Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in South Dakota

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, step‑by‑step hub for keeping your heat, power, and water on in South Dakota. Every section starts with the most urgent thing to do, includes plain‑English eligibility and paperwork, and ends with a Plan B if that path stalls. You’ll find direct links and phone numbers to state agencies, utilities, counties, tribes, charities, and legal‑rights pages throughout this guide. For fastest help, use the emergency section below, then scan the Quick Help box.

South Dakota Department of Social Services — Energy & Weatherization • South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Consumer Assistance • Helpline Center 211 • SD Housing — SD CARES (Emergency Rental/Utility) • LIHEAP Clearinghouse — South Dakota Profile (dss.sd.gov)

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call the state energy crisis line now: Reach the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) crisis team at 1-800-233-8503. If you have a disconnect notice or less than 20% fuel in your tank, email it to DSSHeat@state.sd.us the same day. Apply online through DSS Energy Assistance and keep your confirmation. (dss.sd.gov)
• Ask your utility for a same‑day payment plan or medical hold: Call your provider’s credit/collections line before the shutoff date. Numbers: Black Hills Energy 1-888-890-5554, NorthWestern Energy 1-800-245-6977, Otter Tail Power 1-800-257-4044, Xcel Energy 1-800-895-4999. If a doctor certifies serious health risk, ask for a 30‑day medical extension; then send the note right away. (blackhillsenergy.com)
• Dial 211 to stack local help fast: Ask the Helpline Center 211 for “utility shutoff prevention” and “emergency energy” in your county; request a warm transfer to county Human Services and nearby charities. Download the 211 SD mobile app and save your referrals list. If phones are hard, use Relay South Dakota 711. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Quick Help Box — Save These Contacts

• State energy help: DSS Energy Assistance (LIHEAP/ECIP) • Apply online • 1-800-233-8503 (Option 1). (dss.sd.gov)
• Regulator escalation: PUC Consumer Affairs • Complaint form • 1-800-332-1782. (puc.sd.gov)
• City water offices: Sioux Falls Utilities 1-605-367-8131 • Rates/fees • Rapid City Water 1-605-394-4125. (siouxfalls.gov)
• Emergency rental/utility arrears (time‑limited): SD CARES (ERA2) • Apply • Helpline 1-605-339-4357. (sdhousing.org)
• Accessibility & language: Relay South Dakota (711) • FCC 711 TRS Guide • DSS language options. (relaysd.com)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in South Dakota Today

Start with the law and your most urgent options. South Dakota rules require extra notice in winter, offer medical extensions, and limit shutoffs on certain days. Use those protections while you line up payments.

PUC Consumer Assistance • Residential winter disconnection rule • Disconnection timing (no Fridays/holidays) • Medical emergency delay (puc.sd.gov)

• Ask for a payment plan right now: Call your utility’s credit department before the due date on the shutoff notice. Request a written arrangement and a hold while assistance is pending. Utilities include Black Hills Energy, NorthWestern Energy, and Otter Tail Power. Keep confirmation numbers and email a copy of your arrangement to yourself. (blackhillsenergy.com)
• Use the winter notice rule (Nov 1–Mar 31): Between November 1 and March 31, utilities must add 30 extra days to the normal timeline before disconnecting a home. You still owe the bill, but you get time to set up a plan, apply for LIHEAP, and catch up. Put “Winter Rule” in your notes when you call. (law.cornell.edu)
• Request a 30‑day medical extension: If shutoff would worsen a serious medical condition for anyone in your home, ask your doctor or a public health/social services official for a written certification and give it to the utility. That triggers a 30‑day delay; renew if allowed. Use Relay South Dakota 711 if you need TTY/VCO support for the call. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
• Know shutoff timing rules: Utilities can’t disconnect on Fridays, weekends, holidays, or after business hours. If your notice date falls then, you may get until the next business day—use the time to arrange a plan or get ECIP help. (law.cornell.edu)
• Escalate disputes: If the company won’t work with you or disconnects improperly, call PUC Consumer Affairs at 1-800-332-1782 and file the PUC complaint form. Ask for a “no‑disconnect” while PUC reviews the case. (puc.sd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call DSS Energy Assistance for ECIP crisis help, re‑ask your doctor for a medical hold note, and ask 211 for county Human Services plus one charity that can pledge today. Contact PUC to log the emergency and request mediation. (dss.sd.gov)

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Energy Bill Help

Apply for LIHEAP immediately if you pay for heat or it’s included in rent. South Dakota LIHEAP pays vendors directly and has a crisis line for shutoffs or near‑empty fuel tanks.

DSS Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) • Online application • Call 1-800-233-8503 • LIHEAP Clearinghouse SD (dss.sd.gov)

• Eligibility basics: You must complete an application, be responsible for heating costs, and meet income limits. For the 2025–2026 season, DSS lists 3‑month gross income limits such as $7,825(1person),$10,575 (2), $13,325(3),and$16,075 (4). Eligibility and benefit size depend on household size, income, fuel type, bill amount, and location. (dss.sd.gov)
• Crisis (ECIP) help: If you have a disconnect notice for your primary heat, COD required for fuel delivery with under 20% in tank, or risk eviction where heat is bundled with rent, you can request emergency assistance. Email or call the crisis line right away and upload your notice in the portal. (dss.sd.gov)
• Processing time: Regular applications are processed within 60 days; crisis requests are handled faster based on risk and funding. Check your status by calling 1-800-233-8503 (Option 1), and keep all reference numbers. (dss.sd.gov)
• Required documents: Proof of income for everyone 18+ for the 3 calendar months before the month you apply, plus a recent heating/electric bill, fill ticket, or a landlord statement if heat is in rent. Everyone 18+ must sign the application; use the printable form or the online portal. (dss.sd.gov)
• How funds are paid: If approved, DSS pays your energy vendor directly. Call your utility to tell them you applied and ask for a disconnect hold while payment posts. Use a one‑page screenshot of your DSS submission as proof. (dss.sd.gov)

2025–2026 LIHEAP Income Limits (3‑month gross)

Source: DSS Energy Assistance. Call to confirm current amounts before applying. (dss.sd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re over income by a little, ask about Weatherization and local charity pledges via 211. If you were denied for missing documents, upload the missing items and ask PUC Consumer Affairs to request a short disconnection delay while you re‑submit. (dss.sd.gov)

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Cut Bills Long‑Term

Weatherization lowers your usage and keeps your home safer. Crews seal leaks, add insulation, and fix or replace unsafe furnaces at no cost if you qualify. Four community action agencies serve different counties.

DSS Weatherization • Inter‑Lakes Community Action (ICAP) • GROW South Dakota • Western SD Community Action (dss.sd.gov)

• Start here: Complete the WAP application, then contact the agency for your county. Priority goes to homes with seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children. Expect a waitlist; ask about furnace safety checks before winter. (dss.sd.gov)
• Who serves your county: ICAP covers many East‑Central counties; GROW SD covers Northeast/north‑central; Western SD Community Action covers West River counties; ROCS serves parts of the Southeast. Call ahead or use 211 to confirm. (dss.sd.gov)
• Typical measures: Weather‑stripping, caulking, attic/wall/floor insulation, and furnace repair or replacement if unsafe. Ask for large‑print forms, language help, or TTY via Relay SD 711. (dss.sd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Re‑apply after income changes, ask your utility for energy‑saving programs (Black Hills Energy, Otter Tail Power, NorthWestern Energy), and ask PUC for ideas if your provider offers audits or rebates. (blackhillsenergy.com)

Water Bill Help in South Dakota: What Still Exists in 2025

Federal LIHWAP (water aid) ended; cities and charities fill the gap. Use payment plans, city discount programs, and county or nonprofit pledges to stop shutoffs.

