County Welfare:

H&HS County Welfare provides emergency assistance for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, as outlined in the Pennington County approved guidelines and state statutes. This program is a resource of last resort which assists individuals who have no other public or private third-party coverage.

Available county assistance includes economic assistance, medical assistance and assistance for funeral services and burials.

Economic Assistance

Economic Assistance is an emergency assistance program. Eligibility is based on state statute and county guidelines. The amount of assistance granted is established in the county guidelines. For all assistance granted a state statute requires that a lien is placed against the individual. Economic Assistance is not an on-going program, but is designed to address the immediate need.

Due to the attachment of a lien, the individual is encouraged to exhaust all other resources prior to making application with the county. The county will assist in making appropriate referrals and can act as an advocate on the individual's behalf.

Types assistance provided:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Utility Deposit Guarantee
• Grocery
• Transportation

If you feel you may be eligible for assistance, please call (605)394-2156 to make an appointment. When you call, you will be informed of what information you will need to bring to the appointment.

If you have an emergency, such as an eviction, an emergency walk-in sign-up time is available each morning from 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis and the time available is limited. If it is not an emergency, an appointment will be made.

Medical Assistance

The county is a resource of last resort and requires that all other resources be exhausted first. Medical Assistance is determined by a formula established in the state statutes. The individual's availability and affordability of health care coverage will be one determining factor of eligibility. All medical services must meet the criteria of medical necessity set by state statute. The county works directly with medical providers and past and current employers in assessing eligibility. The county must approve non-emergency medical procedures prior to the services being performed. The county investigates any potential third-party payee. If the county approves financial assistance, a repayment plan will be established.

Types of assistance provided:

• Medication
• Doctor
• Hospital
• Transportation
• Dental
• Any other medical need that is referred by a physician

If you feel you may be eligible for assistance, please call (605)394-2156 to make an appointment. When you make the appointment, a packet of information will be sent to you listing the required information you will need to bring to the appointment.

Please inform the receptionist if you are calling for pre-authorization of a medical service or have an immediate need for medications.

Funeral Assistance

Pennington County Welfare provides financial assistance for funeral services and burials for qualified individuals.

For assistance, please call (605)394-2156 to make an appointment.

Quick Links: