South Dakota Legal Aid (East River & Dakota Plains)
Last updated August 2026
Free civil legal help in South Dakota comes from two nonprofit programs that together cover the state. East River Legal Services serves eastern South Dakota. Dakota Plains Legal Services serves central and western South Dakota and the tribal areas. Both help with civil, noncriminal problems. You can apply online through the statewide SD Law Help portal at sdlawhelp.org.
These programs help low-income South Dakotans. Dakota Plains describes serving low-income people, older Americans, and veterans. Each program sets its own income guidelines and covers its own set of counties, so where you live points you to the right office.
The cases they take are the ones that keep a family stable. East River Legal Services handles family law, housing law such as evictions, repairs, and lease disputes, consumer law, and public benefits appeals. If you got court papers, reach out fast.
East River Legal Services covers 33 counties across eastern South Dakota. It has offices in Sioux Falls and Aberdeen. You can reach it at 1-800-952-3015.
Dakota Plains Legal Services runs 8 offices across South Dakota and North Dakota and serves nine tribal nations. Its administrative office number is 605-856-4444. If you live in the central or western part of the state, or in a tribal area, this is often your office.
Move fast and stack help. Call the day an eviction notice or court paper arrives, since legal cases move on a clock. Dial 2-1-1 to reach the Helpline Center for local rent funds that may clear a balance before a case grows. The program reviews your case and decides if it can take it.
Phone 1-800-952-3015
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income South Dakota residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; each program sets its own income guidelines and covers a set of counties
- The plain-language legal information at sdlawhelp.org is free for everyone, with no income screen
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
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Apply online through the statewide SD Law Help portal at sdlawhelp.org.
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For eastern South Dakota, call East River Legal Services at 1-800-952-3015.
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For central and western South Dakota or a tribal area, call Dakota Plains Legal Services at 605-856-4444.
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If you face eviction, reach out the day your notice or court paper arrives.
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Dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that may clear a balance.
What to have ready
- Any court papers, notices, or letters about your case
- Proof of your income
- A written list of dates and what happened. The office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get free legal help in South Dakota?
Apply online at sdlawhelp.org. East River Legal Services covers the east at 1-800-952-3015, and Dakota Plains Legal Services covers the central and west at 605-856-4444.
Who do the programs serve?
Low-income South Dakotans with a civil, noncriminal legal problem. Dakota Plains describes serving low-income people, older Americans, and veterans.
What kinds of cases do they handle?
Family law, housing law such as evictions, repairs, and lease disputes, consumer law, and public benefits appeals.
Which office covers tribal areas?
Dakota Plains Legal Services serves nine tribal nations and runs 8 offices across South Dakota and North Dakota.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all South Dakota programs →Free · Private · No account needed