Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection for Single Mothers in South Dakota

Last updated: September 2025

This hub gives you the exact steps to protect your job, your income, and your health during pregnancy and after birth in South Dakota. You’ll find fast actions to take, who to call, what to say, and how to back yourself up with paperwork. You’ll also get links to official agencies and local help in every region of the state embedded right where you need them.

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call and document your rights now with a short request for pregnancy-related changes at work. Use the free intake help from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Minneapolis EEOC Area Office, and the South Dakota Division of Human Rights. Save copies, dates, and replies. (eeoc.gov)
• If you need pumping breaks or a private space, call the U.S. Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division (WHD) at 1-866-4US-WAGE and read the PUMP Act fact sheet and the space requirements update before you talk to your boss. Note the time you asked, who you spoke with, and the response. (dol.gov)
• Stop a shutoff or heating crisis the same day: call 211, your utility, and apply for heating help. Use South Dakota’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), the LIHEAP State Contacts, and the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission consumer FAQs. Ask for a payment plan and emergency protections while your aid is pending. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

• Workplace discrimination or pregnancy accommodations: EEOC Public Portal, EEOC Minneapolis Office, and SD Division of Human Rights. Filing windows are short, so mark your calendar and act fast. (eeoc.gov)
• Pumping time/space or FMLA problems: call U.S. DOL WHD, read How to File a WHD Complaint, and review FMLA complaint timeline rules. You can file free and confidentially. (webapps.dol.gov)
• State minimum wage, wage claims, and local offices: South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation (DLR), Wage & Hour Issues, and DLR Job Service Locations. (dlr.sd.gov)
• Health coverage and nutrition support while you stabilize work: South Dakota Medicaid & Medical Programs, South Dakota WIC, and SNAP in South Dakota. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Statewide help line for any urgent need: call 211, text your ZIP to 898211, or use Helpline Center. Use it to find shelters, legal help, transportation, and local DSS offices fast. (helplinecenter.org)

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Your Core Workplace Rights in South Dakota When You’re Pregnant or Postpartum

Start with the law that best fits your immediate need, then stack the others for full protection. You’ll see the exact agency links and who enforces each rule right where you need them.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act — reasonable accommodations you can use now

The federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires most employers with 15+ employees to provide reasonable accommodations for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Use it to request light duty, a stool, extra restroom breaks, water, schedule changes, time off for prenatal appointments, and pumping time. File with the EEOC, read the EEOC’s final rule summary, and confirm the effective date and examples in the EEOC final regulation news release. The final rule became effective June 18, 2024. (eeoc.gov)

• What to do first: Make a short, dated request in writing that lists your pregnancy-related need and the adjustment you want. Reference the PWFA and attach a simple doctor note if you already have one (not required to start). Use the EEOC portal if your employer stalls, and call 1-800-669-4000 for intake guidance. (eeoc.gov)
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: File a charge fast. Because South Dakota has a state agency (a “FEPA”), you generally have up to 300 days from the violation to file with the EEOC or 180 days for a notarized charge with the South Dakota Division of Human Rights. Dual-filing protects both state and federal rights. (eeoc.gov)

Pumping Time and a Private Space — PUMP Act and PWFA together

Nearly all employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act have the right to reasonable break time and a private space, not a bathroom, to express milk for one year after birth. That’s federal law under the PUMP Act, enforced by the U.S. DOL Wage & Hour Division. Read Fact Sheet #73 and the March 2025 update on space requirements. If you need longer or more frequent breaks than the PUMP Act’s baseline, ask under the PWFA, which can require more flexible changes unless undue hardship applies. (dol.gov)

• What to do first: Tell your supervisor and HR you’re pumping and need a private, non-bathroom space and breaks each time you need to express milk. If you’re denied, call WHD at 1-866-4US-WAGE and review the WHD FAQs on PUMP for next steps and timelines (some private lawsuits require giving the employer a short 10-day chance to fix space issues). (dol.gov)
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: File a confidential complaint with WHD online, by phone 1-866-487-9243, or at a local office. Use the Contact WHD page and read the complaint process. Remedies can include back pay and other damages. (webapps.dol.gov)

