South Dakotans who need help paying their heating bills this winter can request energy assistance from the Department of Social Services (DSS). Energy assistance can help low-income families pay for heating costs. However, the assistance does not cover all costs associated with heating. Funds for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) are distributed on a first-come basis for meter readings from October 1 – May 15.

To be eligible for the South Dakota DSS Low Income Energy Assistance Program: 

• Applicants must complete the DSS Low Income Energy Assistance Application.

• The total gross income of the household must not exceed maximum income guidelines (reference chart to right).

• The applicant must be responsible for paying the home heating costs. 

DSS also has an Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) that is available from October 1 – March 31. This program offers income-eligible households emergency assistance if they have a disconnection notice for their heat source or an eviction notice if the heat bill is included with rent.

Please contact the Northern Electric Cooperative with questions by calling 605-225-0310 or stopping by our office in the temporary building at 2914 Industrial Ave #3, Aberdeen, SD.

For more information or to obtain an application for LIEAP, contact DSS:

Call 1-800-233-8503
Email DSSHeat@state.sd.us
Visit dss.sd.gov/economicassistance

Apply Online or Print the Application