South Dakota LIHEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance)
Last updated August 2026
South Dakota's energy help is called the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIEAP. It helps income-eligible households pay their winter heating costs. It can also step in when heat is at risk. Apply online through the state portal or by paper form. You can email the form to DSSHeat@state.sd.us or mail it to the Office of Energy Assistance in Pierre.
Eligibility is based on your income over three months. The three-month gross income max is about $7,825 for one person and $16,075 for a family of four. Larger households have higher limits. You must also be the one responsible for paying your home heating costs.
The help goes straight to your energy supplier. The amount is based on your household size, income, heating type and cost, and where you live. So the payment is set to fit your home, not a flat number for everyone.
There is a faster lane for emergencies, called ECIP. It is for cases like a current disconnection notice on your main heat source, or a fuel tank below 20 percent. If your heat is about to be cut off, say so when you contact the office. That can move your case ahead.
You turn in a signed application with proof of your income for the last three months and proof of your heating costs. Applications are reviewed within 60 days. Funds are limited, so apply early rather than waiting for a crisis. You send in your proof, and the program decides if you qualify.
Call the Office of Energy Assistance at 1-800-233-8503 to apply or check your status. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm Central. Ask about weatherization at the same time to lower future bills, and dial 2-1-1 for other local utility help.
Phone 1-800-233-8503
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; eligibility uses your household's income over three months, with limits around $7,825 for one person and $16,075 for a family of four
- You must be responsible for paying your home heating costs; applications are reviewed within 60 days and funds are limited
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online, or mail or email a paper form to the Office of Energy Assistance in Pierre (DSSHeat@state.sd.us).
- 2
Check the three-month income max, about $7,825 for one person and $16,075 for a family of four.
- 3
Gather proof of income for the last three months and proof of your heating costs.
- 4
For an emergency like a shut-off notice or a tank below 20 percent, ask about ECIP crisis help right away.
- 5
Call 1-800-233-8503, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm Central, to apply or check your status.
What to have ready
- A recent heating bill and any disconnection notice
- Proof of your income for the last three months
- ID and proof that you pay the heating costs. The office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for LIEAP?
It uses your income over three months. The gross max is about $7,825 for one person and $16,075 for a family of four, with higher limits for larger households.
How fast is an application reviewed?
Applications are reviewed within 60 days. Funds are limited, so it is best to apply early.
What if my heat is about to be shut off?
Ask about ECIP crisis help. It is for cases like a current disconnection notice or a fuel tank below 20 percent, and it can move faster.
How do I apply or check my status?
Call the Office of Energy Assistance at 1-800-233-8503, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm Central, or apply online.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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