Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
South Dakota’s main statewide heating program is Low Income Energy Assistance, often called LIEAP or LIHEAP. It can pay part of an eligible household’s home heating costs directly to the energy supplier. It does not usually pay the full bill, and approval is not automatic.
Applications can still be submitted, but the state says applications received after March 31 are processed for the next heating season. If you have a current shutoff notice, less than 20% fuel in a cash-on-delivery tank, or an eviction notice because heat is included in rent, call the Office of Energy Assistance at 800-233-8503 and ask about crisis help.
Start with your utility, the DSS energy page, and 211. The ASMOM national utility guide explains the main types of utility help across the country.
If shutoff is close
Call the utility before the shutoff date. Ask for the smallest payment or agreement that will stop disconnection, whether a pledge from an agency will hold the account, and whether a medical postponement applies. Write down the worker’s name, date, and confirmation number.
Call or text South Dakota 211. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211. Ask for utility shutoff prevention, delivered-fuel help, county assistance, Community Action, and local charity funds.
If the dispute involves an investor-owned electric, natural gas, or telephone company, contact the PUC complaint office at 605-773-3201 or 800-332-1782 after trying to resolve the problem with the company.
If loss of service is tied to housing, food, or another crisis, use the ASMOM South Dakota emergency guide while you work on the bill.
Where to start
Heating bill
Apply for LIEAP and send the current heat and electric bills with income proof. Call the state if a crisis notice arrives.
Electric shutoff
Call the company first. Ask about an agreement, agency pledge, medical delay, budget billing, and company hardship help.
Water or sewer
Contact the local city, rural water system, or tribal provider. Water help is mainly local because statewide LIHWAP funding has ended.
High bills every month
Ask about weatherization. It is not emergency money, but approved home improvements may lower future energy use.
For a wider state plan, use the ASMOM South Dakota help guide.
Quick reference: which help to try
| Problem | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Home heating bill | Apply for South Dakota LIEAP | The benefit is supplemental and goes to the supplier. |
| Heat crisis | Call 800-233-8503 | You must meet income and crisis rules. |
| Electric or gas shutoff | Call the company and 211 | A pledge may not cover the full balance. |
| Water or sewer arrears | Call the local provider | There is no active statewide LIHWAP benefit. |
| Phone or internet cost | Apply for Lifeline | Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. |
Low Income Energy Assistance
South Dakota LIEAP helps eligible households with home heating costs. Eligibility depends on household size, gross income, primary heat type, heating cost, and county. If approved, the state sends the payment to the energy supplier. A household cannot receive both state and tribal LIHEAP in the same program year.
Natural gas and electric heating benefits can be applied to unpaid heating charges from regular meter-read dates between October 1 and May 15. Propane and fuel-oil benefits can be applied to unpaid charges from fills between July 1 and April 30. The program cannot reimburse a heating cost that has already been paid.
Renters may qualify when heat is included in rent or paid to the landlord in addition to rent. The state may ask for a landlord statement showing the heat type and how the heating cost is paid.
Current income limits
The state page still lists the following limits for the 2025–2026 heating season. Because applications received after March 31 are processed for the next season, check the official page for updated limits before relying on these amounts.
| Household size | Maximum three-month income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $7,825 |
| 2 | $10,575 |
| 3 | $13,325 |
| 4 | $16,075 |
| 5 | $18,825 |
| 6 | $21,575 |
| 7 | $22,514 |
| 8 | $23,014 |
| 9 | $23,514 |
| 10 | $24,431 |
How to apply
Use the online option on the state page or complete the energy application. You may email the signed form and proof to DSSHeat@state.sd.us or mail it to the Office of Energy Assistance, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501.
The current application says eligibility decisions can take up to 60 days. Call 800-233-8503 and choose option 1 to check status. If more proof is needed, the state sends a request by mail.
Do not wait for every paper
Submit the signed application, then send requested proof as quickly as possible. Keep copies and confirmation that email, mail, or online uploads were received.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program can help a household that is income eligible for heating assistance and has a qualifying crisis. The state lists three common crisis paths:
- A current disconnection notice for the primary heat source.
