Credit Repair and Financial Recovery for Single Mothers in South Dakota
Credit Repair & Financial Recovery for Single Mothers in South Dakota
Last updated: September 2025
Emergency help you can use right now
- If you or your child are in immediate danger: call 911.
 - 24/7 mental health or suicide crisis support: call or text 988.
 - Statewide resource navigation for rent, food, diapers, shelters, child care, legal aid, and more: dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211. For Spanish, call 1‑888‑628‑9454. See state information at the South Dakota Department of Health page. (doh.sd.gov)
 - Consumer scams, debt collection abuse, or predatory lending concerns: call the South Dakota Attorney General Division of Consumer Protection at 1‑800‑300‑1986 or 605‑773‑4400. File a complaint online if needed. (consumer.sd.gov, atg.sd.gov)
 - Free legal help for low‑income families: East River Legal Services 800‑952‑3015 and Dakota Plains Legal Services main line 605‑301‑8060 with regional offices listed on their sites. (erlservices.org, dpls.org)
 - Identity theft plan and police‑report walkthrough: use IdentityTheft.gov and request a free credit freeze at all three bureaus. Free freezes are guaranteed under federal law. (consumer.ftc.gov)
 
Quick help box
- Protect your credit first: place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion and pull your free weekly credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
 - Stabilize cash flow next: apply for SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, Medicaid, and Child Care Assistance as applicable. Use the direct links and the statewide application numbers below.
 - Stop unfair collection: demand a CFPB‑compliant validation notice and dispute in writing within the time window. See the dispute and validation rule links below.
 - If rent or utilities are in crisis: call 211 immediately to identify local funds or short‑term shelter. Then add LIHEAP and housing resources.
 - If income dropped due to job loss: apply for South Dakota Reemployment Assistance right away and keep your weekly certifications current.
 - For large debt loads: talk to a nonprofit credit counselor before signing any debt settlement contract. Consider timelines for bankruptcy only after getting counsel.
 
What this guide covers that most search results miss
- Concrete South Dakota numbers and contacts: current income caps, benefit amounts, application links, and phone numbers for South Dakota programs.
 - State‑specific money protections: the 36 percent APR cap for state‑licensed money lenders, the 20 percent wage‑garnishment ceiling formula, and time limits on suing for most consumer debts. (law.justia.com, dlr.sd.gov, findlaw.com)
 - Fast action steps you can do in minutes and realistic timelines.
 - Plan B paths when applications are denied or waitlists are long.
 