ACF — LIHWAP (ended) • Sioux Falls Utilities • Rapid City Water Division • St. Vincent de Paul — Sioux Falls (acf.hhs.gov)

• Sioux Falls water/sewer: Call 1-605-367-8131 to request a payment plan. Fees as of 01/01/2025 include a $40 turn‑on fee during business hours and a 1% late fee (residential). Ask if you can avoid after‑hours reconnection charges. Use OneMeter portal to track use and set alerts. (siouxfalls.gov)
• Rapid City: Ask Utility Billing at 1-605-394-4125 for arrangements. Seniors and people with disabilities may qualify for a 25% discount via the city’s Utility Rate Relief Program. Rapid City also launched “City Utility Assist,” partnering with St. Vincent de Paul to help with city water/sewer/solid waste bills. (rcgov.org)
• Charities that pay water bills: In Sioux Falls, try The Community Outreach for shutoff prevention, St. Vincent de Paul for pledges, and Salvation Army Sioux Falls after you contact county Human Services. In Yankton and the Southeast, call ROCS about utility pledges. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply to SD CARES (ERA2) while funds remain, ask 211 for a same‑day charity pledge, and request a manager review at your city utility office (Sioux Falls, Rapid City). (sdhousing.org)

Utility Company Programs You Can Use Right Now

Every major utility offers payment arrangements; some offer medical extensions, budget billing, and community donation funds.

Black Hills Energy — Assistance Programs • NorthWestern Energy — Payment Assistance • Otter Tail Power — Billing Resources • Xcel Energy — Customer Service (blackhillsenergy.com)

• Black Hills Energy (electric/gas; Rapid City and other areas): Call 1-888-890-5554 for payment plans, budget billing, and a Medical Extension if service is medically essential. Ask about Black Hills Cares, a donor‑funded program matching customer/employee donations to help with bills. (blackhillsenergy.com)
• NorthWestern Energy (electric/gas; eastern SD): Call 1-800-245-6977 to set up a payment arrangement or due‑date extension, and ask for referrals to local LIHEAP and charities. Use your My Energy Account for online arrangements. Consider a “Gift of Energy” from family/friends. (northwesternenergy.com)
• Otter Tail Power (electric; northeast SD): Call 1-800-257-4044. Ask about Even Monthly Payment, off‑peak programs, and current riders. Check their South Dakota updates and rate dockets. (otpco.com)
• Xcel Energy (electric/gas; Sioux Falls area): Call 1-800-895-4999 to verify your account and arrange payments. Use only official numbers and beware of scammers demanding prepaid cards; hang up and call back on the official line. (newsroom.xcelenergy.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Re‑apply to LIHEAP/ECIP, ask about a medical extension with your provider, and request PUC mediation if you can’t reach a reasonable plan. Ask 211 to conference in a charity that can pledge today. (dss.sd.gov)

Your Rights During Disconnection: What the Rules Say

Use this snapshot to talk confidently to your utility and to regulators.

Learn more: Residential winter rule • Medical emergency protections • Disconnection timing • Notice rules (law.cornell.edu)

County, City, and Local Charity Help

Stack county poor‑relief, city programs, and nonprofits to bridge what LIHEAP doesn’t cover. Many programs require a current disconnect notice and proof you contacted your utility and county first.

Minnehaha/Lincoln County Human Services • Lincoln County Human Services • The Community Outreach (Sioux Falls) • Salvation Army Sioux Falls (minnehahacounty.gov)

