Rapid City utility customers can apply for a reduction of their monthly utility charges through the Utility Rate Relief Program. The program is designed to lower the monthly utility expense for senior citizens and people with disabilities. If qualified, the rates charged for all utility services billed to the applicant will be reduced by 25 percent for a period of two years or until the renewal date established by the Public Works Director. Applications are accepted at any time, but renewal requests must be received by April 30 of odd numbered years for participants to remain on the program.

Helping people identify long term situations that lead to assistance requests and to walk along side them as they bridge out of those situations. Provides assistance for those in the Whitewood area only (cannot assist individuals from Spearfish or other areas).  Services provided might include utility payments on a case by case basis, clothing, food, gas, financial education, training and education assistance, and micro-loans (0% interest) for rent deposit; amount must be repaid.

Based on eligibility guidelines, office provides Indigent Medical Expenses, Indigent Burial Expenses, and General poor relief Applicant is required by law to repay the county for assistance given, per SDCL 28-14. County is payer of last resort.

Provides medical, hospitalization, and burial assistance to low income clients per statute. Any non-emergency medical treatment requires pre-approval. If applying for rental or utility assistance, all other resources must have been exhausted first. Economic assistance is for current amounts only. No payment for deposits of any kind. Assistance does require payback and a county lien is filed until paid in full.

ICAP Emergency Services helps with emergency utilities and rent for income qualified households. Must meet all requirements. Also offers food pantry vouchers to those who qualify. (Not available to those who reside in Sioux Falls).

Responsible for commissioners proceedings, agendas, and records, accounting records, revenue, and expense reports, voter registration and election, businesses applications for beer and liquor licenses, figures real estate and mobile home taxes, handles county bid lettings, manages medical indigent, county payroll and employee drug and alcohol testing programs, and the Auditor and Treasurer work in conjunction to pay county bills. This office also oversees one time, last resort/emergency financial assistance for residents who need help with burial expenses, medical indigent claims, prescription payment assistance, rent payment assistance (to prevent eviction), and utility payment assistance for current and past due bills regarding water, lights, heating, phone, and trash.

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.

This association aids in the assistance with those who are in need of food, gas, and lodging. Additional assistance is offered for utilities and some rent.

ICAP Emergency Services helps with emergency utilities and rent for income qualified households. Must meet all requirements. Also offers food pantry vouchers to those who qualify. (Not available to those who reside in Sioux Falls).

Assists with the following as a last payer - indigent medical claims (excluding prescriptions), utilities, and burial, and funeral expense assistance.

Community Outreach assists people who are struggling with basic financial and non-financial needs by providing information, referral to other resources, and where appropriate, financial assistance in the following areas: - Rental/security deposit and/or 1st month's rent for people seeking housing Available once every 12 months - Prevention assistance: - Evictions ​Available once every 12 months. Must be past due. - Utility shut offs (for water, lights, and heating). Must be either past due or disconnected. Available twice a year. An ecumenical ministry supported by churches, Sioux Empire United Way, and other individual donors.

The program assists with household heating costs for propane and fuel oil July 1 - April 30. For electric and gas, meter readings October 1 - May 15 are eligible for payment. Energy funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis. Applications received after March 31 will be processed for the next heating season. The program is designed to provide a supplemental payment to the primary heating cost of a home. Eligibility and assistance amount is based on household income, heating type and region, and number of persons in household. In heating crisis situations, such as disconnect for primary heating source, refusal to deliver or cash on delivery, eviction (if heat is included in rent), or furnace problems, contact the office for emergency assistance. Aberdeen Office (605) 626-3160Armour Office (605) 724-2590Belle Fourche Office (605) 892-2731Brookings Office (605) 688-4330Burke Office (605) 775-2683Canton Office (605) 764-5761Chamberlain Office (605) 734-4500Custer Office (605) 673-4347De Smet Office (605) 688-4330Deadwood Office (605) 578-2402Dupree Office (605) 365-5175Eagle Butte Office (866) 480-0201Elk Point Office (605) 356-3346Faulkton Office (605) 598-6227Flandreau Office (605) 997-2447Fort Thompson Office (888) 749-0007Hot Springs Office (605) 745-5100Huron Office (605) 353-7100Kyle Office (877) 899-0020Lake Andes Office (605) 487-7607Lemmon Office (800) 748-2380Lower Brule Office (888) 749-0007Madison Office (605) 256-5683Martin Office (605) 685-6521McIntosh Office (605) 273-4513Milbank Office (605) 432-9588Miller Office (605) 853-3464Mission Office (605) 856-4431Mitchell Office (605) 995-8000Mobridge Office (605) 845-2922Olivet Office (605) 387-4219Parker Office (605) 297-3251Phillip Office (800) 226-1033Pierre Office (605) 773-3612Pine Ridge (605) 867-5861Plankinton Office (605) 942-7150Rapid City Office (605) 394-2525Redfield Office (605) 472-2230Rosebud Office (605) 747-2022Sioux Falls Office (605) 367-5444Sisseton Office (605) 698-7673Sturgis Office (605) 347-2588Timber Lake Office (605) 865-3594Tyndall Office (605) 589-4319Vermillion Office (605) 677-6800Wagner Office (877) 656-0023Wanblee Office (866) 416-0094Watertown Office (605) 882-5000Webster Office (605) 345-3432White River Office (605) 259-3101Winner Office (605) 842-0400Yankton Office (605) 668-3030