Quick reference cheat sheet
| Program | Who it helps | Key income rule | Typical benefit | How to apply | 
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP Food Assistance | Low‑to‑moderate income families | State uses federal SNAP rules with 130 percent gross income test shown on DSS site | Max for 4 is $975 monthly in FY 2025 | Apply online or at local DSS office, call 877‑999‑5612 for help | 
| WIC | Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, kids under 5 | 185 percent FPL | Monthly CVB for fruits and veggies is 26∗∗children,∗∗26** children, **47 pregnant or postpartum, $52 breastfeeding | Apply at WIC offices statewide or online | 
| TANF | Families with children who need temporary cash | Needs‑based with payment standard table on DSS | Payment standards vary; recent policy cut of 10 percent started August 2025 | Apply via DSS portal or local office | 
| Child Care Assistance | Working or in‑school parents | Up to 209 percent FPL monthly sliding scale | Pays a portion of licensed care, family co‑pay varies | Call 800‑227‑3020 or apply using DSS forms | 
| LIHEAP Energy Help | Households paying heating costs | 3‑month gross limit table on DSS | 668∗∗to∗∗668** to **2,400 per season | Apply, email DSSHeat@state.sd.us, or call 800‑233‑8503 | 
| Medicaid Expansion Adult Group | Adults 19–64 | Up to 138 percent FPL | Full medical coverage | Apply online or call 800‑597‑1603 | 
| Reemployment Assistance | Recently unemployed | Monetary and separation eligibility | 28–28–553 weekly as of July 6, 2025 | File online or call 605‑626‑3179 | 
Sources for the figures above appear in the program sections and links that follow. (fns.usda.gov, dss.sd.gov, doh.sd.gov, dlr.sd.gov)
First moves to protect your credit today
- Freeze credit at all three bureaus and set a calendar reminder for your PINs: freezes and lifts are free. Online or phone requests must be processed within one business day for a freeze and within one hour to lift. Use the FTC guide and USAGov step‑by‑step. (consumer.ftc.gov, usa.gov)
 - Pull your credit reports weekly for free: check for errors or fraud on all three reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. The credit bureaus permanently allow free weekly online reports. You can also order by phone at 877‑322‑8228. See CFPB overview and announcements confirming weekly access. (consumerfinance.gov, advocacy.consumerreports.org)
 - Dispute errors the right way: file disputes with the bureau and the furnisher in writing and keep copies. Use CFPB’s dispute instructions and addresses for Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. (consumerfinance.gov)
 - If a collector contacts you: you have a right to a detailed validation notice and a 30‑day window to dispute or request original‑creditor info under the CFPB’s Regulation F. Use the Bureau’s model validation notice. (consumerfinance.gov)
 - If medical bills are weighing down your credit: major bureaus continue to exclude paid medical collections and those under $500 from reports, but a 2025 court ruling prevented a broader federal ban. Expect status‑quo reporting rules unless changed. (washingtonpost.com)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work: escalate complaints about credit reporting to CFPB online and consult legal aid if a collector sues or threatens suit on an old debt. (consumerfinance.gov)
South Dakota money protections you can use
- Interest‑rate ceiling on licensed money lenders: state‑licensed money lenders under SDCL Chapter 54‑4 cannot charge more than 36 percent APR including most fees. Banks and certain lenders are exempt, but this rule effectively eliminated payday and title loans at triple‑digit APRs in the state. See the statute and the Banking Division guidance. (law.justia.com, dlr.sd.gov)
 - Wage garnishment ceiling calculation: in most consumer cases, garnishment is capped at the lesser of 20 percent of disposable earnings or the amount above 40 times the minimum wage with a dependent deduction of $25 per week for each dependent in your home. South Dakota Codified Laws § 21‑18‑51 governs. (law.justia.com)
 - Statute of limitations on most consumer debts: actions on written and open‑account contracts are generally six years in South Dakota, with longer periods for mortgages and judgments. Always get legal advice before deciding based on time limits. (findlaw.com)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work: if a collector files suit on a time‑barred debt or tries to garnish beyond the legal limit, contact legal aid immediately and cite SDCL provisions in your answer. (erlservices.org)
Stabilize the household budget
SNAP food assistance for South Dakota families
- Action first: apply online and ask about expedited processing if you have very low income or nearly no resources.
 - Income rules: DSS posts the gross and net monthly income standards used in South Dakota SNAP. Example for a family of three shows gross 2,798∗∗andnet∗∗2,798** and net **2,152 on the current state chart. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Maximum monthly benefit amounts FY 2025: household of 1 292∗∗;2∗∗292**; 2 **536; 3 768∗∗;4∗∗768**; 4 **975; 5 1,158∗∗;6∗∗1,158**; 6 **1,390; 7 1,536∗∗;8∗∗1,536**; 8 **1,756; add $220 per person. These amounts run Oct 1, 2024 through Sep 30, 2025. (fns.usda.gov, everycrsreport.com)
 - How to apply: use the DSS portal or your local Social Services office. For help call 877‑999‑5612. EBT customer service is 800‑604‑5099. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Documents to gather: ID, SSNs or proof of application, proof of residency, rent and utility bills, pay stubs or benefits letters, childcare costs, and child support paid.
 - Timeline reality check: most applications are decided within the federal window. Ask specifically for “expedited” if you cannot afford food right now.
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: call 211 for food pantries and school meal support while you appeal a denial.
 
SNAP quick table
| Household | Max FY 2025 benefit | 
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 | 
| 2 | $536 | 
| 3 | $768 | 
| 4 | $975 | 
| 5 | $1,158 | 
| 6 | $1,390 | 
| 7 | $1,536 | 
| 8 | $1,756 | 
Source for amounts in the table is USDA FNS FY 2025 COLA. (fns.usda.gov)
WIC for moms, infants, and young children
- Action first: apply online or call your local WIC office for an appointment.
 - Income limits effective July 1, 2025: 185 percent FPL examples show family of 3 49,303∗∗andfamilyof4∗∗49,303** and family of 4 **59,478 annually. (doh.sd.gov)
 - Monthly fruits and veggies benefit amounts FY 2025: children 26∗∗;pregnantandpostpartum∗∗26**; pregnant and postpartum **47; breastfeeding $52. (fns.usda.gov)
 - How to apply: use the state WIC portal at sd dot gov or call your nearest clinic. (doh.sd.gov)
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your clinic about temporary food packages, formula options, and referrals to SNAP if you do not qualify.
 
