Help with Bills in South Dakota

As a result of the large number of single moms in South Dakota who are struggling to stay on top of their utility bills like water, energy and telephone, we’ve rounded up a number of programs, non-profit organizations and companies that strive to alleviate some of the burden on single moms. This article will discuss the various relevant programs, how to apply and eligibility requirements, if available.

Help with Heating Bills

The South Dakota Low Income Energy Assistance Program steps in to make sure single moms and other residents of South Dakota who are earning less than the average annual income are able to afford their energy bill. It’s worth noting that it’s not enough to meet the income limits, but all individuals who would like to get assistance need to apply and wait for their application to be approved. The maximum that candidates can get from this is up to 70% of their heating and energy bill paid. To get more information, visit their website: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1574

Help with Phone Bills

The Lifeline Program was specifically designed to ensure that low-income individuals and single moms can connect to the internet and that the telephones and mobile phones are able to communicate efficiently with necessary mobile data and broadband. Basically, Lifeline provides discounted rates on your phone bill and the amount of discount you receive highly depends on your income status. Discounts range from $7 off of your monthly bill to up to $9 off. One thing to remember is that the package doesn’t come with discounts on telephone, mobile phone and internet connection; instead, qualifying customers must pick one. Here’s where you can get more details at https://puc.sd.gov/lifeline/

Help with Healthcare and Medical Bills

The Medical Assistance For Low Income Families Program provides coverage for women, men, children and the elderly who can’t afford healthcare. This is available whether you have health insurance on not. To be qualified you need to be pregnant, taking care of a minor or an elder resident. Children under the program are immediately eligible for the Healthy Kids Klub checkups. Anything to do with aesthetic or cosmetic procedures isn’t covered. The following benefits are covered at https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/generalinfo/medicalprograms.aspx

• Appointments with doctors
• Stays in hospitals
• Visits to the dentists and eye doctor
• Therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Chiropractic

Help with Food and Meals

USDA foods always have surplus inventory, as a result, the Emergency Food Assistance Program was launched in 1981 to make use of that surplus food to redistribute them to single moms, elderly residents and households who can’t afford sufficient groceries. The food collected is distributed through food banks, soup kitchens and food pantries across the state. In order to determine whether residents are eligible, the program requests people to complete an application form and disclose the number of people in their household and whether their income falls below 135% of the state’s poverty line. Visit their website to find out more:https://doe.sd.gov/cans/tefap.aspx

Help with Clothes

The Salvation Army Thrift Store collects gently-used clothing and other items from residents and other non-profit organizations, the collected items are then displayed in thrift stores where single moms, struggling parents and other people can get extremely affordable yet good quality clothing. It’s a great place to look for weather-specific clothing like big comfy and protective jackets for the winter. As an added bonus, the thrift shop also has a furniture and accessory section where you can pick up other useful items. For more privacy, you can also call your local store to set up an appointment where you can go in and simply pick up what you need. More information  on the thrift shop can be found here: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/rapidcity/contact-us/