Economic Assistance: Emergency assistance program. Eligibility is based on state statute and county guidelines. The amount of assistance granted is established in the County Guidelines and the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines. For all assistance granted, state statute requires that a lien is placed against the individual. Economic assistance is not an on-going program, but is designed to address the immediate need. Due to the attachment of a lien, the individual is encouraged to exhaust all other resources prior to making application with the county. The county will assist in making appropriate referrals and can act as an advocate on the individual's behalf. - Types of assistance provided for qualified applicants: - Rent Assistance Does not help with 1st month's rent or a rental deposit. Assistance is only for those individuals who have received a sheriff served 3-day eviction notice. Having the notice is required. Also, resident must have live in Davison County for at least 60 days. Utilities (disconnect notice required) Emergency Transportation (gas voucher or bus ticket) Emergency Shelter (one night hotel stay) Medical Assistance The county is a resource of last resort and requires that all other resources be exhausted first. Medical assistance is determined by a formula established in state statute. The individual's availability and affordability of health care coverage will be one determining factor of eligibility. All medical services must meet the criteria of medical necessity set by state statue. The county works directly with medical providers and past and current employers in assessing eligibility. The county must approve non-emergency medical procedures prior to the services being performed. The county investigates any potential third-party payee. If the county approves financial assistance, a repayment plan will be established. - Types of assistance provided: Medication Hospital Funeral Assistance Davison County Welfare provides financial assistance for funeral services and burials for qualified individuals.

The Auditor is the keeper of County records and acts as a bookkeeper of County business. The Auditor is responsible for County Commissioner meetings including scheduling, agenda, business follow-up, Preparing the County's budget, Audit bills or other claims against the County and prepare the warrants in payment of these bills, Figuring the mil levy, and Head election officer of the County. Notary Public services available. Some fees may apply. Based on eligibility guidelines, Welfare services include medical assistance, utilities assistance for disconnect notices on heating bills, and burial and funeral assistance.

ICAP Emergency Services helps with emergency utilities and rent for income qualified households. Must meet all requirements. Also offers food pantry vouchers to those who qualify. (Not available to those who reside in Sioux Falls).

Temporary emergency needs such as food, clothing, infant care, prescriptions, travel, lodging, and other miscellaneous services.

Financial Assistance: - Utility assistance (gas, electric or water) that is at least 30 days past due and has a shut off notice (cannot do current bills). Call for qualifications and appointment time. Non-Financial Assistance Programs: - There are two options for those needing food assistance: - The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provided by USDA through the State of South Dakota. Requires individuals to fall within income eligible guidelines as well as complete a TEFAP Self Declaration form. Can receive TEFAP food only consisting of protein along with nutritional staple(s). - Salvation Army's Food Program: Receive TEFAP and other food consisting of protein, canned goods, and nutritional staples. Picture ID, proof of residence, and completed forms required. - Clothing Vouchers: For those needing assistance for clothing. Assistance may only be given 1 time for every 3 months with photo ID. Verification for any additional individuals needing clothing is required (medical cards, birth certificates, etc.) - Household Vouchers: For those needing assistance with items used to cook and eat a meal or other household goods (bed linens, towels, etc). Available to households 1 time every 3 years with a photo ID and current lease or rental agreement. - Assistance is limited according to what is available at the time. Pathway of Hope: - Program for eligible families. Long term case management program to help families move beyond crisis into stability and becoming self-sufficient. Families will be required to meet with a caseworker to design a plan to meet goals, needs and objectives (ex. goal setting, financial counseling, assistance getting healthcare, educational opportunities, etc).

Helps with electricity, gas, water, medicine, rent, and other basic needs. Please email [email protected] or go to the directory to contact any church in Hot Springs as any pastor is authorized to help with those needs.

ICAP Emergency Services helps with emergency utilities and rent for income qualified households. Must meet all requirements. Also offers food pantry vouchers to those who qualify. (Not available to those who reside in Sioux Falls).

Mortgage and utility assistance for South Dakota residents through Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Mortgage assistance: This program is a LOAN program, up to a maximum of $25,000, will be in the form of a zero-interest loan, payable when the property is either transferred/sold or refinanced. Applicants will be required to contact their mortgage service provider to determine if other alternatives are available. Homeowners in need of immediate assistance should contact their loan servicer to discuss alternative options to prevent foreclosure or a HUD-approved Counseling Agency. Available utility assistance is not a loan, but a grant, so utilities will NOT have to be paid back. Must meet the following criteria: Income qualifications (vary by county) Household has experienced a significant financial hardship due to COVID-19 on or after January 21, 2020. (Must be COVID-related) Household can demonstrate a risk of housing instability or homelessness which may include a past due utility or mortgage notice. Link to Application To receive additional funding after their original assistance period has passed applicants should not complete a new application. They will be notified by email when they become eligible to reapply and they can log on to their applicant dashboard to reapply. Applicants are also free to reach out to their caseworker directly with questions about additional funding.

ICAP Emergency Services helps with emergency utilities and rent for income qualified households. Must meet all requirements. Also offers food pantry vouchers to those who qualify. (Not available to those who reside in Sioux Falls).

Offers the following emergency assistance as a very last resort (individuals must utilize all other local organizations before reaching out to Welfare): - Economic Assistance - Rent / Utility shut offs (disconnects): County does not help with deposits, of any kind, reconnect fees or previous/past bills. BROWN COUNTY IS ASSISTANCE OF LAST RESORT. According to SD Codified Law - APPLICANTS MUST Apply and ACCEPT Assistance from ALL Other Organizations (The Journey Home, Salvation Army, local churches, family, bank etc.) BEFORE county will consider assistance (according to SDCL). Other organizations will assist without a repayment requirement, unlike county assistance which files a Lien against the individual(s) for any assistance received. Individual(s) applying or living in the same household cannot have an active warrant or unpaid lien. ANY Applicant who is unemployed without good cause will be denied. Federal poverty income guidelines apply. One-time assistance allowed in a 12 month period for economic assistance. Assistance must be repaid, and failure to repay disqualifies from further assistance. - Medical Assistance is only for emergency hospitalizations for which the hospital provided the County a notice of hospitalization. Any other hospital or medical bills must be approved before the procedure is undertaken. Failure to sign up for health care insurance if that option is available and affordable will disqualify someone from assistance. No assistance with prescriptions, medical equipment or therapy(s). Burial All assistance received becomes a poor relief lien and is to be paid back to the county.

Guides soldiers and their families to the help they need through a one-stop call center for veterans. The Sea of Goodwill is one place that will have a list of all the various official and unofficial support services available to help veterans. This program helps veterans find assistance in the areas of; employment, housing, financial assistance, and mental and physical health needs. Available 24 hours per day, the Watertown Police Department 911 Center serves as the call center for the Sea of Goodwill.

Provides assistance with all utilities including electricity, natural gas, water. Requires a disconnect notice and personal ID. Assistance is limited to $100.00 once every six months.

Offers information and referral for community services. - Emergency services based on availability and qualifications for the following: Emergency short term lodging Gas / Transportation for out-of-town medical appointment or stranded motorist In-state one-way bus ticket Utility assistance electric, water, or gas with a disconnection notice Prescription / medications Clothing Personal hygiene items Formula Disposable diapers - Emergency food based on availability and qualifications, including the: BackPack food program Pierre and Ft. Pierre food pantry Senior food box program - Holiday meals ie. Thanksgiving Basket - package containing ingredients to make a meal along with a frozen turkey Volunteer opportunities Distributor of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is provided by USDA through the State of South Dakota. Only requirement - individual must fall under TEFAP guidelines