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash aid
- Action first: if your income crashed and you are parenting a minor child, apply now and meet with the Employment Specialist if required.
 - Current payment standards posted by DSS: family of 3 in an independent living arrangement $701 per month maximum. DSS lists payment standards by household and living arrangement. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Important 2025 change: per legislative committee action, South Dakota reduced TANF benefits by 10 percent starting August 2025, with plans to phase in larger reductions. Expect actual benefits roughly 10 percent below posted standards until DSS updates tables. Newsrooms covered the decision and average losses. (southdakotasearchlight.com)
 - How to apply: apply via the DSS portal or at your local Social Services office.
 - Documents: ID, SSNs, proof of residency, income and resource verification, child’s birth certificate, and cooperation with child support unless exempt.
 - Timeline reality check: benefits are monthly and are loaded to direct deposit or Way2Go card once approved.
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your Employment Specialist about emergency help from Community Action Agencies and consider SNAP, WIC, and LIHEAP to fill the gap. (dss.sd.gov)
 
TANF reference table
| Assistance unit size | Independent | Shared | 
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $512 | $317 | 
| 2 | $627 | $432 | 
| 3 | $701 | $507 | 
| 4 | $775 | $581 | 
This table shows DSS posted standards; actual checks are about 10 percent lower as of August 2025. (dss.sd.gov, southdakotasearchlight.com)
Child Care Assistance for working and student parents
- Action first: submit an application and ask the intake worker to compute your co‑pay on the sliding fee scale.
 - Income limits effective March 1, 2025 at 209 percent FPL: family of 3 4,642∗∗monthly;familyof4∗∗4,642** monthly; family of 4 **5,599 monthly. Call 800‑227‑3020 for help. (dss.sd.gov)
 - How it pays: the state pays a portion of licensed child care up to state market rate and you pay a co‑pay based on income.
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: ask about Head Start or school‑based preschool and check 211 for local scholarship funds.
 
Child Care Assistance quick table
| Family size | Max adjusted monthly income | 
|---|---|
| 2 | $3,685 | 
| 3 | $4,642 | 
| 4 | $5,599 | 
| 5 | $6,558 | 
| 6 | $7,516 | 
| 7 | $8,473 | 
Source is DSS Child Care Services eligibility page. (dss.sd.gov)
Medicaid and CHIP for health coverage
- Action first: if you are 19–64 and your income is around 138 percent FPL or less, apply for the Medicaid Expansion Adult Group.
 - Adult Group monthly income examples posted by DSS: household of 1 1,800∗∗;2∗∗1,800**; 2 **2,433; 3 3,065∗∗;4∗∗3,065**; 4 **3,698. (dss.sd.gov)
 - CHIP income examples: for children without private insurance, family of 3 4,642∗∗monthly;withprivateinsurance,∗∗4,642** monthly; with private insurance, **4,153. (dss.sd.gov)
 - How to apply and ask questions: use DSS online or call the Medicaid Recipient Hotline 800‑597‑1603. (dss.sd.gov)
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: request a fair hearing and check your Marketplace eligibility, then ask your hospital about financial assistance policies.
 
Energy bills, shut‑off notices, or empty propane tank
- Action first: apply for LIHEAP. If you have a disconnect notice in winter, call the energy assistance line and 211 the same day.
 - 2024–2025 LIHEAP income limits by 3‑month gross income: household of 1 7,530∗∗;2∗∗7,530**; 2 **10,220; 3 12,910∗∗;4∗∗12,910**; 4 **15,858. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Benefit range: state posts minimum 668∗∗andmaximum∗∗668** and maximum **2,400 depending on income, fuel, and location. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
 - How to apply: apply online or email your completed application and bills to DSSHeat@state.sd.us, or call 800‑233‑8503 for status. (dss.sd.gov)
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your Community Action Agency about emergency propane or electric funds and weatherization services. (dss.sd.gov)
 
