Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
South Dakota Child Care Assistance can help pay part of your child care bill if you meet income rules and work, go to school, or meet another approved activity rule. The help is paid to an approved child care provider, not to you. You may still have a co-pay or extra cost if your provider charges more than the state payment limit.
The fastest place to start is the official Child Care Assistance page. You can use the state online application, check the current income limits, and look for a provider in the provider search before you call centers.
If you need help beyond child care, use our South Dakota guide to state help and our national guide to child care help for a wider view.
Urgent help if you could lose work, school, or safe care
If you need care right away, apply and call the same day. South Dakota says completed applications must be processed within 10 working days, but missing papers or a provider who is not ready can slow things down.
- Call Child Care Services at 800-227-3020 and ask what is missing from your file.
- Dial 211 for the Child Care Helpline, which can help you look for care, including nontraditional hours or special needs care.
- Use 211 help if you also need food, rent, utility, shelter, or local emergency help.
- If you have a safety concern about a child care provider, use the state licensing page for reporting options.
Where to start
Do these steps first. You do not need a perfect plan before you begin.
1. Check the basics
Look at the current income chart and work or school rules. If you are close to the line, apply anyway and let DSS decide.
2. Pick a provider
The application asks you to choose a provider. You can use a licensed center, registered family day care, approved relative, in-home provider, or approved informal care.
3. Submit fast
Send the application, pay stubs, school schedule, and any other proof you have. If one item is missing, ask DSS how to send it later.
Families who need food, health care, utility help, or cash help can also check SNAP in South Dakota, South Dakota WIC, health care help, and South Dakota TANF while you work on care.
Quick reference table
| Question | Short answer | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it? | South Dakota Department of Social Services, Child Care Services. | Start on the official DSS page. |
| What does it pay? | Part of approved child care costs while a parent works, goes to school, or meets another approved rule. | Apply and ask DSS what your family share will be. |
| How long does review take? | A complete application must be processed within 10 working days. | Call if you do not hear back after that time. |
| Where does the money go? | Payments go to the provider. Parents do not receive the payment. | Ask your provider if they can bill DSS. |
| Can relatives help? | Some relatives can be approved if they meet program rules. | Tell DSS the provider is a relative and ask for the packet. |
| Where can I get help finding care? | The Child Care Helpline can give referrals. | Dial 211 or submit the helpline intake form. |
Who may qualify
You may qualify if you live in South Dakota, need child care for an approved reason, meet income rules, and use a provider that can be paid by the program. A parent, guardian, or adult exercising parental control can apply.
South Dakota’s FAQ lists several common activity paths. You may qualify if you are working at least 80 hours per month, getting TANF and in an approved work activity, going to a qualifying school or training program, attending college at least 80 hours per month, taking at least 12 semester credit hours, or attending high school or GED classes. For two-parent homes, both parents usually must meet the activity rule. The state also says you must have at least a 30-day need for child care, and help is not available for education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Read the state DSS FAQ before you apply.
Child support cooperation
South Dakota’s application says you must enroll and cooperate with child support for any noncustodial parent of children under 18 in your home. If cooperation would not be safe or would not be in your child’s best interest, ask Child Care Services about an exception and what proof they need. You can also read our guide to child support and contact legal help if safety, custody, or court issues are involved.
Income limits for 2026
South Dakota uses adjusted monthly income based on 209% of the Federal Poverty Level. These limits are effective March 1, 2026. DSS may count some income and not count other income, so do not guess based only on your paycheck. Apply if you are close.
| Family size | Adjusted monthly income limit |
|---|---|
| 2 | $3,769 |
| 3 | $4,758 |
| 4 | $5,748 |
| 5 | $6,737 |
| 6 | $7,726 |
| 7 | $8,715 |
DSS says countable unearned income can include TANF, child support, unemployment, Social Security, alimony, and some other payments. DSS also lists some items that are not counted, such as student financial aid, SSI disability, VA disability, Earned Income Tax Credit payments, and IRS tax refunds.
