Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in South Dakota (Authority Guide)

Last updated: August 2025

Note: If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Quick Help Box
• Emergencies: Call 911
• Crisis counseling or thoughts of suicide: Call or text 988, or use chat at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (see: https://988lifeline.org/)
• Find local help fast (food, shelter, utilities, transportation, caregiving): Call 211 or visit the South Dakota 211 Helpline Center (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/)
• Aging & Disability Resource Center (statewide): Dakota at Home, 1-833-663-9673 (https://dakotaathome.org/)
• Severe weather and disasters (state): South Dakota Office of Emergency Management (https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management)
• Federal disaster assistance when declared: DisasterAssistance.gov (https://www.disasterassistance.gov/)

Reality check: In tough weather or disaster periods, phone lines and websites can be busy. Keep trying, leave voicemails, and ask a trusted family member, neighbor, or your local library to help with online forms if needed.

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How to use this guide

• Start with the emergency section to handle urgent needs (safety, food, heat, utilities, shelter).
• Then review program sections (health care, housing, in-home help, transportation).
• Use the “Resources by Region” section to find nearby contacts.
• Keep documents handy (ID, Social Security number if you have one, proof of address, income, utility bills, lease or mortgage, and medical info).

This guide links to official South Dakota and federal sources and well-established nonprofits so you can verify details.

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Immediate Emergency Help in South Dakota

Life safety and weather

• For any life-threatening emergency: call 911.
• South Dakota storms can move quickly. Follow updates and preparedness tips from the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management (https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management).
• Find your county emergency manager (who coordinates local disaster help) using OEM’s Local Emergency Managers directory (https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management/local-emergency-managers).
• After a presidential disaster declaration, apply for FEMA Individual Assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov (https://www.disasterassistance.gov/). FEMA updates: https://www.fema.gov/disaster.
• If your home or car was damaged by a declared disaster, you may also qualify for SBA Disaster Loans (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance).

Elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation

• If someone is in immediate danger: call 911.
• To report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an older adult or adult with a disability, contact South Dakota Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) for Adult Protective Services. See program details and reporting steps at South Dakota LTSS (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/).
• The Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps residents of nursing homes and assisted living with complaints and rights. Learn more at South Dakota LTSS – Ombudsman (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/).

Mental health and emotional support

• Call or text 988, or chat via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/).
• South Dakota’s Division of Behavioral Health lists crisis and treatment resources statewide (https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/).
• You can always dial 211 to be connected to local crisis and counseling resources (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/).

Fast connections to local help

• Dial 211 or search the South Dakota 211 Helpline Center (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/) for food pantries, shelters, bill help, rides, and more.
• For older adults, the state’s Aging & Disability Resource Center is Dakota at Home: 1-833-663-9673, https://dakotaathome.org/.

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At-a-Glance: Who to Call Right Now

Tip: If calling after hours, leave a clear voicemail with your name, callback number, town, and a short description of the problem.

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Food, Heat, Shelter, and Cash in a Pinch

South Dakota winters, power outages, and fixed incomes can make ends hard to meet. These programs can help. Some have waitlists. Apply early and keep copies of all documents you submit.

Food help

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Monthly food benefits on an EBT card. Learn eligibility and apply via the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS): https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/snap/.
• Senior nutrition (congregate meals and home-delivered meals): Provided under the Older Americans Act through South Dakota LTSS. Learn about services and providers via South Dakota LTSS (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/).
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) “Senior Boxes”: USDA program that provides monthly food boxes to eligible seniors. See USDA CSFP contacts to find the South Dakota administrator (https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/contacts). Feeding South Dakota also operates senior food distributions; find locations at Feeding South Dakota – Find Food (https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/find-food).
• HUD Find Shelter tool (nationwide) can locate nearby food pantries and shelters: https://www.hud.gov/findshelter.

Heat, utilities, and weatherization

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps pay a portion of heating costs (including propane, fuel oil, wood, and electricity). Apply through South Dakota DSS Energy Assistance (https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/).
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free energy-saving repairs (insulation, air sealing, safety checks) for eligible households to reduce energy bills. See South Dakota’s state page via U.S. Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program-south-dakota).
• If you’re facing shutoff, call your utility right away to ask about payment plans and medical necessity exceptions. For consumer rights and help with complaints, see the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Consumer Info (https://puc.sd.gov/consumers/).

Emergency shelter and housing help

• Call 211 to find open shelters, warming centers, and local rental help (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/).
• South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) lists affordable rentals and housing resources (some have waitlists): SDHDA Find Housing (https://www.sdhda.org/renters/find-housing).
• HUD South Dakota has contacts for local Public Housing Agencies (vouchers and public housing): HUD South Dakota (https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota) and the national PHA contact list (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts).

Money when disaster strikes

• If your home is damaged in a federally declared disaster, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov (https://www.disasterassistance.gov/).
• For uninsured losses, SBA Disaster Loans can cover home repair or replacement at low interest rates (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance).
• Check with your county emergency manager for local relief funds and debris pickup (https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management/local-emergency-managers).

Table: Utility and Housing Help Snapshot

Reality check: LIHEAP and Weatherization funding is limited each year. Apply early and check back if you’re placed on a waitlist.

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Health Care and Medical Costs

Medicaid and Medicare help

• South Dakota Medicaid (including coverage for older adults and people with disabilities): Learn about eligibility and apply via DSS Medicaid (https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/).
• Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs): State programs that can help pay Medicare Part B premiums and sometimes other costs if your income is limited. See DSS Medicaid – Medicare Savings Programs (https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/).
• Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) for Medicare Part D: Helps with prescription drug plan costs. Apply through Social Security (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/).
• SHIINE (State Health Insurance Assistance Program in SD): Free Medicare counseling and plan comparisons. Official site: https://shiine.net/.

Non-emergency medical rides

• Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): If you have South Dakota Medicaid, you may qualify for rides or mileage reimbursement for medical appointments. See DSS Medicaid transportation information (https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/).
• If you don’t have Medicaid, call 211 to find local volunteer driver programs or public transit options.

Public health and vaccinations

• South Dakota Department of Health lists vaccination clinics, disease prevention info, and county health resources (https://doh.sd.gov/).
• For VA health care (veterans), see VA Sioux Falls and VA Black Hills Health Care Systems (find care at https://www.va.gov/find-locations/).

Mental and behavioral health

• Division of Behavioral Health (DSS) provides treatment and crisis links statewide (https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/).
• The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7 (https://988lifeline.org/).

Table: Health and Care Cost Help

Reality check: Enrollment periods, proofs, and asset limits can be confusing. Don’t guess—call SHIINE for free, unbiased Medicare help, and ask DSS about Medicaid or MSP eligibility.

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In-Home Help, Caregiving, and Protection

• Dakota at Home (Aging & Disability Resource Center): A free statewide helpline and resource navigator for services like in-home help, caregiver support, home modifications, and benefits counseling. Phone 1-833-663-9673; website: https://dakotaathome.org/.
• South Dakota Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS): Provides in-home services, caregiver support, senior nutrition, Adult Protective Services, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. Program information at https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living; helps resolve complaints and protect rights (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/).

Reality check: Home-care hours are limited and depend on assessed need, available providers, and funding. Ask about waitlists, priority criteria, and short-term options (like temporary homemaker services or respite) while you wait.

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Transportation Options (Local and Regional)

South Dakota is rural, so trip planning matters. Book rides early, especially in winter. Always ask about fares, senior discounts, and wheelchair access.

• Statewide find-and-call: 211 Helpline Center (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/)
• Examples of public and regional transit systems:
  • Sioux Falls: Sioux Area Metro (https://www.siouxfalls.org/sam)
  • Rapid City: Rapid Transit System (https://www.rcgov.org/departments/rapid-transit-system.html)
  • Black Hills region: Prairie Hills Transit (https://www.prairiehillstransit.org/)
  • Pierre and central SD: River Cities Public Transit (https://rcptransit.com/)
  • Northeast SD: Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton, Inc. (https://www.communitytransitinc.com/)
  • Huron/Beadle County and region: People’s Transit (https://www.peoplestransit.com/)

If you are a veteran, check for DAV (Disabled American Veterans) volunteer rides to VA appointments: DAV Transportation Network (https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride/).

Table: Transit Snapshot (Examples)

Tip: Keep a “ride folder” with appointment times, clinic addresses, mobility needs, and required notice (some services require booking 24–48 hours ahead).

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Housing Solutions for Seniors

• Affordable Rentals: SDHDA’s search tool is a good starting point (https://www.sdhda.org/renters/find-housing). Expect applications, background checks, and possible waitlists.
• HUD Assistance: Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers are run by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). Find contacts by city/county via HUD’s PHA list (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts).
• Home Repairs (health and safety): USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504) can help very low-income homeowners fix hazards; grants are for adults 62+ who cannot repay a loan. Program details and state contacts: USDA RD Home Repair (https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants) and USDA RD South Dakota State Office (https://www.rd.usda.gov/sd).
• Weatherization (energy-saving repairs): See DOE’s South Dakota page for local providers (https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program-south-dakota).
• Property Tax Relief: South Dakota offers programs like the Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled (apply through your local county) and other relief options. See SD Department of Revenue Property Tax Programs (https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax/).

Reality check: Most affordable housing has waitlists. Apply to multiple properties and PHAs. Keep your contact info updated with every office to avoid losing your spot.

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Money, Phones, and Internet

• Social Security and SSI: Apply, report changes, and manage benefits at Social Security (https://www.ssa.gov/). SSI can help very low-income seniors.
• Lifeline (phone discount): The federal Lifeline program lowers the cost of phone or internet for eligible households (https://www.lifelinesupport.org/).
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Federal funding lapsed in 2024; new enrollments and benefits are paused unless Congress restores funding. Check status at the FCC ACP page (https://www.fcc.gov/acp).
• Banking and fraud protection tips: The South Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Office provides scam alerts and complaint forms (https://atg.sd.gov/Consumers/Default.aspx).

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Veterans in South Dakota

• South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA): State-level help with VA claims, benefits, and connecting to County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers (VSO). Start here: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/.
• VA Health Care in SD:
  • Sioux Falls VA Health Care System and clinics;
  • VA Black Hills Health Care System (Fort Meade and Hot Springs) and clinics.
    Find locations: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/.
• VA Aid & Attendance and Housebound: Monthly pension add-ons for veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities. Details and how to apply: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/.
• Transportation to VA appointments: VA Beneficiary Travel (mileage or common carrier reimbursement) (https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/) and DAV volunteer rides (https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride/).

Reality check: VA claims can take time. Keep copies of every document, and work with a County/Tribal VSO (find contacts via SDDVA: https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/).

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Tribal Elders (Native American Seniors)

Many South Dakota seniors are served by tribal programs and Indian Health Service in the Great Plains Area.

• Indian Health Service – Great Plains Area: Clinic and hospital system (https://www.ihs.gov/greatplains/).
• Older Americans Act Title VI (Tribal Elder Programs): Nutrition, caregiver support, and supportive services run by tribes. Find your tribal program via the ACL Title VI grantee directory (https://olderindians.acl.gov/).
• Tribal housing authorities: Contact your tribe’s housing office for repair programs or rental units (often funded by HUD’s Office of Native American Programs). General info: HUD ONAP (https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih).
• County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers: Connect via SDDVA (https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/).

Tip: If you live on tribal land, ask both the tribal program (Title VI, housing, IHS) and statewide programs (LIHEAP, Weatherization, Medicaid) about eligibility—you may qualify for both.

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LGBTQ+ Seniors

• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline offers friendly support and referrals: 877-360-5428, more info at SAGE (https://www.sageusa.org/).
• Legal rights and anti-discrimination guidance: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (https://www.eeoc.gov/) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services civil rights complaint portal (https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html).
• 211 Helpline Center can search for LGBTQ+-affirming local services (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/).

Reality check: Rural areas may have fewer dedicated LGBTQ+ senior services. Ask providers directly about inclusive care, and bring a support person to appointments when possible.

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Rural Seniors (Limited Access)

• Transportation: Book rides ahead and ask about out-of-town medical trips (see regional transit links above).
• Home delivery: Ask your pharmacy and grocery about delivery; some senior meal programs offer frozen or shelf-stable options through South Dakota LTSS (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/).
• Telehealth: Check with your clinic or VA about phone/video visits. Libraries often help with internet access and printing.
• Mail-in/phone applications: Many programs allow mail, phone, or online applications—ask DSS (https://dss.sd.gov/) and Dakota at Home (https://dakotaathome.org/) for the easiest method for you.

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Taxes, Property Relief, and Legal Help

• Property Tax Programs for Seniors/Disabled: See SD Department of Revenue’s property tax relief programs (including Assessment Freeze) and how to apply in your county (https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax/).
• Free Tax Help: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax filing help to seniors during tax season; find sites (https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/).
• Legal Aid:
  • East River Legal Services (eastern SD): https://www.erlservices.org/
  • Dakota Plains Legal Services (many western and tribal areas): https://www.dpls.org/
  • For elder abuse or guardianship concerns, your Long-Term Care Ombudsman can advise (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/).

Table: Money and Legal Snapshot

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Resources by Region (Examples and Starting Points)

Use 211 to confirm hours and eligibility before you go: https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/

Sioux Falls and Southeast

• Public transit: Sioux Area Metro (https://www.siouxfalls.org/sam).
• Affordable housing search: SDHDA (https://www.sdhda.org/renters/find-housing).
• DSS local offices (SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP): Find your local office (https://dss.sd.gov/localoffices/).
• Food resources: Feeding South Dakota – Find Food (https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/find-food).

Rapid City and the Black Hills

• Public transit: Rapid Transit System (https://www.rcgov.org/departments/rapid-transit-system.html) and Prairie Hills Transit (https://www.prairiehillstransit.org/).
• Senior meals and services: See SD LTSS program info and providers (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/).
• Affordable housing search: SDHDA Find Housing (https://www.sdhda.org/renters/find-housing).
• Food resources: Feeding South Dakota – Find Food (https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/find-food).

Northeast (Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, Sisseton)

• Transit: Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton (https://www.communitytransitinc.com/).
• City-specific services: Check city websites and call 211 for senior centers and meal sites.
• DSS local offices: https://dss.sd.gov/localoffices/.

Central (Pierre/Fort Pierre, Mobridge, Chamberlain)

• Transit: River Cities Public Transit (https://rcptransit.com/).
• DSS local offices: https://dss.sd.gov/localoffices/.
• State agencies located in Pierre: SD Office of Emergency Management (https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management).

Reservations and Tribal Communities

• IHS – Great Plains Area: facility and contact pages (https://www.ihs.gov/greatplains/).
• Title VI Tribal Elder Programs: find via ACL directory (https://olderindians.acl.gov/).
• Use 211 to find nearby food distributions, rides, and housing supports (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/).

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Assistive Technology and Accessibility

• DakotaLink (South Dakota’s Assistive Technology program): Device demonstrations, loans, and help finding funding for hearing, vision, mobility, and communication equipment (https://www.dakotalink.net/).
• Lifeline (phone/internet discount): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
• Telecommunications consumer help (billing, service issues): SD Public Utilities Commission (https://puc.sd.gov/consumers/).

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Step-by-Step: Applying for Common Benefits

1. Gather documents

• Photo ID (driver’s license or tribal ID), Social Security number if you have one, proof of address, utility bills, lease or mortgage, proof of income (award letters, pay stubs, or bank statements), and medical coverage cards.

2. Call first

• Ask what you qualify for and which application is fastest (phone, online, mail).
• General starting points: SD DSS benefits (https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/), SD Medicaid (https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/), SD LTSS (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/), Dakota at Home (https://dakotaathome.org/), and 211 (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/).

3. Submit and follow up

• Keep copies of your application and any confirmations.
• Mark your calendar for interviews, recertifications, and due dates.

4. If denied

• Read the denial letter. Many programs allow appeals or let you reapply with missing paperwork. Ask 211, SHIINE (https://shiine.net/), or legal aid for guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1) I heat with propane. Can LIHEAP help with a fuel delivery?
A: Yes, LIHEAP in South Dakota can help pay a portion of heating costs, including propane. Start with SD DSS Energy Assistance (https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/). If your tank is nearly empty, also call your vendor to ask about emergency fills and payment options.

Q2) How do I find a safe warm place during a blizzard or power outage?
A: Call 211 for open warming centers or shelters (https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/). Your county emergency manager may post locations; find contacts via SD Office of Emergency Management (https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management/local-emergency-managers).

Q3) Where do I report suspected elder abuse in South Dakota?
A: If immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, report to Adult Protective Services through South Dakota LTSS (program info: https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/). The Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps with issues in nursing homes and assisted living.

Q4) I’m on Medicare and my premiums are too high. Any help?
A: Ask about Medicare Savings Programs that help pay Part B premiums (https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/). For prescriptions, check Extra Help (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/). SHIINE can help you compare options (https://shiine.net/).

Q5) I need in-home help (bathing, meals, housework). Who do I call?
A: Call Dakota at Home (1-833-663-9673, https://dakotaathome.org/) or review SD LTSS services (https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/). You may qualify for in-home services or caregiver support.

Q6) I lost food during a long power outage. Can SNAP replace it?
A: If you get SNAP, you may be able to request replacement benefits after a disaster or extended outage. Contact SD DSS SNAP right away (https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/snap/). Keep a copy of your outage notice if available.

Q7) How do I get help repairing my home after storm damage?
A: If a federal disaster is declared, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov (https://www.disasterassistance.gov/). For low-income rural homeowners, USDA Section 504 may help with hazard repairs (https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants). Weatherization can address energy-related issues (https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program-south-dakota).

Q8) What property tax relief exists for seniors in South Dakota?
A: See the SD Department of Revenue’s property tax relief programs (such as the Assessment Freeze) and apply through your county (https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax/). Deadlines apply—check the current year’s date on the official site.

Q9) I live on a reservation. Do I apply through the state or the tribe?
A: Often both. Check tribal Title VI (ACL directory: https://olderindians.acl.gov/), IHS for health (https://www.ihs.gov/greatplains/), and state programs like LIHEAP (https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/) and Medicaid (https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/).

Q10) Is there still a federal internet discount?
A: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) funding lapsed in 2024. Check the FCC page for updates (https://www.fcc.gov/acp). Lifeline remains available (https://www.lifelinesupport.org/).

Q11) How can I get a ride to the doctor in winter?
A: If you have Medicaid, ask about NEMT (https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/). Otherwise, call 211 to locate local transit or volunteer rides. Book early, ask about weather policies, and keep backup plans.

Q12) Who can help me choose a Medicare plan or fix a billing issue?
A: Contact SHIINE for free, unbiased Medicare counseling (https://shiine.net/). They can help compare plans, check Extra Help, and address billing questions.

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More Program Tables (Handy Reference)

Table: Food and Nutrition

Table: Safety, Rights, and Support

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Tips to Avoid Delays

• Write down every call: date, time, who you spoke with, and next steps.
• Ask for a list of documents before you apply.
• If online forms are hard, ask about paper or phone applications. Libraries and senior centers often help with printing and scanning.
• If you don’t qualify for one program, ask, “What else might help?” and call 211.

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Resources (Official and Trusted)

• South Dakota 211 Helpline Center: https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/south-dakota-211/
• South Dakota Office of Emergency Management: https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management
• County Emergency Managers: https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management/local-emergency-managers
• Disaster Assistance (FEMA): https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• SBA Disaster Loans: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• South Dakota Department of Social Services (SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid): https://dss.sd.gov/
  • SNAP: https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/snap/
  • Energy Assistance (LIHEAP): https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/
  • Medicaid: https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/
  • Behavioral Health: https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/
• South Dakota Department of Human Services – Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS): https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/
• Dakota at Home (ADRC): https://dakotaathome.org/ (Phone: 1-833-663-9673)
• South Dakota Department of Health: https://doh.sd.gov/
• South Dakota Housing Development Authority (find housing): https://www.sdhda.org/renters/find-housing
• HUD South Dakota: https://www.hud.gov/states/south_dakota
• HUD Public Housing Agency contacts: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
• DOE Weatherization – South Dakota: https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program-south-dakota
• USDA Rural Development – Home Repair and SD Office:
  • Program: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
  • South Dakota: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sd
• Property Tax Relief Programs: SD Dept. of Revenue (https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/taxes/property-tax/)
• SHIINE (Medicare counseling): https://shiine.net/
• Extra Help (Part D): https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/
• Lifeline: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
• FCC ACP status: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
• VA – Find Locations: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
• SDDVA (state veterans): https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/
• IHS – Great Plains Area: https://www.ihs.gov/greatplains/
• ACL Title VI (Tribal elderly): https://olderindians.acl.gov/
• Feeding South Dakota – Find Food: https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/find-food
• Legal Aid: East River Legal Services (https://www.erlservices.org/), Dakota Plains Legal Services (https://www.dpls.org/)
• SD Public Utilities Commission – Consumers: https://puc.sd.gov/consumers/
• SAGE (LGBTQ+ elders): https://www.sageusa.org/
• Regional Transit: Sioux Area Metro (https://www.siouxfalls.org/sam), Rapid Transit System (https://www.rcgov.org/departments/rapid-transit-system.html), Prairie Hills Transit (https://www.prairiehillstransit.org/), River Cities Public Transit (https://rcptransit.com/), Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton (https://www.communitytransitinc.com/), People’s Transit (https://www.peoplestransit.com/)

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Disclaimer

Program rules, eligibility, funding levels, phone numbers, and websites can change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program website linked in this guide. If you find an error or a broken link, please tell us so we can fix it.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:
• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.