(Photo credit iStock/dusanpetkovic)
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs. Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs, but it could help ease the strain of the heating season. Energy assistance is available from October 1 to May 15.
The program may also help if your heating costs are included in the cost of your rent or if you pay heating costs directly to your landlord in addition to your rent.
Eligibility is based on:
• Number of people in household
• Gross income of everyone in the household
• Your home’s main heat source type
• County you live in
How to apply:
• E-mail DSSHeat@state.sd.us to request an application or e-mail a completed application.
• Call toll-free at 1-800-233-8503 to request an application be mailed
• Complete an application online at dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energy_weatherization_assistance.aspx
• Visit your local Department of Social Services office to obtain an application
2025-2026 Heating Season Income Limits:
Household size maximum 3-month income
1 Person $7,825
2 Person $10,575
3 Person $13,325
4 Person $16,075
5 Person $18,825
6 Person $21,575
7 Person $22,514
8 Person $23,014
9 Person $22,514
10 Person $24,431
(This information was current as of November 2025. Contact your energy assistance office with questions.)