FMLA — job-protected time for prenatal care, birth, and recovery

If your employer has 50+ employees within 75 miles and you’ve worked 12 months and at least 1,250 hours in the past year, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives you up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. You can use FMLA for prenatal appointments, pregnancy-related incapacity, birth, and bonding. Start with the DOL’s FMLA fact sheets, read 28P and 28Q, and see the DOL blog’s plain-language guidance on prenatal use of FMLA. If your FMLA rights are denied, you can complain to WHD within two years (three for willful). (dol.gov)

• What to do first: Give at least 30 days’ notice when you can, or as soon as possible for unplanned needs. Ask your provider to complete the certification form. If you telework, your worksite for the “50/75” rule is usually the office you report to. See WHD’s guidance on remote eligibility. (thehortongroup.com)
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: File a free complaint with WHD online or at 1-866-487-9243 and review the rule at 29 C.F.R. § 825.401. You can also pursue a private action. (law.cornell.edu)

South Dakota law — state protections that work with federal law

South Dakota’s Human Relations Act bans sex discrimination in employment, and “sex” includes pregnancy. You can file with the South Dakota Division of Human Rights, review state laws and rules, and rely on the administrative rule stating pregnancy must be treated like other temporary disabilities in policies and leave. You can also call the DLR Labor & Management line for wage and hour issues. (dlr.sd.gov)

• What to do first: If your employer has a light-duty policy for temporary injuries, ask to use it for pregnancy under state rule ARSD 20:03:09:12. Then, preserve your PWFA and Title VII rights by contacting the EEOC promptly. (law.cornell.edu)
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: File with the state within 180 days or with EEOC within 300 days. Use the EEOC Minneapolis office for South Dakota and the state’s Division of Human Rights for local assistance. (eeoc.gov)

Minimum wage, tips, paychecks, and quick claims in South Dakota

South Dakota’s minimum wage for 2025 is $11.50perhour,andthetippedminimumis$5.75 (employer must make up the difference to reach 11.50).Finddetailsat[∗DLR—MinimumWageFAQs∗](https://dlr.sd.gov/employmentlaws/minimumwagefaq.aspx),thestate’sJanuary2025bulletin,andthefederaltippedtablethatlistsSouthDakotaat11.50). Find details at [*DLR — Minimum Wage FAQs*](https://dlr.sd.gov/employment_laws/minimum_wage_faq.aspx), the state’s January 2025 bulletin, and the federal tipped table that lists South Dakota at 11.50).Finddetailsat[∗DLR—MinimumWageFAQs∗](https://dlr.sd.gov/employmentl​aws/minimumw​agef​aq.aspx),thestate’sJanuary2025bulletin,andthefederaltippedtablethatlistsSouthDakotaat11.50/$5.75. For underpayment, file a wage claim with DLR Wage & Hour. (dlr.sd.gov)

• What to do first: Ask payroll in writing for a correction with dates and hours; attach your records. Then submit the state’s Claim of Unpaid Wages form via DLR Wage & Hour Issues and keep a copy. If federal overtime or recordkeeping is involved, call WHD. (dlr.sd.gov)
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: Seek legal aid from East River Legal Services, Dakota Plains Legal Services, or the State Bar’s Access to Justice program for reduced-fee representation. These are civil legal resources designed for low- and modest-income families. (erlservices.org)

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Quick Table — Which Law Covers What, and Who Enforces It

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How to Ask for Pregnancy or Pumping Accommodations (Simple Script)

• Say this: “I’m pregnant and need a few changes so I can keep working safely. Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and South Dakota law, I’m asking for [light duty / extra restroom breaks / water / a stool / time off for prenatal care / a private space and breaks to express milk]. I’m ready to discuss options.”
• Attach: A short note from your provider if you have one (not required to start), and any schedule of prenatal visits.
• Send: Email HR and your supervisor; CC yourself. Keep a copy in your phone. If no reply within 5 business days, send a polite follow-up and mention EEOC and WHD resources depending on the issue. (eeoc.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: File with EEOC for PWFA/Title VII issues and with WHD for PUMP/FMLA issues. Mark your 180/300-day EEOC deadline and the two-year WHD window on your calendar today. (eeoc.gov)

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Health Coverage, Nutrition, and Child Care Help That Support Your Work

You shouldn’t have to choose between your paycheck and prenatal care. These benefits can stabilize things while you use your workplace rights.