- A cash-on-delivery requirement or delivery refusal with less than 20% fuel in the tank.
- An eviction notice for nonpayment when heat is included in rent or paid to the landlord.
Call the Office of Energy Assistance during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Outside those hours, leave your name, phone number, and a short description of the crisis.
Crisis help is not guaranteed, and the state may need the current notice, supplier information, and income proof. Continue talking with the utility or fuel supplier while the case is reviewed.
South Dakota shutoff protections
South Dakota’s rules give some residential customers more time, but they do not create a complete winter shutoff ban. The official winter disconnection rule adds 30 days to the normal notice period for covered residential service from November 1 through March 31.
A medical emergency can also postpone disconnection. South Dakota PUC guidance says a doctor’s statement that shutoff would aggravate a household member’s medical condition can delay disconnection for 30 days. Ask the utility for the exact certificate and deadline. This protection does not cancel the balance and is generally a one-time 30-day postponement.
Coverage depends on the provider
The PUC mainly handles investor-owned electric, natural gas, and telephone companies. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives may have different complaint paths. Ask the provider who reviews disputes if the PUC does not regulate it.
Utility company payment programs
Company programs serve only that utility’s customers. Availability, income rules, and payment terms can change. Call before a due date when possible.
| Company | Current starting point | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Black Hills Energy | South Dakota assistance | Black Hills Cares, payment arrangements, and LIEAP steps. |
| NorthWestern Energy | Payment assistance | A due-date extension, payment plan, and local referrals. |
| Otter Tail Power | Uplift program | Whether current LIHEAP approval and monthly payments are required. |
| Xcel Energy | Xcel assistance | Payment arrangements, energy assistance, and bill-management options. |
| Montana-Dakota Utilities | Low-income programs | State LIEAP, payment options, and local assistance partners. |
If you use a cooperative or municipal utility, ask about Operation Round Up, member assistance, budget billing, due-date changes, and local charity partners.
Weatherization can lower future bills
South Dakota weatherization provides no-cost energy improvements for eligible households. Work may include air sealing, insulation, weather-stripping, heating-system repair or replacement, and repairs needed to protect the energy work.
The state uses household income to decide eligibility and gives priority to older adults, people with disabilities, families with children, and single-family homes. Funds are limited, so a household may be placed on a waiting list. Renters may qualify with written landlord permission, and the landlord may need to contribute.
Four Community Action agencies cover the state. Use the Community Action list to find the agency for your county. The ASMOM Community Action guide explains what to ask when you call.
Weatherization is not a same-day shutoff payment. It is a longer-term step to reduce future use. The federal Energy Saver guide also gives safe ways to lower energy use while you wait.
Water, sewer, phone, and internet help
The federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program was temporary and no longer has household funding. For water or sewer arrears, contact the provider on the bill and ask about a payment agreement, leak adjustment, local fund, or county referral.
Sioux Falls customers can use the city billing page for account and payment information. Rapid City offers a 25% rate discount for qualifying customers age 65 or older or people who meet the program’s disability rules.
For phone or internet, the federal Lifeline program provides up to $9.25 monthly for eligible households and up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household.
The ASMOM phone and internet guide explains qualification and application steps.
Tribal LIHEAP and Tribal Lifeline
Several tribes and tribal organizations run their own LIHEAP programs. Rules, service areas, fuel types, and application dates may differ from the state program. Use the federal tribal guide or contact your tribal social services office.
The state application says a household cannot receive both state and tribal energy assistance in the same year. Ask which program should handle your home before accepting benefits from either one.
Eligible residents of qualifying Tribal lands may also receive the enhanced Lifeline amount and may qualify for Tribal Link Up. Ask the phone or internet provider whether it participates.
