South Dakota calls its LIHEAP program “LIEAP” — the Low Income Energy Assistance Program — administered by the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), Economic Assistance Division, through local DSS offices statewide. South Dakota’s LIEAP is year-round, accepts applications continuously, and has one of the most distinctive income threshold structures in this series: it applies different income standards based on household size — 200% FPL for households of 1–3, 60% SMI for households of 4–11, and 150% FPL for households of 12 or more.
South Dakota also has a robust tribal LIEAP structure: seven of the state’s nine federally recognized tribes administer their own independent LIEAP programs. A household cannot receive both state LIEAP and tribal LIEAP in the same year.
What Does South Dakota LIEAP Cover?
Heating Assistance — a payment toward home heating costs (natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, coal, wood), applied directly to the energy supplier. Benefit range: $668 minimum to $3,437 maximum for FY 2026. Maximum payments for the lowest-income households cover approximately 70% of the entire heating cost. Program period: year-round (applications accepted continuously while funding is available). Benefits are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Crisis Assistance — emergency heating help for households facing an immediate energy emergency. Maximum: $2,400. Available year-round.
No cooling assistance: South Dakota LIEAP does not offer summer cooling assistance. Crisis assistance is heating-only.
Benefit factors: Eligibility and benefit amounts are calculated using:
- Household income
- Household size
- Type and cost of heating fuel
- Geographic location — South Dakota has designated four heating regions assigned to specific counties based on energy costs
Weatherization Assistance — for homeowners who qualify for LIEAP and meet 200% FPL: free home energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, air sealing, heating system improvements). Renters require written landlord permission for weatherization. Income limit: 200% FPL. Contact your local CAA for weatherization availability.
South Dakota’s Hybrid Income Threshold — Three Different Standards
South Dakota’s income eligibility structure is unique in this series: the applicable standard depends on household size:
- Households of 1–3 members: 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Households of 4–11 members: 60% of State Median Income (SMI)
- Households of 12+ members: 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
This structure means a smaller household (1–3 members) in South Dakota qualifies at 200% FPL — one of the most generous low-end thresholds in the country — while mid-size and larger families are measured against 60% SMI.
Approximate income limits by household size (2026):
| Household Size | Income Standard | Monthly Gross Limit (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200% FPL | ~$2,508 |
| 2 | 200% FPL | ~$3,394 |
| 3 | 200% FPL | ~$4,279 |
| 4 | 60% SMI | ~$5,595 |
| 5 | 60% SMI | ~$6,490 |
| 6 | 60% SMI | ~$7,385 |
| 7 | 60% SMI | ~$7,559 |
| 8 | 60% SMI | ~$7,733 |
| 12+ | 150% FPL | Varies |
Add approximately $9,415/year (~$785/month) for each additional household member over 8 (for the SMI range). Confirm exact FY 2026 figures at dss.sd.gov/energyassistance.
For a national comparison of LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: South Dakota LIEAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households receiving SNAP, SSI, or TANF automatically meet income eligibility requirements. A benefit award letter serves as verification.
“No household is automatically eligible” — all households must apply and show proof of income and home heating costs, even those with categorical eligibility.
Tribal LIEAP — Seven Sovereign Programs
South Dakota’s tribal structure is among the most developed in this LIHEAP series. Seven of the state’s nine federally recognized tribes administer their own independent LIEAP programs:
- Rosebud Sioux Tribe
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
- Yankton Sioux Tribe
- Oglala Sioux Tribe (Pine Ridge)
- Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
- Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
- Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
Each tribe determines its own income guidelines, type of assistance, and benefit amounts independently. South Dakota has state-tribal agreements in place with these tribes to double the tribal set-aside percentage from the standard federal formula — acknowledging that tribal residents were undercounted in the 1990 Census. For example, the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s share of LIEAP funding is doubled from 2.3% to 4.6% of total state funding under these agreements.
Cannot receive both state and tribal LIEAP: A household may not receive state LIEAP and tribal LIEAP in the same year — they must choose one pathway per program year.
Tribal members living on reservation lands should contact their tribal LIEAP office. Tribal members living off-reservation apply through the state DSS program.
How to Apply for South Dakota LIEAP
Step 1 — Apply Online, In Person, or By Mail
South Dakota LIEAP is applied for through DSS offices — Community Action Agencies in South Dakota serve as partners but DSS processes and approves all applications.
Online: Apply at dss.sd.gov/energyassistance — South Dakota’s energy assistance portal.
In person: Visit your local DSS Economic Assistance office. Find your office at dss.sd.gov.
By phone: Call 1-800-233-8503 to request a LIEAP bundle mailed to your home — includes the application form, a LIEAP brochure, and other informational material.
General DSS LIEAP line: 605-773-3165
For a general overview of the application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. South Dakota’s DSS contact is in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
For tribal members: Contact your tribal LIEAP office before applying to the state — you cannot receive both in the same year.
Step 2 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Three months of income statements — pay stubs, SSI/SNAP/TANF award letters, Social Security benefit statements (all household members)
- Most recent heating utility bill or fuel delivery receipt
- Proof of heating costs — natural gas, propane, fuel oil, coal, electricity, or wood
For electric or heat-in-rent households: On the South Dakota application form, households whose main heating source is electric or whose heat is included in rent skip the fuel cost sections.
Fair hearing: If denied, applicants have 60 days from the denial or benefit notice to request a fair hearing through the DSS Office of Administrative Hearings.
Step 3 — Processing and Benefit Payment
Benefits are paid directly to energy suppliers. First-come, first-served basis. To follow up on a submitted application, contact your DSS office or see how to track your LIHEAP application status.
South Dakota LIEAP Funding 2026
South Dakota received $24,249,524 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $551,789 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, South Dakota served 24,510 heating households and 2,852 crisis households. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare South Dakota with other states.
South Dakota Utility Assistance Programs
Black Hills Energy Low-Income Programs — Black Hills Energy provides bill assistance and efficiency programs for income-eligible residential customers in western South Dakota. Contact Black Hills Energy directly.
Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) Share the Warmth — customer and company contributions provide heating assistance to MDU customers in eastern South Dakota facing hardship.
Rural Electric Cooperative Programs — South Dakota has numerous rural electric cooperatives; contact your local co-op for any low-income assistance programs available to members.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs statewide.
Additional Resources for South Dakota Families
South Dakota SNAP (Food Assistance): Check South Dakota SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in South Dakota.
South Dakota Medicaid: Check South Dakota Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check South Dakota WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LIEAP in South Dakota?
LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) is South Dakota’s name for the federal LIHEAP program. Administered by DSS, it provides heating payments of $668–$3,437 based on income, household size, fuel type, and geographic region. Applications are accepted year-round until funding is exhausted.
What are the income limits for South Dakota LIEAP?
South Dakota uses three different income standards by household size: 200% FPL for households of 1–3, 60% SMI for households of 4–11, and 150% FPL for 12+. For a household of 4, the limit is approximately $5,595/month. There is no asset limit. Confirm current figures at dss.sd.gov/energyassistance.
Can I receive both state LIEAP and tribal LIEAP?
No — a household cannot receive state LIEAP and tribal LIEAP in the same year. Tribal members living on reservation lands should contact their tribal LIEAP office; off-reservation tribal members apply through the state DSS program.
Which tribes run their own LIEAP programs?
Seven tribes: Rosebud Sioux, Standing Rock Sioux, Yankton Sioux, Oglala Sioux, Lower Brule Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux, and Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. Each sets its own income guidelines and benefit amounts independently.
Does South Dakota LIEAP cover cooling?
No — South Dakota LIEAP is heating-only. There is no summer cooling assistance component.
For current South Dakota LIEAP information and to apply, visit dss.sd.gov/energyassistance or call 605-773-3165. Request a mailed application bundle by calling 1-800-233-8503.