• Minnehaha & Lincoln counties: Apply for emergency help with utility shutoffs, rent, and more. Minnehaha: 1-605-367-4217. Lincoln: 1-605-367-4217 in Sioux Falls or 1-605-764-8204 in Canton. After hours, dial 211. (minnehahacounty.gov)
• Sioux Falls charities: The Community Outreach offers utility shutoff prevention (often twice per year). St. Vincent de Paul can assist with utilities inside city limits. Salvation Army Sioux Falls helps with a one‑time pledge—bring your county decision letter first. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Southeast counties (Yankton, Clay, Davison, etc.): Contact ROCS — Rural Office of Community Services for emergency utility and rent help; a disconnect notice is often required. Ask about Weatherization too. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Northeast/North‑Central: GROW South Dakota manages Weatherization and housing supports across several counties. Call 1-605-698-7654 before winter. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• West River: Western SD Community Action can help with applications and connect you to emergency resources; call 1-605-348-1460. Rapid City’s Utility Rate Relief offers a 25% discount for eligible seniors or disabled residents. (wsdca.org)
• Emergency rental/utility arrears: The state’s SD CARES ERA2 accepted renter applications through July 11, 2025, with remaining funds processed in order; call 1-605-339-4357 to check status. (sdhousing.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 Helpline to locate a church‑based fund (like St. Vincent de Paul) or a civic donation program (Rapid City’s City Utility Assist). Re‑ask your city utility for a manager review. (rcgov.org)

Diverse Communities: Targeted Help and Access

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Call 211 and ask for inclusive shelters and funds plus utility help that serves your ZIP code. Use PUC Consumer Affairs if you face bias from a provider, and request TTY or language access via Relay South Dakota 711. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask DSS Energy Assistance about priority for Weatherization; request a 30‑day medical extension with your utility if shutoff risks health; use Relay SD 711 or request large‑print forms. For developmental disability supports, contact Volunteers of America, Dakotas for family support coordination. (dss.sd.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Ask VOA Dakotas Veterans Services about utility/rent assistance and housing navigation; some VA‑linked programs cover deposits and arrears. Combine with LIHEAP and PUC escalation if needed. (voa-dakotas.org)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: Use 211 for language‑friendly agencies that can conference‑call the utility, ask about interpreters at DSS, and use Relay SD 711 for Spanish relay if helpful. If you were laid off, ask 211 for legal aid and workforce programs. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Tribal members (on/near reservations): Many tribes run their own LIHEAP. Call your program first: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe LIHEAP 1-605-964-8384, Oglala Sioux Tribe LIHEAP 1-605-867-5169, Rosebud Sioux Tribe LIHEAP 1-605-747-5273, or Yankton Sioux Tribe 1-605-384-3641. Ask about emergency propane and furnace repair. (cheyenneriversioux.com)
• Rural single moms: If travel is tough, call 211 to find agencies that accept photos of documents by email or text; request mailed vouchers. Ask for mobile‑friendly applications like DSS online and discuss budget billing with your utility. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Single fathers: All programs above are gender‑neutral. You can apply to LIHEAP, call 211, and use PUC if you hit a barrier. (dss.sd.gov)
• Language access: Request interpreter services with DSS Energy Assistance, use Relay South Dakota 711 for Spanish relay, and read key pages using built‑in translation links on DSS. (dss.sd.gov)

Resources by Region

Use these quick, local routes to stop a shutoff and apply for help where you live.

Sioux Falls Water Bill Help

Start with the city, then stack county and charity pledges.

Sioux Falls Utilities • Water/Sewer rates & fees • Minnehaha/Lincoln Human Services • The Community Outreach (siouxfalls.gov)

• Action order: Call 1-605-367-8131 for a plan; apply to Minnehaha/Lincoln Human Services; then schedule The Community Outreach for a pledge. If needed, request St. Vincent de Paul. (siouxfalls.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Check SD CARES (ERA2) status; ask 211 for churches offering one‑time pledges; request more time from Sioux Falls Utilities. (sdhousing.org)

Rapid City Energy/Water Help

Combine the city program with county and charities.

