Must be a resident of Lake County to qualify for assistance. Must fill out application in Welfare Office. Assistance is NOT immediate and must be approved by the County Commissioners at their next scheduled meeting after the application process. Poor relief assistance is the last resort. Must seek assistance from all other agencies and/or groups before applying. One-time assistance only in a 12-month period. Utilities: Must provide a notice of termination from the company/supplier. Available in limited amounts. Applicants must apply for Energy Assistance through the Office of Energy Assistance in Pierre, SD before we may assist. Maximum assistance of $420. Will not pay deposits, late fees or reconnect fees. Rent: Must provide an eviction notice. Housing assistance is available in limited amounts and is paid per scale of household members at a maximum of $500. Will not pay deposits, late fees, rent to immediate family members or rent for residents in subsidized housing. If resident must apply for SD Rental Assistance programs and/or low-income housing before the county may assist. Medical Bills: The hospital services received must constitute emergency, medically necessary services. The hospital and/or patient must demonstrate to the county that it has exhausted all avenues of payment, including the hospital accepting reasonable monthly payments from the patient. No assistance is available for one that has health care insurance. Non-emergency Services - the county does not cover this type of medical assistance. Such as non-emergency hospital/physician/specialist office visits and/or hospital services, medical equipment, medications, health insurance premiums, home health services, dental or eye care and childbirth. Any assistance approved creates a lien against the borrower/applicant and must be paid back to Lake County, SD.