LIHEAP quick table
| Household | Max income past 3 months | 
|---|---|
| 1 | $7,530 | 
| 2 | $10,220 | 
| 3 | $12,910 | 
| 4 | $15,858 | 
| 5 | $18,396 | 
| 6 | $20,933 | 
Source is DSS Energy Assistance program page. (dss.sd.gov)
Internet and phone savings
- Affordable Connectivity Program update: ACP ended in 2024 due to lack of funding. Households may still qualify for Lifeline discounts on phone or internet. Lifeline support is up to 9.25∗∗monthlyandupto∗∗9.25** monthly and up to **34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. Call the Lifeline Support Center 800‑234‑9473. (everycrsreport.com, fcc.gov, lifelinesupport.org)
 - How to apply for Lifeline: apply online, by mail, or through a provider. (lifelinesupport.org)
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your internet provider about low‑income plans that are not tied to ACP.
 
If you lost work or hours
- Action first: apply for Reemployment Assistance benefits immediately.
 - Weekly benefit range effective July 6, 2025: 28–28–553 per week, based on your base‑period wages. File online, or call the Claims Call Center 605‑626‑3179 and Customer Service 605‑626‑2452 if needed. (dlr.sd.gov)
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: appeal promptly and keep claiming weekly while you wait.
 
Housing and homelessness prevention
- Action first: call 211 to locate immediate rent funds or shelter beds, then contact your local Community Action Agency and nearby Housing Authority for longer‑term options.
 - HUD South Dakota field office contact: 605‑330‑4223 in Sioux Falls can direct you to voucher and public housing contacts. (hud.gov)
 - Community Action Agencies by region: Western SD Community Action 605‑348‑1460 or 800‑327‑1703; Inter‑Lakes Community Action 605‑256‑6518 or 800‑896‑4105; GROW South Dakota 605‑698‑7654; Rural Office of Community Services 605‑384‑3883 or 800‑793‑3290. (dss.sd.gov, growsd.org, hud.gov)
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your city’s housing department or HUD PIH Information Center 800‑955‑2232 about waiting lists and preferences. (hud.gov)
 
Child support enforcement and modifications
- Action first: open a case or ask to review an order if your income changed.
 - Where to start: call the South Dakota Division of Child Support 605‑773‑3641 and use the online Child Support Obligation Calculator to estimate payments. Local office contact list is posted by DCS. (dss.sd.gov)
 - What to do if this doesn’t work: request a court review of the order and contact legal aid for representation if needed. (sdlawhelp.org)
 
Debt, collections, student loans, and bankruptcy
When collectors call
- Demand a proper validation notice and itemization: the CFPB rule details what collectors must provide and sets your 30‑day dispute window. Use the model notice if a collector’s letter is confusing. (consumerfinance.gov)
 - Wage garnishment limits in South Dakota: most consumer debts are capped by the lesser of 20 percent of disposable earnings or disposable earnings above 40 times the minimum wage, less $25 per dependent. Child support and bankruptcy orders are handled differently. (law.justia.com)
 - Statute of limitations: most contract claims including credit cards are six years. Never restart the clock by making a token payment without advice. (findlaw.com)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work: report harassment to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division at 1‑800‑300‑1986 and consult legal aid. (consumer.sd.gov)
Federal student loans
- SAVE and other IDR plan status in 2025: due to court orders, many SAVE borrowers are in general forbearance with no interest accrual and no IDR or PSLF credit while systems are updated. Education Department expects servicers to resume revised processing no earlier than September 2025 with first payments due no earlier than December 2025. Check the Department’s page for current instructions and options like IBR. (ed.gov)
 - What to do: log in to StudentAid.gov to verify your loan types, review IBR and ICR options now available, and watch for recertification timing updates. (ed.gov)
 
Bankruptcy as a last‑resort reset
- Chapter 7 means test: the U. S. Trustee updates South Dakota median income figures for cases filed May 15, 2025 or later. Use the official means test page and tables to check whether your household falls below the current median. (justice.gov)
 - Costs and timelines vary by case complexity. Always get legal advice before filing.
 