Rapid City Water Division • Utility Rate Relief (25%) • City Utility Assist (donation fund) • Western SD Community Action (rcgov.org)

• Action order: Call 1-605-394-4125 to set a plan; apply for Rate Relief if eligible; ask about City Utility Assist. Stack LIHEAP and Western SD Community Action. (rcgov.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask PUC Consumer Affairs to mediate; contact Black Hills Energy for a medical extension or pledge; call 211. (puc.sd.gov)

Aberdeen, Watertown, Brookings, and the Northeast

GROW South Dakota • Inter‑Lakes Community Action • Helpline Center 211 • LIHEAP (DSS) (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

• Action order: Call GROW SD 1-605-698-7654 for Weatherization and referrals; apply to LIHEAP; contact Inter‑Lakes for emergency utilities; and ask 211 for local churches. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Yankton, Vermillion, Mitchell, and the Southeast

ROCS • Yankton Contact Center • Helpline Center 211 • LIHEAP (DSS) (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

• Action order: Call ROCS for utility arrears (disconnect notice needed), ask Yankton Contact Center for a pledge, and apply to LIHEAP. Contact 211 if phones are busy. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the crisis window: Waiting until the shutoff day to call the utility or LIHEAP reduces your options. Call your utility and DSS the day you get a notice; also call 211. (puc.sd.gov)
• Not sending medical proof: Telling a utility about a health risk isn’t enough. Send the doctor’s certification for the 30‑day delay. Read the disconnection protections and keep a copy. Use Relay SD as needed. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
• Applying to the wrong place first: In Sioux Falls, some charities (e.g., Salvation Army) ask for a county Human Services decision letter first. Confirm order with 211. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Falling for scams: If someone demands prepaid cards to stop a shutoff, hang up and call Xcel 1-800-895-4999, Black Hills 1-888-890-5554, or PUC. (stories.xcelenergy.com)

Reality Check: What to Expect in 2025

• Processing takes time: Non‑crisis LIHEAP can take up to 60 days; funds go straight to your vendor. Use payment plans to bridge the gap. Track your status at 1-800-233-8503. (dss.sd.gov)
• Winter rule isn’t a shutoff ban: From Nov 1–Mar 31 you get extra time, not automatic protection. Keep paying what you can and set a plan with the utility. See the winter disconnection rule. (law.cornell.edu)
• Water help is tighter: Federal LIHWAP ended; rely on city plans, county/charity pledges, and any remaining SD CARES ERA2 funds. (acf.hhs.gov)
• Phone and internet: The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024; use Lifeline for discounted phone or internet. Ask about Tribal Lifeline if you live on tribal lands. (puc.sd.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Energy crisis line (LIHEAP/ECIP): 1-800-233-8503 • Apply • Program page. (dss.sd.gov)
• Regulator/help with disputes: PUC Consumer Affairs 1-800-332-1782 • File a complaint • PUC home. (puc.sd.gov)
• Major utilities (billing/help): Black Hills Energy 1-888-890-5554 • NorthWestern 1-800-245-6977 • Otter Tail 1-800-257-4044 • Xcel 1-800-895-4999. (blackhillsenergy.com)
• City utilities: Sioux Falls Utilities 1-605-367-8131 • Rapid City Water 1-605-394-4125 • Water fees. (siouxfalls.gov)
• Live help and referrals: Helpline Center 211 • Relay SD (711) • Lifeline discounts. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Application Checklist (print or screenshot)

• Photo ID: Driver’s license, tribal ID, or state ID for adults 18+. Link: DSS Energy Assistance • Apply online • 211 live help. (dss.sd.gov)
• Proof of income (last 3 calendar months): Pay stubs, award letters (SSI/SSDI), unemployment printouts. Link: LIHEAP page • PUC budgeting tips • Relay SD 711. (dss.sd.gov)
• Latest utility bill or fuel ticket: Include account number and service address. Link: Black Hills Energy • NorthWestern Energy • Otter Tail Power. (blackhillsenergy.com)
• Landlord verification (if heat in rent): Ask your landlord to confirm heat is included and current. Link: DSS LIHEAP • PUC complaint form • 211. (dss.sd.gov)
• Medical letter (if needed): Doctor or public health note to request a 30‑day delay. Link: Disconnect protections • PUC consumer rights • Relay SD 711. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)

Quick Tables You Can Use

Major Utility Contacts and Programs

(blackhillsenergy.com)

South Dakota Disconnection Protections

(law.cornell.edu)

