South Dakota, SD

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”.

TANF participants are required to work in allowable work activities a minimum of 30 hours each week. If you have a child under six years old, your weekly minimum requirement is 20 hours.

How much do I get for TANF in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a single mother of two may receive up to $701 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?

Application for TANF in South Dakota can be accepted online. The SD DSS Online System is one way for South Dakota residents to apply for benefits.

South Dakota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) #

South Dakota SNAP helps low income South Dakotans buy the food they need to stay healthy while they work to regain financial independence.

The amount of benefits a household may receive is largely based on its size, income and allowable expenses. For example, a family of three in South Dakota with no income may receive up to $740 in monthly SNAP benefits.

How to apply for food stamps in South Dakota?

Apply in person at any local DSS office near you or apply online. If you have further questions about eligibility or benefits under South Dakota SNAP, call 1-877-999-5612.

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

South Dakota's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is, as the name implies, a special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children up to the age of five.

It provides nutritious foods along with nutrition education, breastfeeding support and information on where to apply for free or low-cost health care or other needed services in the community.

WIC requires that the applicant's income does not exceed 185% of poverty guidelines and be individually determined by a health professional to be “at nutritional risk”.

What is the income limit for WIC in South Dakota?

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $2,248
• 2 $3,040
• 3 $3,833
• 4 $4,625
• 5 $5,418
• 6 $6,210
• 7 $7,003
• 8 $7,795

How do I apply for WIC in South Dakota?

The quickest way to apply for WIC in South Dakota is by using the MyWIC Client Portal to schedule an appointment at a WIC clinic near you.

To find out if you are eligible for WIC, please call

South Dakota WIC Program
South Dakota Department of Health
1-800-738-2301

South Dakota Medicaid #

South Dakota Medicaid is a health care program that helps pay for medical services for low-income South Dakota residents who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible families receive FREE or low cost medical assistance including, but not limited to, regular checkups, well-child care exams, dental care, and vision care.

Who is eligible for Medicaid in South Dakota?

As South Dakota has just expanded its Medicaid coverage, starting July 1, 2023, nearly all adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level will qualify for Medicaid.

Children and pregnant women are eligible at higher income levels. Pregnant women may qualify for limited coverage or full coverage with more restrictive income limits.

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

How do I apply for Medicaid in SD?

If you think you may be eligible for Medicaid, apply online at SD DSS Online System. If you need assistance completing an application, contact a Department of Social Services office nearest you or call (800) 305-3064.

South Dakota Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) #

South Dakota CHIP provides health insurance at little or no cost to South Dakota children who meet certain eligibility guidelines.

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.

Children who are uninsured or already have health insurance may be eligible for CHIP based on income and eligibility guidelines.

In South Dakota, uninsured children who live in families with income up to 209% of poverty, or about $51,960 annually for a family of three, are eligible for CHIP.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $30,470
• 2 $41,210
• 3 $51,960
• 4 $62,700
• 5 $73,440
• 6 $84,190
• 7 $94,930
• 8 $105,670

A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.

South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program #

South Dakota CCAP helps low-income families pay for the child care while they 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) if the family’s income is less than 209% of the federal poverty level.

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

For a family of three, that's equivalent to about $4,330 a month. The income limits for families of different sizes are listed in the table below.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 2 $3,434
• 3 $4,330
• 4 $5,225
• 5 $6,120
• 6 $7,016
• 7 $7,911
• 8 $8,806

Depending on where your income and household size falls on the scale, you may be required to make a co-payment or out-of-pocket expense.

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

South Dakota Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) #

South Dakota LIEAP helps eligible low-income South Dakotans pay for home heating costs. It helps cover the costs of electricity, natural gas, propane, and fuel oil when these are used for heating a home.

South Dakotans with a household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, or about $43,510 for a family of three, are eligible for the program.

• Family Size Income Limit
• 1 $25,520
• 2 $34,510
• 3 $43,510
• 4 $52,500
• 5 $61,500
• 6 $70,490
• 7 $79,490
• 8 $88,480

Benefits range from $668 up to $2,291, depending on household income and energy costs. Priority is given to households with the highest needs or home energy costs in relation to their income.

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 1-800-233-8503 to request an application be mailed to you.

The last day to submit your application is March 31.

If you have received a disconnect notice, you may apply for Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) any time from October 1 through March 31.

South Dakota Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #

South Dakota LIHWAP provides water and wastewater assistance to eligible households with a one-time payment toward their water or wastewater bill.

Households eligible for LIHWAP benefits will have a one-time credit of up to $5,000 for past-due or current bills. Priority is given to households facing the threat of disconnection, or those that have already been disconnected.

How do I get help paying my water bill in South Dakota?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you need to submit a completed application along copies of your most recent utility bill and proof of income to:

South Dakota Department of Social Services
Office of Energy Assistance
910 East Sioux Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

South Dakota Unemployment Insurance #

South Dakota Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed, through no fault of their own, until they find other employment.

If you’ve recently lost your job in South Dakota, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits — up to a total of 26 weeks on condition that you will actively seek suitable employment each week that you are collecting benefits.

South Dakota’s weekly unemployment benefits are based on approximately 50% of your the average weekly earnings, with a maximum of $514 per week.

How do I apply for unemployment in SD?

Filing a claim can be done online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you wish to file your claim over the phone, please call (605) 626-3179 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. (CST).

South Dakota Need Based Grant Program (SDNBGP) #

South Dakota Need Based Grant Program (SDNBGP) is a need-based grant program for South Dakota students that demonstrate “exceptional financial need” as determined by FAFSA. Awards vary between $500 to $2,000 per academic year.

However, not all schools participates in the program, so it’s best that you check with your school’s Financial Aid Office to see if your school offers SDNBGP.