Medical coverage for pregnancy and postpartum

South Dakota Medicaid covers pregnant women who meet income and eligibility rules and provides 12 months of postpartum coverage once enrolled. Start at DSS Medical Programs, contact the Department of Health’s prenatal page, and ask your clinic about presumptive eligibility and care coordination. If you are American Indian/Alaska Native, also check IHS Great Plains Area facilities in your service area. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

• What to do first: Apply online or at your local office, then call to confirm receipt. Use the DSS numbers on the program page, and ask your OB to help if you need a proof-of-pregnancy note.
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: Call 211 for a same-day clinic referral and ask your provider about temporary coverage options while eligibility is pending. Use Helpline Center to find the nearest DSS office and transportation help. (helplinecenter.org)

WIC — food, breastfeeding support, and pumps

WIC provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support and pumps, and nutrition counseling for pregnant and postpartum moms and kids under 5. Apply online or call your local clinic through South Dakota WIC, confirm July 1, 2025 income limits on the DOH release, and call DOH at 1-800-738-2301. WIC is run by the South Dakota Department of Health with federal support from USDA. (doh.sd.gov)

• What to do first: Apply online and call your nearest clinic for an appointment. If you are on Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP, tell the clinic—you may meet “adjunct” eligibility.
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: Ask the clinic about emergency vouchers and local food pantries (use 211’s database), and read your health plan’s rules for no-cost pumps under HealthCare.gov breastfeeding benefits. (healthcare.gov)

SNAP — help with groceries while you work

File for SNAP online or by phone 1-877-999-5612. Use USDA’s page for South Dakota SNAP, DSS local office listings via 211, and the EBT helpline at 1-800-604-5099. Ask if you qualify for expedited 3-day benefits. (fns.usda.gov)

• What to do first: Apply online and upload IDs, income, and rent/utility costs to speed it up.
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: Call your county office back, ask if any missing documents are holding it up, and contact 211 for nearby food distributions and pantries while you wait. Use Helpline Center to locate weekly food calendars. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

Child Care Assistance — so you can keep your job or training

South Dakota can help pay for child care while you work or attend school. See DSS Child Care Services, call 1-800-227-3020 (option 4), and search for licensed providers with the state’s provider search tool. For an overview and phone list, check ChildCare.gov — South Dakota. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

• What to do first: Apply online and ask your provider to complete the needed forms.
• Plan B — if this doesn’t work: Call your regional child care office (see ChildCare.gov), ask about wait lists, and ask 211 for stopgap options like sliding-fee sites and church-based care in your county. Use Helpline Center for quick local referrals. (childcare.gov)

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Reality Check — Why Claims and Benefits Get Delayed

• Backlogs happen: EEOC and WHD caseloads can make investigations take months. Submit a clean, organized packet. Use the EEOC portal and WHD online form to cut mail delays. Keep copies of everything. (webapps.dol.gov)
• Funding runs out: LIHEAP and some local grants are first-come, first-served. Apply early at DSS LIEAP and confirm crisis steps with your utility and the PUC. If you get a denial, ask for appeal rights in writing. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Documentation sinks cases: Missing pay stubs, schedules, and emails can stall or kill a claim. Use your phone to scan; upload to the EEOC or WHD portals and keep a running log of dates and conversations. (eeoc.gov)