Tip
If your income changes often, such as seasonal work, new hours, tips, or self-employment, ask DSS what proof they need. Do not skip applying because one month looked too high.
How to apply
You can apply online, print and mail an application, email your completed forms, fax them, or drop paperwork at a local DSS office. South Dakota says child care applications are processed in Pierre, but a local office can help send papers to the right place. Use the DSS local office finder if you need in-person help.
Completed applications can be sent to South Dakota Department of Social Services, Child Care Services, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2291. DSS also lists CCS@state.sd.us and fax 605-773-7294. For questions, call 800-227-3020.
| Document or detail | Why it matters | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Shows who is applying. | Ask DSS what else can work if you do not have one. |
| Child information | Shows who needs care. | You may be asked for proof such as birth certificates. |
| Last two pay stubs | Helps DSS check income. | New job? Ask for a wage verification form. |
| School schedule | Shows qualifying school or training hours. | Use an official schedule when possible. |
| Provider name | The application asks you to choose a provider. | Ask if the provider can accept DSS payment. |
| Self-employment records | Shows income after allowed business costs. | DSS may ask for tax forms and schedules. |
| Child support details | Program rules may require cooperation. | Ask about an exception if safety is a concern. |
If you are missing one document, submit what you can and ask how to send the rest. Keep a copy or screenshot of what you send, the date, and the name of any worker you spoke with.
Choosing a child care provider
The provider must meet state rules before DSS can pay them. South Dakota allows licensed or registered providers, certain relatives, in-home providers, and informal care providers who care only for your children. All providers must be at least 18.
Relatives may include a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, uncle, or non-resident sibling. In-home and informal providers have extra steps, including forms, CPR with hands-on testing, orientation, background screening, and home inspection rules. Care before the provider meets the rules may not be reimbursed.
| Provider type | May work for subsidy? | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed center | Yes, if active and approved. | Ask if they have openings and accept DSS certificates. |
| Registered family day care | Yes, if active and approved. | Good to check for infant and toddler openings early. |
| Relative provider | Maybe, if the relationship and rules fit. | Provider must complete the required packet. |
| In-home provider | Maybe, if approved. | Rules must be met before payment can start. |
| Informal family friend | Maybe, if approved. | They can care only for your children under this option. |
Before you enroll, use the provider profile to check inspections, compliance plans, corrective actions, and available details. Providers who receive CCDF funds must pass required background screenings, including South Dakota criminal registry, sex offender registry, child abuse and neglect registry, NCIC, and FBI checks. DSS explains this on the background screening page.
Costs, co-pays, and provider payments
South Dakota uses a sliding fee scale. DSS decides your family share after reviewing your case. If approved, you receive a child care certificate that shows the amount of help, your eligibility period, and other important rules. DSS sends a copy to the provider, and the provider requests payment from Child Care Services.
The payment does not go to parents. South Dakota’s FAQ says payments are made directly to the provider. You are responsible for your co-pay and any cost above the allowed amount. The maximum hours are based on your work and school schedule, with a limit of 210 hours per month per child.
State payment limits vary by county, provider type, and child age. The rate sheets for center care and family child care are effective July 1, 2024, and include special rules for some infant/toddler and special needs care. Review the state center rate sheet and family rate sheet before you sign a contract if the monthly cost is tight.
Watch out for overages
A provider can charge more than the state pays. Ask, “Will my parent share be only the DSS co-pay, or will I owe any amount above the state rate?” Get the answer in writing if you can.
Other child care and family help
Child Care Assistance is the main subsidy, but it may not solve every problem. These other programs can lower other costs or help fill child care gaps.
- Head Start and Early Head Start: South Dakota Head Start programs serve pregnant women and children from birth to age 5 with free comprehensive services, when eligible and available. Use the state Head Start office page and the federal center locator.
- Tribal CCDF: If you or your child are tribal citizens, ask your Tribe whether it has child care help with separate rules. The federal Tribal CCDF list is a starting point.
- SNAP and WIC: SNAP can help with groceries through South Dakota DSS, and WIC can help pregnant women, postpartum parents, infants, and young children with nutrition support. Start with official South Dakota SNAP and South Dakota WIC.
- TANF and work support: TANF can connect some families to cash help and work activities. Use the DSS TANF page, and check our job training page for related help.
- Community Action: South Dakota Community Action agencies may help with weatherization, transportation, food pantries, and emergency services. DSS lists them on the Community Assistance page.
- Utilities and housing: If child care costs are part of a bigger budget crisis, check housing help, emergency help, and the official energy help page.
- After school and summer: If you need care for a school-age child, look at local schools, parks, Boys & Girls Clubs, libraries, and our guide to summer programs.
- Baby supplies: For diapers, formula support, and children's basics, start with WIC and local 211, then check our page on baby gear.
If you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed
If DSS says no, ask for the reason in writing and read the notice. It should explain why you were denied and what you can do next. Sometimes the problem is missing pay proof, a provider who has not completed steps, income counted incorrectly, or an activity rule that needs better proof.
If you have not heard back after 10 working days from a complete application, call Child Care Services and ask for a status check. Use our page on community support if you need help making calls, printing papers, finding a ride, or getting local referrals.
Backup plan
- Ask your provider if they can hold a spot while DSS finishes the case.
- Ask 211 for providers with openings near work, school, or your child's school.
- Apply to Head Start or Early Head Start if your child is the right age.
- Ask DSS if a relative, in-home, or informal provider can be approved.
- Apply for food, health, and utility help so your cash can stretch further.
Phone scripts
Call Child Care Services
“Hi, I applied for Child Care Assistance on [date]. My name is [name]. Can you tell me if my application is complete, whether anything is missing, and when I should expect a decision?”
Call a provider
“Hi, I am applying for South Dakota Child Care Assistance. Do you accept DSS child care certificates? Do you have openings for a [age] child, and would I owe any cost above my DSS co-pay?”
Call 211
“Hi, I need child care near [city or work area]. My hours are [hours]. I am applying for assistance. Can you help me find licensed, registered, or approved providers with openings?”
Call if child support cooperation is unsafe
“Hi, I am applying for Child Care Assistance, but I have a safety concern about child support cooperation. Can you explain the exception process and what documentation I should provide?”
Resumen en espanol
South Dakota Child Care Assistance puede ayudar a pagar parte del cuidado infantil si usted cumple con las reglas de ingresos y trabaja, estudia o cumple otra actividad aprobada. El pago va al proveedor, no al padre o madre.
Empiece con la solicitud oficial, tenga listos sus talones de pago, horario de escuela si estudia, informacion de sus hijos y el nombre del proveedor. Si necesita ayuda para encontrar cuidado, llame al 211. Si tiene una preocupacion de seguridad relacionada con manutencion de hijos, pregunte a Child Care Services sobre una excepcion.
FAQ
Can single mothers get child care assistance in South Dakota?
Yes, if they meet the same program rules as other eligible families. South Dakota looks at income, approved activity, need for care, and whether the provider can be paid by the program.
How many hours do I need to work?
A common rule is working at least 80 hours per month. School, training, TANF work activity, high school, or GED can also qualify in some cases. Check with DSS for your exact situation.
Does South Dakota pay me or the child care provider?
South Dakota pays the approved provider. Parents are not paid directly. You may still owe a co-pay or any amount above the state payment limit.
Can my mom, aunt, or another relative be paid?
Some relatives may be approved, such as a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, uncle, or non-resident sibling, if all program rules are met. The provider must complete required steps before payment can start.
What if my child has special needs?
South Dakota may allow a higher reimbursement rate for a child with documented special needs, including some children up to age 19. Ask your caseworker what proof is needed.
What if I am denied?
Read the written notice, ask what proof is missing or what rule was not met, and follow the appeal or review instructions in the notice. Call 800-227-3020 if you need clarification.
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 May 19, 2026, next review August 19, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org with correction details.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.