Assistance programs in South Dakota
Explore public benefits and assistance resources by the kind of help you need. Agencies decide eligibility and availability.
Find programs for your situationFood assistance
South Dakota SNAP (Food Assistance)
South Dakota SNAP applications use the Economic Assistance portal or a local DSS office. Attend the interview even if you are still collecting requested documents.
South Dakota WIC
South Dakota WIC provides nutrition and breastfeeding support through local clinics. Use the state enrollment route or contact the clinic serving your area.
Housing assistance
South Dakota Housing (Rental Assistance)
South Dakota Housing helps renters find the appropriate assistance route. Voucher applications go to housing authorities; income-based apartment applications go to the propert
South Dakota Legal Aid (East River & Dakota Plains)
SD Law Help sends one online legal-help application to the appropriate organization. You do not need to choose between East River, Dakota Plains and Access to Justice yourself
Utility assistance
South Dakota LIHEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance)
South Dakota energy assistance accepts online or paper applications. Make sure the household application has the required adult signatures.
Weatherization Assistance Program (South Dakota)
South Dakota weatherization is performed by four Community Action programs serving different counties. Contact your county’s provider about the application and home review.
Health coverage
South Dakota Medicaid & CHIP
South Dakota Medicaid and CHIP applications use the state Economic Assistance intake routes. Different household members may qualify under different coverage categories.
Cash and income support
Reemployment Assistance (South Dakota Unemployment)
South Dakota calls unemployment insurance Reemployment Assistance. Apply through the RA Benefits Portal or the Claims Call Center, then request payments weekly.
South Dakota TANF (Cash Assistance)
South Dakota TANF intake has an employment component and a DSS eligibility component. Most applicants begin with an employment specialist rather than the SNAP online applicati
Child care assistance
South Dakota Child Care Assistance
South Dakota Child Care Assistance accepts online and paper applications. Your application must identify the provider who will care for the child.
Additional support
211 South Dakota (Helpline Center)
South Dakota’s Helpline Center provides 211 resource help around the clock. Call, text your ZIP code or use its online directory.
Program names come from our existing directory. Funding and rules can change; confirm details with the administering agency before applying.