What to do if this doesn’t work: a nonprofit credit counselor can help you compare debt management, settlement, and bankruptcy. See NFCC and LSS options below. (nfcc.org, lsssd.org)
Rebuild credit without junk fees
- Use on‑time payments that actually report: secured credit cards with no junk fees, credit‑builder loans from local credit unions, and rent or cell phone reporting services that send data to bureaus.
 - Work with a nonprofit counselor: Lutheran Social Services Center for Financial Resources 888‑258‑2227 or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling 844‑865‑2461 can review budgets, set up a Debt Management Plan if appropriate, and coach you through credit building. (lsssd.org, nfcc.org)
 - Avoid credit repair traps: you do not need to pay anyone to dispute inaccurate items. Use CFPB’s free dispute steps and keep everything in writing. (consumerfinance.gov)
 
What to do if this doesn’t work: speak with legal aid about persistent errors or mixed files that do not clear after proper disputes.
Diverse communities
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: ask WIC and Medicaid for name updates and privacy accommodations and call 211 to locate affirming counselors. ERLS gives preference to LGBTQIA+ clients in civil legal matters. (erlservices.org)
 - Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: apply for Medicaid programs and SSI‑related supports; use 211 for equipment exchanges and accessible transportation listings. (doh.sd.gov)
 - Veteran single mothers: use Lifeline eligibility through VA programs and ask VA Sioux Falls about emergency grants for rent or utilities. Lifeline income rules and contacts are listed on USAC. (everycrsreport.com, usac.org)
 - Immigrant and refugee single moms: apply for WIC and many child benefits regardless of immigration status if the child is a U. S. citizen and review Medicaid rules that may cover you. Call 211 to be routed to language‑accessible services; interpretation is available at many DSS offices. (doh.sd.gov)
 - Tribal‑specific resources: families on Tribal lands can access enhanced Lifeline discounts up to $34.25 monthly and Link Up assistance toward first‑time connection charges. Contact your Tribal social services office and USAC. (usac.org)
 - Rural single moms with limited access: rely on 211 text options and ask Community Action Agencies about transportation and utility assistance coverage in your county. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Single fathers: DSS programs apply to all caregivers who meet eligibility. Use the same SNAP, TANF, Child Care, and Child Support contacts.
 - Language access: 211 offers Spanish and TTY. For state benefit calls, ask for an interpreter at the start of the call. (doh.sd.gov)
 
Resources by region
- Sioux Falls area: HUD Sioux Falls 605‑330‑4223; East River Legal Services 800‑952‑3015; Inter‑Lakes Community Action 800‑896‑4105. (hud.gov, erlservices.org, growsd.org)
 - Rapid City and Black Hills: Western South Dakota Community Action 605‑348‑1460 or 800‑327‑1703; HUD regional referrals via 800‑955‑2232. (dss.sd.gov, hud.gov)
 - Northeast and Sisseton area: GROW South Dakota 605‑698‑7654. (growsd.org)
 - Southeast and Missouri Valley counties: Rural Office of Community Services 605‑384‑3883 or 800‑793‑3290. (growsd.org)
 
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to freeze credit: freezes are free and fast and are stronger than credit monitoring. (consumer.ftc.gov)
 - Ignoring validation windows: if you miss the 30‑day dispute window on a new collection, you lose easy leverage to pause collection while they verify. (consumerfinance.gov)
 - Applying for high‑APR online loans: state law caps licensed money lenders at 36 percent APR but does not force national banks to honor that cap. Call the AG’s office if you are unsure. (law.justia.com)
 - Skipping WIC or Child Care Assistance because you think you earn too much: both have higher income limits than many expect in South Dakota. (doh.sd.gov, dss.sd.gov)
 - Not appealing benefit denials: many cases are approved after submitting a missing document or requesting a fair hearing.
 
Application checklist
- Identity documents: driver license or state ID, birth certificates, SSNs or proof of application.
 - Address and shelter costs: lease, rent receipt, mortgage statement, and recent utility bills.
 - Income proof: last 30 days of pay stubs, unemployment letter, child support received or paid, and benefits letters.
 - Child‑care costs and school enrollment: invoices, class schedules, and provider details.
 - Bank or EBT cards: keep card numbers and contact info for replacement safe and separate.
 