LIHEAP vs. Water Assistance (2025)

(dss.sd.gov)

Weatherization Agencies by Region

(dakotaathome.sd.gov)

City Water — Fees and Contact

Links: Sioux Falls rates/fees • Rapid City Water Division • Rate Relief form. (siouxfalls.gov)

If Your Application Gets Denied

• Read the letter line by line: Identify the reason (income, missing paperwork, not responsible for heat). Re‑apply with the missing item. Link: DSS Energy Assistance • Online portal • 211 help. (dss.sd.gov)
• Ask for a crisis review: If you’re at risk of shutoff or out of fuel, call 1-800-233-8503 and email your disconnect notice to DSSHeat@state.sd.us. Keep timestamps. Link: PUC Consumer Affairs. (dss.sd.gov)
• Escalate respectfully: Request a supervisor review at DSS and ask your utility for more time. If needed, file a PUC complaint. Link: ARSD winter rule. (puc.sd.gov)
• Bridge with charities: Ask The Community Outreach or St. Vincent de Paul for a pledge while you appeal. Link: 211. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Safety Notes You Shouldn’t Skip

• Carbon monoxide: Never use an oven for heat; install CO detectors outside bedrooms and near gas appliances. If an alarm sounds, go outside and call 911. Learn more from South Dakota DOH. Pair this with Weatherization to fix ventilation issues. Use Relay SD 711 if you need TTY/VCO to contact agencies. (doh.sd.gov)
• Phone/internet savings: With ACP ended, apply for Lifeline to reduce phone/internet bills; this helps free cash for utilities. Use FCC ACP update for program status context. (puc.sd.gov)

FAQs (South Dakota Utility Help — Detailed Answers)

1. How fast can LIHEAP pay my bill during a crisis: If you have a disconnect notice or under 20% fuel, call 1-800-233-8503 and upload your notice. Crisis timing depends on risk and funding; ask your utility to hold while DSS processes. Use the online portal. (dss.sd.gov)
2. Does South Dakota have a winter shutoff ban: No full ban, but from Nov 1–Mar 31 utilities must add 30 extra days before shutoff. Keep paying what you can and set a plan. Read ARSD 20:10:20:10 and call PUC with disputes. (law.cornell.edu)
3. Can a medical condition stop a shutoff: A doctor or public health/social service certification can delay disconnection 30 days. Ask your utility for instructions and renew if allowed. See disconnect protections and use Relay SD 711 if you need TTY. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
4. What if my heat is included in rent: You can still apply to LIHEAP with a landlord statement verifying heat is part of rent. If you’re being evicted over utility‑included rent, ask for ECIP help and call PUC if a utility is involved. (dss.sd.gov)
5. Is there water bill assistance: Federal LIHWAP ended; rely on city payment plans (Sioux Falls Utilities, Rapid City Water), county help, and charities. Check remaining SD CARES funds. (acf.hhs.gov)
6. How do I file a complaint if my utility won’t work with me: Call PUC Consumer Affairs at 1-800-332-1782 and submit the complaint form. Ask your utility to pause disconnection until the PUC reviews. (puc.sd.gov)
7. Where can I get help in Sioux Falls this week: Try Minnehaha/Lincoln Human Services, then The Community Outreach, and St. Vincent de Paul. Always call 211 if phones are busy. (minnehahacounty.gov)
8. Are there utility discounts for seniors/disabilities: Rapid City offers a 25% Utility Rate Relief. Ask your utility about budget billing or medical extensions. Seniors everywhere should still apply to LIHEAP. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
9. What should I do about phone/internet bills: With ACP ended, apply to Lifeline for phone/internet discounts and ask providers for low‑income plans. Keep more cash for utilities. Program status is on the FCC ACP page. (puc.sd.gov)
10. Which tribal offices handle energy help: Contact your tribal LIHEAP: Cheyenne River 1-605-964-8384, Oglala 1-605-867-5169, Rosebud 1-605-747-5273, Yankton 1-605-384-3641. Ask about emergency fuel. (cheyenneriversioux.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work

If you’ve tried LIHEAP, your utility, and local agencies without success, escalate and broaden the net:

• File with the regulator: Submit a PUC complaint and tell your utility; ask for a hold during review. Use Relay SD 711 for TTY/VCO if needed. (puc.sd.gov)
• Add safety nets: Call 211 for churches or civic funds and request a warm transfer. If in Rapid City, ask about City Utility Assist. (rcgov.org)
• Reduce usage/risk: Apply for Weatherization and read CO safety tips. Ask your utility about budget billing. (dss.sd.gov)

Spanish summary | Resumen en español

Esta sección fue traducida con herramientas de IA. Verifique detalles y montos con las agencias oficiales antes de aplicar.

• Energía (LIHEAP/ECIP): Solicite ayuda de calefacción en DSS — Energy Assistance o por teléfono 1-800-233-8503. Use la solicitud en línea. Si tiene aviso de corte o menos del 20% de combustible, pida ayuda de crisis (ECIP). (dss.sd.gov)
• Protecciones en invierno: Del 1 de noviembre al 31 de marzo, la empresa debe añadir 30 días extra antes del corte. Todavía tiene que pagar, pero gana tiempo para un plan de pago. Lea ARSD 20:10:20:10. (law.cornell.edu)
• Agua: LIHWAP terminó; use planes de pago de la ciudad (Sioux Falls Utilities, Rapid City Water) y pida ayuda a caridades vía 211. Revise fondos de SD CARES si quedan. (acf.hhs.gov)
• Quejas y mediación: Llame a PUC 1-800-332-1782 o presente la queja en línea. Use Relay SD (711) para TTY/VCO. (puc.sd.gov)
• Organizaciones locales: The Community Outreach, St. Vincent de Paul, ROCS, GROW SD, Western SD Community Action. Llame primero al 211 para ver disponibilidad actual. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• South Dakota Department of Social Services — Energy & Weatherization
• South Dakota Public Utilities Commission — Consumer Assistance
• Helpline Center 211
• South Dakota Housing Development Authority — SD CARES (ERA2)
• City of Sioux Falls — Utilities & Water Rates
• Rapid City Water Division — Utility Rate Relief
• Black Hills Energy — Assistance Programs
• NorthWestern Energy — Payment Assistance
• Otter Tail Power — Billing Resources
• ACF — LIHWAP Program Status
• PUC — Lifeline Phone/Internet Discount
• Relay South Dakota (711)

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance. Program rules, funding, and timelines change. Always confirm current availability and amounts with your utility, county office, or state agency before applying. Use official channels like DSS Energy Assistance, PUC Consumer Affairs, and Helpline Center 211 for the latest updates and decisions. If you are in immediate danger from extreme cold or heat, call 911 and consider temporary shelter while you stabilize your utilities. (dss.sd.gov)

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Notes on timelines, amounts, and sources

• According to DSS (accessed September 2025), 2025–2026 LIHEAP uses the 3‑month income limits shown above and processes standard applications within 60 days; crisis requests are prioritized. Always call to confirm current guidelines. (dss.sd.gov)
• South Dakota’s winter rule adds 30 days to the normal timeline between Nov 1–Mar 31; it is not a full moratorium. Utilities must also avoid shutoffs on Fridays, weekends, and holidays. (law.cornell.edu)
• LIHWAP ended nationwide; look to city plans and ERA2 where available for water support. (acf.hhs.gov)
• Lifeline remains active; ACP ended in 2024. Use Lifeline for ongoing communications discounts. (puc.sd.gov)

If you need help filling forms or calling, request language access or TTY support via Relay South Dakota 711 and ask each agency for large‑print or translated applications. (relaysd.com)

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Stay organized, take screenshots, and line up a payment plan the same day you apply. You’re not asking for anything special—these programs exist to keep families safe. Use the links here to move fast and get your account stabilized.

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• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery