Welcome to BenefitKarma, South Dakotans!

If you’re new here, we want to connect you with information that will empower you and your loved ones on the benefits journey. We know government benefits, insurance, and healthcare can feel overwhelming — with legal jargon, paperwork, and deadlines — but BenefitKarma simplifies it all in easy-to-understand language.  

Our platform offers helpful tools, calculators, and educational resources so you can take control of your benefits journey at your own pace. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for BenefitKarma — it’s free, and you’ll get exclusive content and benefits updates straight to your inbox.  

[Explore Your Benefits – Coming Soon]  
We’re building a new way to help you discover benefits and resources personalized for you. Stay tuned!  

Wondering what’s available to you in South Dakota? Here’s a list that’ll give you a head start. 

Health & Disability

1. South Dakota Medicaid & CHIP
   South Dakota expanded Medicaid in 2023, meaning more low-income adults now qualify for free or low-cost healthcare. Children and pregnant individuals may also be covered under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Services typically include doctor visits, maternity care, mental health treatment, hospital stays, and preventive care. In 2025, Medicaid continues to serve as a vital resource for families across the state.

2. Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS Waivers)
   South Dakota offers programs like CHOICES and Family Support 360 that help people with disabilities live safely in their homes and communities. Services can include in-home care, therapies, assistive devices, transportation, and job coaching. These waivers are designed to support independence—not just provide care. Want to learn how these services can impact employment or income opportunities? Explore related articles on BenefitKarma to see how people are using support programs to build better futures.

3. SSI & SSDI (Disability Income Programs)
   SSI offers monthly income and automatic Medicaid enrollment for those with limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with disabilities who have work history and eventually leads to Medicare coverage. Both programs provide financial security so you can focus on your health. We’ll help you understand eligibility and how to apply with confidence. Learn more about how SSDI works.

4. Asset Limits for Medicaid
   If you’re applying under traditional Medicaid categories (non-MAGI), asset limits still apply—but most adults qualifying under Medicaid expansion (MAGI-based) won’t be disqualified due to savings or small assets. That means more flexibility for working families and individuals with modest resources. Want to know what that really means for you? Start with the basics—learn how Medicaid works and who it can help.

Nutritional & Food Assistance

1. SNAP (Food Assistance)
   SNAP helps eligible South Dakotans buy groceries like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat using an EBT card. Monthly benefit amounts vary based on your income and family size, and the program is designed to stretch your food budget. Applying can feel overwhelming—but we guide you step by step. Discover how to apply for SNAP.

2. WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
   WIC provides access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant individuals, new parents, infants, and young children. If you qualify for programs like Medicaid or SNAP, you likely qualify for WIC too. It’s a supportive program that helps you and your child get a healthy start. Check if your family is eligible for WIC.

3. School Meals (Breakfast & Lunch Programs)
   South Dakota schools provide free or reduced-price meals to students from qualifying households. These meals meet federal nutrition guidelines and help ensure kids have the fuel they need to learn and grow. Many schools offer breakfast to all students regardless of income, depending on the district. Find out if your child qualifies for the Federal School Breakfast Program.

4. Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP & Food Banks)
   The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) offers free groceries like canned goods, produce, and frozen meat through local food banks and community centers. No long-term enrollment is required—this program is a lifeline when immediate support is needed. Explore how free food assistance can support your family. 

Income & Employment

1. South Dakota TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
   TANF provides monthly cash assistance to low-income families with children. It’s more than a check—it also connects families with job support, parenting resources, and transportation help. TANF helps families work toward long-term stability.

2. Unemployment Insurance
   If you’ve lost your job through no fault of your own, South Dakota’s unemployment insurance can provide temporary income while you search for new work. Benefits are based on past earnings, and you’ll need to meet job-search requirements to keep receiving them. Check your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

3. Disability Income (SSI & SSDI)
   If you're unable to work due to a disability, SSI and SSDI can provide monthly income and access to other programs like Medicaid, housing aid, and SNAP. SSDI recipients may also receive back pay—covering the time between when your disability started and when your claim was approved.

Family & Education

1. Child Care Assistance Program
   This program helps working parents, students, and job seekers afford licensed child care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or training status. If you’re caring for or fostering a child, additional supports may be available to help cover childcare and education costs. To learn more about tax credits and other ways to save on childcare costs, read the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. 

2. College Scholarships & Education Grants
   South Dakota offers several scholarship programs to help students cover the cost of college or vocational school. Whether you're a first-generation college student or returning adult learner, there are state and federal programs that can help bridge tuition gaps. Tax credits like the Lifetime Learning Credit can also reduce what you owe.

3. 529 & ABLE Savings Plans
   South Dakota’s 529 College Savings Plan allows families to save for future education expenses with tax advantages. If you or a loved one has a disability, ABLE savings accounts make it possible to save money without losing eligibility for critical benefits like SSI or Medicaid. These accounts offer a flexible way to plan for long-term goals.

Housing & Essentials

1. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
   This program helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private market. Rent is typically capped at 30% of your income. Waitlists can be long, so applying early is key. South Dakota also offers affordable housing through state and local partnerships. Learn how to apply for Section 8 housing assistance and what to expect during the process.

2. LIHEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program)
   LIHEAP helps qualifying households pay for heating and cooling costs—especially important during South Dakota’s cold winters. Assistance may be a one-time payment or spread across the season, easing the burden when energy prices spike. Find out if you qualify for LIHEAP and how to apply for energy bill assistance.

3. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
   WAP provides free energy-efficiency improvements for low-income households—like insulation, air sealing, and furnace upgrades. These upgrades lower utility bills and make homes more comfortable year-round. Discover how the weatherization programs works and find utility assistance options.

4. Emergency Housing Assistance (ESG)
   If you're facing homelessness or housing instability, the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) may help cover rent, utilities, or temporary shelter. ESG also connects you to case managers who can help you find lasting stability. Get help with emergency housing and utility assistance through ESG programs. 

Military & Veterans

1. South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
   Veterans and their families can access a wide range of support—including healthcare navigation, housing assistance, long-term care planning, and financial help. Local Veterans Service Officers are available to help you apply for federal and state benefits.

2. Aid & Attendance / Housebound Benefits
   These federal programs provide monthly payments to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily care or who are largely confined to their home. Funds can help cover personal assistance, home care, or assisted living expenses. Check your eligibility for Aid & Attendance benefits.

3. Veterans Property Tax Relief
   South Dakota offers property tax exemptions for veterans with permanent service-connected disabilities and for certain surviving spouses. As of 2025, more veterans may be eligible thanks to expanded eligibility based on unemployability status. This tax relief helps reduce long-term housing costs. To learn how military families can save more money, including exclusive tax deductions available for service members, check out this helpful guide. 

4. Veterans Bonus Program & State Assistance
   The state offers financial bonuses for eligible veterans and emergency assistance funds to help cover housing, utilities, and basic needs during a crisis. Whether you’re transitioning to civilian life or facing hardship, these programs provide a safety net when you need it most.