Quick numbers and links you may need fast
- DSS Economic Assistance general line: 877‑999‑5612 for SNAP and Medical help. EBT card help 800‑604‑5099. (dss.sd.gov)
 - LIHEAP Energy Assistance: 800‑233‑8503 and DSSHeat@state.sd.us. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Child Care Services: 800‑227‑3020. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Medicaid Recipient Hotline: 800‑597‑1603. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Division of Child Support: 605‑773‑3641 and office list online. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Reemployment Assistance: file online, Claims Call Center 605‑626‑3179, Customer Service 605‑626‑2452. (dlr.sd.gov)
 - Attorney General Consumer Protection: 1‑800‑300‑1986 or 605‑773‑4400. (consumer.sd.gov)
 - Lifeline phone or internet discount: 800‑234‑9473 and the USAC Get Started page. (lifelinesupport.org)
 - 211 statewide: dial 211 or text ZIP to 898211 for resource navigation. (doh.sd.gov)
 
South Dakota work and pay basics
- State minimum wage in 2025: 11.50∗∗perhourand∗∗11.50** per hour and **5.75 for tipped employees. This adjusts annually with the CPI. Reference the DLR minimum wage FAQ. (dlr.sd.gov)
 
Frequently asked questions
- How fast can I get food help if I have zero income and minor children: apply for SNAP today and ask about expedited processing at your local DSS office or online. Call 877‑999‑5612 for help. (dss.sd.gov)
 - What is the maximum SNAP amount for a family of four this year: the USDA FY 2025 maximum is $975 monthly in the lower 48. (fns.usda.gov)
 - How much can a licensed money lender legally charge in South Dakota: the ceiling is 36 percent APR including many fees for state‑licensed money lenders. Banks and some entities are exempt. (law.justia.com)
 - What is the wage garnishment limit in South Dakota for most debts: the lesser of 20 percent of disposable earnings or the amount above 40 times the minimum wage, with a $25 per week dependent deduction. (law.justia.com)
 - My credit has medical collections, do they still count: paid medical collections and those under $500 are not listed by the major bureaus, and a broader federal ban was blocked in 2025. (washingtonpost.com)
 - Can I still get cheap internet after ACP ended: maybe through the Lifeline program with 9.25∗∗monthlysupportor∗∗9.25** monthly support or **34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. (fcc.gov, usac.org)
 - What are current WIC fruit and vegetable amounts: children 26∗∗;pregnantorpostpartum∗∗26**; pregnant or postpartum **47; breastfeeding $52 monthly. (fns.usda.gov)
 - Has TANF cash gone down in 2025: yes, DSS implemented a 10 percent reduction starting August 2025. Expect checks roughly 10 percent lower than posted standards. (southdakotasearchlight.com)
 - How do I freeze my credit for free: visit the FTC guide and contact each bureau. Freezes and lifts are free and fast. (consumer.ftc.gov)
 - What is the unemployment weekly benefit range right now: 28–28–553 per week as of July 6, 2025, assuming eligibility. (dlr.sd.gov)
 