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in South Dakota Today

• Call three places the same day: your utility, 211 (Helpline Center), and DSS LIEAP. Ask your utility for a payment plan and to note your pending LIEAP app. Check the PUC’s winter disconnection guidance. (helplinecenter.org)
• Crisis timeframes: The LIHEAP Clearinghouse page for South Dakota shows current season windows and confirms funding flows; check it for FY 2025 updates and call to verify. Ask DSS for “crisis” handling if you have a disconnect notice or empty tank. Use LIHEAP Clearinghouse — South Dakota. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a supervisor at the utility, cite the PUC winter notice rules, and submit a PUC consumer complaint if needed. See PUC Electric Laws FAQ and confirm exact policy for your utility (municipal and co-op rules may differ). (puc.sd.gov)

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Insurance Tips for Pumps, Lactation Visits, and Newborn Care

• Ask your plan to approve a pump and lactation support with no cost-sharing as required for most plans under the ACA. Use HealthCare.gov’s breastfeeding benefits and ask your provider to document the medical need if your plan needs “pre-authorization.” Combine with PUMP Act rights at work. (healthcare.gov)
• If denied, appeal in writing and send a copy to your HR benefits contact. For workplace pumping, use WHD’s fact sheets and the pumping rights explainer to educate your manager. If they still refuse, call WHD. (dol.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: File a complaint with WHD and, for discrimination, file with the EEOC. Add your plan denial and HR emails to the packet. (dol.gov)

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South Dakota-Specific Notes That Matter At Work

• No state meal/rest break requirement for adults: Don’t wait on a “state break law” that doesn’t exist for adults; rely on the federal PUMP Act and PWFA for breaks and space instead. Use WHD PUMP FAQs and EEOC’s pumping rights page. (dol.gov)
• Minimum wage indexing: South Dakota’s minimum wage adjusts annually; current rates for 2025 are $11.50(standard)and$5.75 (tipped cash wage), verified by the state and federal tables. Check again each January. See DLR Minimum Wage FAQs and the WHD tipped table. (dlr.sd.gov)
• State employees: South Dakota state employees have a paid family leave policy; see the Bureau of Human Resources PFL policy for eligibility details and how it coordinates with FMLA and short-term disability. Private-sector workers should check employer handbooks for voluntary paid leave. (bhr.sd.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing deadlines: EEOC charges are due in 180–300 days depending on state filing; FMLA/WHD complaints generally within two years. Bookmark the EEOC timeliness page and the FMLA complaint rule, and set calendar alerts. (eeoc.gov)
• Only complaining verbally: Put requests in writing and save receipts. Use the EEOC and WHD online tools to create a dated paper trail. (webapps.dol.gov)
• Relying on HR to “know the law”: Many managers don’t know the new PWFA and PUMP rules. Bring the EEOC PWFA summary and WHD pumping fact sheets. It often speeds up approvals. (eeoc.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Pregnancy changes at work: Use PWFA and SD Human Rights, then file with EEOC if denied. (eeoc.gov)
• Pumping time/space: Use PUMP Act, contact WHD, and reference the space guidance. (dol.gov)
• Time off for prenatal/birth: Use FMLA and contact WHD if denied. (dol.gov)
• Wage issues: Check DLR wage claims and call WHD for federal violations. (dlr.sd.gov)
• Help lines: Call 211 via Helpline Center, and use DSS pages for SNAP/WIC/child care links. (helplinecenter.org)

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Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot

• Documents: Photo ID, Social Security numbers, pay stubs, work schedule, prenatal appointment list; links for EEOC, WHD, and DLR wage claim form ready. (webapps.dol.gov)
• Medical: Provider note (if available), list of restrictions, and insurance details; Medicaid/CHIP page. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Pumping: Short written request; PUMP Act info from WHD and space guidance. (dol.gov)
• Benefits: WIC (SD WIC), SNAP (USDA South Dakota SNAP), Child Care (DSS Child Care). (doh.sd.gov)
• Utilities: Disconnect notice, account number, call notes; DSS LIEAP, PUC FAQ, and 211 via Helpline Center. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

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Troubleshooting — If Your Application Gets Denied