Documents and information to gather
Requirements vary, but the current state application asks for the following types of proof. The ASMOM documents checklist can help you organize copies.
| Information | Possible proof | Helpful step |
|---|---|---|
| Heating account | Current bill, fill ticket, or supplier statement | Include the account number and heat type. |
| Electric account | Most recent electric statement | Send it even when electricity is not the main heat. |
| Household income | Three full months of pay or benefit proof | Use gross amounts before deductions. |
| Self-employment | Complete most recent tax return | Include all required pages and schedules. |
| Heat in rent | Signed landlord statement | Show the heat type and payment arrangement. |
| Crisis | Disconnect, delivery refusal, or eviction notice | Send the newest notice immediately. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until shutoff day. Call the utility and state office as soon as a notice arrives.
- Using the weatherization limits. LIEAP and weatherization have different larger-household tables.
- Leaving out an adult signature. The state brochure says all household members age 18 or older must sign.
- Sending bank statements as income proof. The current application says bank statements are not accepted for that purpose.
- Paying before approval. LIEAP does not reimburse heating expenses already paid.
- Applying to two LIHEAP programs. A household cannot receive both state and tribal benefits in the same year.
If help is denied, delayed, or too low
Read the notice and check the household members, income months, heat source, supplier, and documents used. Call the Office of Energy Assistance and ask what was missing or how the benefit was calculated.
The current state application says a person may request a fair hearing within 60 days of the denial or benefit notice. The request goes to the Department of Social Services, Office of Administrative Hearings, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2291.
For a utility dispute, contact the company first. If it is an investor-owned provider and the problem remains, contact the PUC. Keep bills, notices, account notes, payment receipts, and names of workers.
The ASMOM benefits problem guide can help you track calls and deadlines. Use the ASMOM South Dakota legal guide when you need help with a hearing, housing issue, or complicated utility dispute.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling the utility
“I have a shutoff notice for [date]. What payment or agreement will stop disconnection? I am applying for assistance. Will an agency pledge hold the account, and what confirmation should I keep?”
Calling Energy Assistance
“I need help with my primary heating cost. I have [a disconnect notice, less than 20% fuel, or heat included in rent]. What proof should I send today, and how can I check the case status?”
Calling 211
“I live in ZIP code [ZIP] and need help with [heat, electric, water, or phone]. Please check open utility funds, Community Action, county help, and local charities.”
Calling the PUC
“I contacted my utility on [date], but the billing or shutoff issue is not resolved. Is this company regulated by the PUC, and what information do you need to review my complaint?”
Resumen en español
South Dakota LIEAP ayuda a algunos hogares de bajos ingresos con el costo principal de calefacción. Las solicitudes recibidas después del 31 de marzo se procesan para la próxima temporada de calefacción.
Si tiene una desconexión, menos de 20% de combustible o una carta de desalojo porque la calefacción está incluida en la renta, llame al 800-233-8503. También llame a la compañía y al 211.
Guarde las facturas, avisos, comprobantes de ingresos y nombres de trabajadores. Si le niegan LIEAP, puede pedir una audiencia dentro de 60 días de la carta.
FAQs about South Dakota utility help
Is South Dakota LIEAP open now?
You can submit an application, but the state says applications received after March 31 are processed for the next heating season. Check the current income limits before applying.
What does LIEAP pay?
LIEAP pays part of eligible home heating costs. The payment normally goes to the energy supplier. It does not reimburse heating expenses that have already been paid.
Who qualifies for crisis heating help?
An income-eligible household may qualify with a current primary-heat disconnect notice, a cash-on-delivery tank below 20%, or an eviction notice when heat is included in rent.
Does winter stop all utility shutoffs?
No. For covered residential service, South Dakota adds 30 days to the normal notice period from November 1 through March 31. The debt and payment duties remain.
Can a medical condition delay shutoff?
A doctor’s statement that shutoff would aggravate a household member’s medical condition can postpone covered service disconnection for 30 days. Ask the utility for its exact form.
Can I appeal a LIEAP denial?
Yes. The current application says you may request a fair hearing within 60 days of the denial or benefit notice. Follow the instructions in your letter.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.