Quick reference tables
Table — child care assistance income limits
| Family size | Max adjusted monthly income | 
|---|---|
| 2 | $3,685 | 
| 3 | $4,642 | 
| 4 | $5,599 | 
| 5 | $6,558 | 
| 6 | $7,516 | 
| 7 | $8,473 | 
Source is DSS Child Care Services. (dss.sd.gov)
Table — LIHEAP income limits last 3 months
| Household | Max income | 
|---|---|
| 1 | $7,530 | 
| 2 | $10,220 | 
| 3 | $12,910 | 
| 4 | $15,858 | 
| 5 | $18,396 | 
| 6 | $20,933 | 
Source is DSS Energy Assistance. (dss.sd.gov)
Table — SNAP FY 2025 maximums
| Household | Max monthly SNAP | 
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 | 
| 2 | $536 | 
| 3 | $768 | 
| 4 | $975 | 
| 5 | $1,158 | 
| 6 | $1,390 | 
| 7 | $1,536 | 
| 8 | $1,756 | 
Source is USDA FNS FY 2025 COLA. (fns.usda.gov)
Table — TANF posted payment standards vs likely checks after the 10 percent cut
| AU size | Posted independent | Estimated after 10 percent cut | 
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $512 | ≈ $461 | 
| 2 | $627 | ≈ $564 | 
| 3 | $701 | ≈ $631 | 
| 4 | $775 | ≈ $698 | 
Posted standards from DSS; 10 percent reduction approved July 2025 for checks issued August 2025 onward. Your notice will confirm your exact new amount. (dss.sd.gov, southdakotasearchlight.com)
Table — WIC income and CVB
| Household size | Max annual income | CVB monthly example | 
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $49,303 | Child $26 | 
| 4 | $59,478 | Pregnant or postpartum $47 | 
| 5 | $69,653 | Breastfeeding $52 | 
Income source is SD DOH press release effective July 1, 2025 and CVB source is USDA WIC FY 2025 memo. (doh.sd.gov, fns.usda.gov)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team: dedicated benefits researchers focused on translating official program rules into real‑world steps.
Methodology and standards: this guide uses only official state and federal sources (South Dakota DSS, DOH, DLR, USDA FNS, HUD, FCC, USAC, USDOE) and is maintained under our Editorial Standards reflecting E‑E‑A‑T principles and YMYL care. (asinglemother.org)
Verification timeline: Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.
Contact for corrections: email info@asinglemother.org and we will review within 48 hours.
Disclaimer
Program details can change without notice: always confirm amounts and rules with the administering agency linked in this guide.
Health and legal topics are sensitive: this guide is for general information only and is not legal advice or a substitute for professional medical or legal counsel.
Security note: protect your privacy when applying online and never share PINs or full SSNs by email or text; use official portals and phone numbers listed above.
Sources and key links
- SNAP FY 2025 COLA and amounts: USDA Food and Nutrition Service memo. South Dakota SNAP eligibility and application pages. (fns.usda.gov, dss.sd.gov)
 - WIC income July 2025 and CVB amounts FY 2025: SD DOH press release and USDA policy memo. (doh.sd.gov, fns.usda.gov)
 - TANF payment standards and 2025 reduction: DSS TANF page and Searchlight coverage of the August 2025 cut. (dss.sd.gov, southdakotasearchlight.com)
 - Child Care Assistance 209 percent FPL: DSS eligibility page. (dss.sd.gov)
 - LIHEAP income limits and benefit range: DSS Energy Assistance and LIHEAP Clearinghouse. (dss.sd.gov, liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
 - Medicaid expansion income examples and hotline: DSS medical programs and phone list. (dss.sd.gov)
 - Reemployment Assistance weekly benefit range and contact: SD DLR pages. (dlr.sd.gov)
 - Attorney General Consumer Protection: contact information and complaint portal. (consumer.sd.gov, atg.sd.gov)
 - 211 Helpline statewide and multilingual access: SD DOH resource page. (doh.sd.gov)
 - 36 percent APR cap on licensed money lenders: SDCL 54‑4‑44 and Division of Banking guidance. (law.justia.com, dlr.sd.gov)
 - Wage garnishment limits: SDCL 21‑18‑51. (law.justia.com)
 - Statute of limitations overview: FindLaw summary of South Dakota civil statutes. (findlaw.com)
 - Credit freezes are free nationwide: FTC guide and USAGov instructions. (consumer.ftc.gov, usa.gov)
 - Student loans and SAVE plan update: U. S. Department of Education page. (ed.gov)
 - Lifeline support and Tribal benefits: USAC and FCC pages. (lifelinesupport.org, fcc.gov, usac.org)
 - Minimum wage 2025: SD DLR minimum wage FAQ. (dlr.sd.gov)
 - Nonprofit credit counseling: LSS Center for Financial Resources and NFCC. (lsssd.org, nfcc.org)
 
If you want, I can fill out your first applications with you on a short call script and checklist style, starting with whichever program will put the most food or cash in your household this month.
🏛️More South Dakota Resources for Single Mothers
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- 📋 Assistance Programs
 - 💰 Benefits and Grants
 - 👨👩👧 Child Support
 - 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
 - ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
 - 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
 - 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
 - 🎓 Education Grants
 - 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
 - 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
 - 🔧 Job Training
 - ⚖️ Legal Help
 - 🧠 Mental Health Resources
 - 🚗 Transportation Assistance
 - 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
 - ⚡ Utility Assistance
 - 🥛 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
 
