for a minimum of 30 hours each week, or 20 hours a week if they have a child under six years old.

How much is TANF in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a single mother of two may receive up to $672 but may vary based on who lives with the family, who is eligible in the household and other income available to the family.

How do I apply for TANF in South Dakota?

Applications for TANF in South Dakota can be accepted online through SD BEES  (South Dakota Benefits Eligibility and Enrollment System) or in person at a local DSS office.¹

South Dakota Department of Social Services
Customer Service Center
(605) 773-4678

South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

South Dakota SNAP helps low-income individuals and families afford the food they need to maintain a healthier diet while working toward financial independence.

SNAP benefit amounts vary based on household size, income, and allowable deductions. For example, a family of three in South Dakota with no income may receive up to $808 in monthly SNAP benefits.

How to apply for food stamps in South Dakota?

You can apply for SNAP at any local DSS office near you¹ or through SD BEES  (South Dakota Benefits Eligibility and Enrollment System).

South Dakota Department of Social Services
Customer Service Center
(877) 999-5612

South Dakota Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

South Dakota’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children under age 5 who are at nutritional risk.

It provides nutritious foods along with nutrition education, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals such as prenatal care, pediatricians, immunizations, and other social services.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

• Live in South Dakota.
• Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
• Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
• Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in South Dakota?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC serves women, infants, and children in South Dakota whose income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.² That’s about $4,212 per month for a family of three.

How much does WIC pay per month in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, children ages 1—4 receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in South Dakota?

You can apply for WIC in South Dakota through MyWIC Client Portal  or visit a WIC clinic near you to request an appointment.

South Dakota Department of Health
WIC Nutrition Program
(800) 738-2301

South Dakota Medicaid

South Dakota Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income residents, including adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.

As South Dakota expanded its Medicaid coverage, nearly all adults ages 19—64 and pregnant women with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level may now gain coverage.

How do I apply for Medicaid in SD?

Applications for Medicaid are available online through South Dakota DSS online application . If you need assistance completing an application, contact your nearest Department of Social Services office.

South Dakota Department of Social Services
Medicaid Recipient Hotline
(800) 597-1603

South Dakota Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

South Dakota CHIP provides free health coverage to uninsured children under age 19 in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.

It covers a full range of health care services, including doctor visits, hospital stay, dental and vision services, prescription drugs, immunizations and other medical services.

While some states charge a monthly premium or an annual enrollment fee for CHIP, South Dakota provides the same coverage at no cost to eligible families.

What is the income limit for CHIP in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, children may qualify for CHIP if their family income is up to 209% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, the monthly income limit is about $4,758.

In South Dakota, CHIP is often referred to as a “Medicaid look-alike” program, and the application process is handled through the same department.

South Dakota Department of Social Services
Medicaid Recipient Hotline
(800) 597-1603

South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program

South Dakota CCAP helps low-income families pay for the child care while parents work, attend school, or both. Eligibility is based on the family’s gross income and household size.

The program helps pay for child care for children under age 13, or up to age 18 for children with special needs, whose parents meet the eligibility requirements.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in South Dakota?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when the total gross monthly income is less than 209% of the federal poverty level at the time of initial application or about $4,758 per month for a family of three.

Families with income at or below 170% of the federal poverty level do not have a co-payment. Above that level, the monthly co-payment may be under 1% of family income.

Click here to apply online for CCAP  or fill out the application and mail it to:

South Dakota Department of Social Services
Division of Child Care Services
910 East Sioux Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(202) 727-6436

South Dakota Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

South Dakota LIEAP helps eligible low-income households pay for home heating costs, including electricity, natural gas, propane, and fuel oil used to heat the home. Priority is given to households with the highest needs or home energy costs in relation to their income.

Emergency assistance for households facing imminent utility shutoffs, critically low fuel supplies, or eviction is available through Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP).

LIEAP provides regular heating benefits ranging from a minimum of $668 to a maximum of $3,437, and a crisis benefit of up to $2,400, depending on household size, income, heating fuel type, and region.

How do I apply for energy assistance in South Dakota?

To apply for LIEAP, visit your local Department of Social Services office to obtain an application or call (800) 233-8503 to request an application be mailed to you.

The last day to submit your application is April 30. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

South Dakota Department of Social Services
Office of Energy Assistance
(800) 233-8503

South Dakota Freedom Scholarship

The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship is a need-based scholarship for South Dakota residents pursuing a first bachelor’s degree at a participating South Dakota college or university. A recipient commits in writing to live and work in South Dakota for three years after graduation. A scholarship that is not fulfilled converts to a loan.

Applicants apply for admission to a participating institution and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The institution financial aid office determines eligibility.

South Dakota Community Foundation
(605) 786-2407