• Workplace rights denied: Ask for the denial in writing and the specific reason. For accommodations or discrimination, file with EEOC. For PUMP or FMLA, file with WHD. For wage issues, use DLR wage claims. (eeoc.gov)
• Public benefits denied: Ask DSS for appeal instructions and deadlines. While appealing, call 211 via Helpline Center and ask for food, transport, or utility help in your county. For WIC, call 1-800-738-2301 and ask for a supervisor. (doh.sd.gov)
• Safety or violence at home: Call 911 if in danger. For confidential help, contact the statewide coalition SD Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault, the Rapid City shelter WAVI, or the Sioux Falls Compass Center. (sdnafvsa.com)

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Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support

• General help and referrals: Use 211’s Helpline Center search and resource database, and FEMA’s South Dakota resource page listing WIC and Feeding South Dakota contacts. Ask your county United Way for rent or utility microgrants. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Legal help: Contact East River Legal Services, Dakota Plains Legal Services, and the State Bar’s Access to Justice for free/low-cost civil help. For quick questions, try SD Free Legal Answers. (erlservices.org)
• Faith/community services: Ask 211 via Helpline Center for nearby church-based rent/utility aid and baby items. Use ChildCare.gov — South Dakota for child care quality tips and complaint procedures. For domestic violence services statewide, use SD Network. (childcare.gov)

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Resources by Region

• Sioux Falls / Minnehaha & Lincoln: DLR Sioux Falls Job Service, DSS Sioux Falls (Highline Ave), and The Compass Center. For VA healthcare, contact VA Sioux Falls at 1-605-336-3230. (dlr.sd.gov)
• Rapid City / Pennington: DLR Rapid City Job Service, WAVI shelter, and Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board. For VA services, use VA Black Hills (Fort Meade/Hot Springs). (dlr.sd.gov)
• Aberdeen / Brown: DLR Office, WIC clinics via DOH, and DSS medical/SNAP contacts via 211’s database. For IHS questions, contact the Great Plains Area IHS. (doh.sd.gov)
• Pierre / Hughes: DLR & Human Rights, DSS Central Offices, and 211 for local transportation and childcare lists. For state employee PFL questions, see BHR PFL policy. (dlr.sd.gov)
• Reservations and Tribal Areas: Use IHS Great Plains Area facilities map, the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, and 211’s resource database for local tribal programs. Many tribal WIC programs are listed within the state/tribal WIC directories. (ihs.gov)

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Diverse Communities — Tailored Guidance

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for respectful, private pumping space and family leave using the same laws. If you face bias tied to sexual orientation or gender identity, add a Title VII sex-discrimination claim to your PWFA filing with the EEOC. For counseling and local affirming services, use 211’s Helpline Center and your city’s LGBTQ groups; for healthcare, use VA Women Veterans Care for veterans. (eeoc.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Ask for accommodations under PWFA and, when applicable, under the ADA (reasonable modifications for impairments). Use 211 to find disability services and the SD Department of Human Services for supports. For child care, ask DSS about special-needs eligibility through Child Care Services. (dhs.sd.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Contact your Women Veterans Program Manager at VA Sioux Falls or VA Black Hills. If your employer denies military leave rights, contact ESGR South Dakota for USERRA help. Use VA maternity and lactation supports listed on the VA women’s health pages. (va.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: You have federal workplace rights regardless of immigration status for wages, safety, and many anti-discrimination protections. WHD can speak with you in 200+ languages; call WHD or 211 via the Helpline Center. Ask local offices of Lutheran Social Services or community centers for language access and interpretation help during appointments.
• Tribal-specific resources: For care coordination, WIC and public health programs, connect with the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, your tribal IHS unit via the Great Plains Area, and 211 for nearby services. Tribal programs can help with transportation, peer support, and home visiting. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)
• Rural single moms with long drives: Ask for schedule tweaks and telework under PWFA where possible. Use 211’s Helpline Center to find county transit vans, gas vouchers, and mobile WIC visits. For OSHA safety in small shops, your employer can get free on-site help from SDSU OSHA Consultation. (osha.gov)
• Single fathers: These laws cover you too for pumping (if chestfeeding), bonding leave, and discrimination. Use WHD for PUMP/FMLA help and EEOC for sex/pregnancy-related caregiving bias. (dol.gov)
• Language access: When you call WHD, tell them your language; they can connect you with an interpreter. Use 211’s Helpline Center for language options, and ask DSS offices for interpreter services during benefit interviews. For large print or TTY, note TTY 711 for VA and WHD and ask DSS to mail large-print forms. (va.gov)

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Safety & Health on the Job During Pregnancy

• Unsafe tasks: If lifting, chemical exposure, heat, or ladder work worries you, ask for task changes under PWFA, and point your employer to free safety help. Employers can request a free, confidential visit from SDSU OSHA Consultation; you can also call federal OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA. See OSHA’s South Dakota success story on partnerships in Sioux Falls. (osha.gov)
• Workers’ compensation: If you’re hurt at work during pregnancy, report it immediately. South Dakota Workers’ Compensation is administered by the DLR Division of Labor & Management at 1-605-773-3681. Ask how to file a First Report of Injury and keep copies. (dlr.sd.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: For refusals to fix hazards, file a safety complaint with OSHA and consult legal aid like East River Legal Services or Dakota Plains Legal Services. If you suspect retaliation, call EEOC. (erlservices.org)

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Timelines, Wait Times, and Who to Call

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County-Specific Variations You Asked Us About

• Sioux Falls (Minnehaha/Lincoln): More providers and quicker appointments for WIC; use SD WIC online and the Child Care provider search. For city services, call 211 via Helpline Center. (doh.sd.gov)
• Rapid City (Pennington): Connect with WAVI for 24/7 shelter and advocates, and GPTLHB for tribal public health programs. For VA care, use VA Black Hills. (wavi.org)
• Aberdeen (Brown): The Great Plains IHS Area Office can direct you to service units and clinics; use 211 to find DSS offices and SNAP/WIC appointment slots. For jobs, contact DLR local office list. (ihs.gov)

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FAQs — South Dakota Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection

1. Do I need a doctor’s note to get pumping breaks or a private room?
   No. Under the PUMP Act, a note isn’t required. Employers must give reasonable time and a private, non-bathroom space. The EEOC’s PWFA rules also say employers cannot require a doctor’s note just to take pump breaks. See WHD Fact Sheet #73, WHD space guidance, and EEOC’s pumping rights explainer. (dol.gov)
2. How fast will my employer have to respond to my PWFA request?
   The law requires an interactive process. There’s no fixed day count, but you should see a prompt, good-faith effort. Use the EEOC portal if the employer ignores you and note deadlines at EEOC timeliness. (eeoc.gov)
3. Does FMLA cover prenatal appointments?
   Yes. Eligible employees can take FMLA for prenatal care and pregnancy-related incapacity. Use the DOL’s FMLA fact sheets and the DOL blog explainer. If denied, file with WHD. (blog.dol.gov)
4. What if my company has fewer than 15 employees?
   PWFA/Title VII may not apply to very small employers, but the PUMP Act often still applies if the business is FLSA-covered, and South Dakota’s Human Relations Act may apply to smaller employers. Call WHD and the SD Division of Human Rights to check coverage. (dlr.sd.gov)
5. What if I’m tipped? How do I know if I’m underpaid?
   For 2025, employers must pay at least $5.75cashwageandmakesuretipsbringyouupto$11.50. If not, the employer must make up the difference. See DLR Minimum Wage FAQs and the WHD tipped wage table. (dlr.sd.gov)
6. Can my employer make me clock out for pumping?
   They can require it only if you’re fully relieved of duty and it’s beyond any paid break they already provide. If you work while pumping, that time is paid. See WHD Fact Sheet #73. (dol.gov)
7. Are breast pumps covered by insurance?
   Most Marketplace and many employer plans must cover pumps and lactation help at no cost. Check HealthCare.gov’s breastfeeding page and call your plan. (healthcare.gov)
8. Where do I file a discrimination charge in South Dakota?
   File with the EEOC and/or the SD Division of Human Rights. Use the EEOC Minneapolis office for South Dakota. (eeoc.gov)
9. I’m a veteran mom — who helps with maternity care at VA?
   Contact your Women Veterans Program Manager at VA Sioux Falls or VA Black Hills. For job protections during drill or orders, contact ESGR South Dakota. (va.gov)
10. Who do I call if I can’t find help?
    Call 211 via the Helpline Center for live, 24/7 referrals to legal aid, shelters, benefits, food pantries, and local DSS offices. For safety issues, call 911 or the SD Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault. (helplinecenter.org)

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Tables — Benefits and Contacts at a Glance

Workplace & Legal Contacts

Health & Family Supports

Utilities & Heat

Veterans & Tribal Health

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Example: What a Successful Accommodation Looks Like

• Job: Grocery cashier who’s 24 weeks pregnant.
• Need: A stool to sit between customers, extra bathroom breaks, water nearby.
• Action: Sends a two-paragraph email citing the PWFA and state pregnancy rule, attaches prenatal visit list, and asks to meet.
• Result: Employer provides a stool, shift partner covers extra breaks, and manager places a water bottle at the register. If denied, she would file with EEOC and call WHD for pumping needs after birth. (eeoc.gov)

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OSHA and Safety — Keep Your Work Healthy During Pregnancy

If you’re worried about heat, chemicals, or lifting, ask for adjustments under PWFA, and point your employer to free safety help. Employers can get a free, confidential visit from SDSU’s OSHA Consultation Program and see a recent partnership with the OSHA Sioux Falls Area Office that improved jobsite safety. If you see serious hazards and no action, call 1-800-321-OSHA and document your concerns. (osha.gov)

• What to do if this doesn’t work: Report hazards to OSHA and call legal aid — East River Legal Services or Dakota Plains Legal Services — for advice on retaliation and leave options. (erlservices.org)

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Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Esta sección es un resumen breve con enlaces clave. Esta traducción fue producida usando herramientas de IA. Verifique toda la información con las fuentes oficiales enlazadas.

• Derechos en el trabajo durante el embarazo y posparto: pida acomodaciones razonables bajo la Ley Federal PWFA, tiempo y espacio privado para extraer leche bajo la Ley PUMP, y licencia FMLA con el Departamento de Trabajo (WHD). (eeoc.gov)
• Discriminación o negación de acomodaciones: presente un cargo en el EEOC y busque ayuda en la División de Derechos Humanos de SD. (eeoc.gov)
• Beneficios para salud y alimentos: aplique a Medicaid y programas médicos de DSS, WIC, y SNAP. Si necesita ayuda para la calefacción, use LIEAP de DSS. Llame al 211 para recursos locales con Helpline Center. (dakotaathome.sd.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• U.S. Department of Labor — Wage & Hour Division (WHD)
• South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation (DLR)
• South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS)
• South Dakota Department of Health — WIC
• South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
• LIHEAP Clearinghouse — South Dakota
• VA Sioux Falls & VA Black Hills Health Care
• Indian Health Service — Great Plains Area
• Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This guide is informational, based on official sources, and not legal advice. For legal questions about your specific situation, contact the EEOC, the South Dakota Division of Human Rights, or a lawyer through the State Bar’s Access to Justice. For wage and leave enforcement, contact U.S. DOL WHD. Always call to confirm current program availability and deadlines before applying. (eeoc.gov)

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What to do if anything here still isn’t working for you

• Call 211 via the Helpline Center and ask for a “live transfer” to DSS, legal aid, or your utility.
• Ask to speak to a supervisor at any agency that denies you, and request the appeal steps in writing.
• If you think a detail is out of date, use the links throughout this page to verify with the agency’s current webpage.

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🏛️More South Dakota Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in South Dakota

• 📋 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
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery