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South Dakota has a variety of helpful programs to help felons who need financial assistance. The programs in place are largely federally funded, but there are some that are funded through the state and local governments. There are grants to help with buying food, paying medical bills, paying rent, and more. No matter what type of help you need there is a good chance there is a grant program that you can apply for to try and receive assistance.
Grants are considered to be gifts to help people in need. Therefore, you do not ever have to pay them back. If you receive grants you will get help meeting your basic needs, while you are strive to improve your situation and become self sufficient. There are programs that provide both short and long term help. Each of the programs has different requirements for being approved, so be sure to check the qualification requirements closely.
Grants for Felons in South Dakota
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program was formerly known as food stamps. Those who need help obtaining food may qualify for a grant through SNAP. Those who are approved will receive an electronic debit card where the funds are added each month. The card can then be used to purchase food at the grocery store and farmers market. The amount you receive depends on the number of people in your household. The qualification requirements include being a citizen or legal alien and meeting the income guidelines. To apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This federally funded program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash grant. The cash can be used on living expenses of your choice, including for paying rent, food, bills, and transportation. The amount you receive depends on the number of people in your household. You may also be required to participate in a work program to keep receiving the grant. Qualifications include having at least one minor child you are caring for, meeting the income guidelines, and being a legal citizen. To apply for TANF in South Dakota, click here.
Low Income Energy Assistance – This program will help with paying energy bills for those who qualify for the assistance. You can only have one energy bill paid by this program per year, so you will need to re-apply every year that you need the help. The program has limited funds and the grants are given out on a first come basis. To qualify, you have to be the person who is responsible for paying the energy bill and have a low income. The program also provides weatherization services and crisis assistance. To apply, click here.
Medicaid – The Medicaid program is designed to ensure that those with a low income are able to receive medical care. The program will pay for your medical expenses, including for doctor visits, prescription drugs, dental work, and more. To qualify for Medicaid in South Dakota you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen. To apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program is run by the federal government and has a mission of ensuring that everyone has affordable housing. The government owns housing complexes, called Section 8, where people can live for a low monthly fee. HUD will also help people pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, and become homeowners. They also offer weatherization services, which will help to reduce your monthly utility bills. To qualify for HUD programs you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. To get more information or apply for HUD programs in South Dakota, click here.
Lifeline – Felons who need help paying for a phone may qualify for the Lifeline program. The federally funded program will provide those with a low income with a free mobile phone that comes with voice, texting, and data. If you have already been approved for other grant programs, such as SNAP or TANF, you may automatically be approved for a free phone through Lifeline. To learn more or apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization helps people throughout the state of North Dakota. They have programs that provide assistance to those in the community who need it, including providing food, clothing, counseling services, and more. They do not usually have a strict qualification to receive the assistance. To learn more about the services and find a location near you, click here.
While these are mostly government funded grants for felons in South Dakota, there are also programs that can be found in your local community. They are usually offered through local churches and non-profit organizations. Many will help with hot food, boxes of food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more. These programs are typically open to anyone who needs help, so be sure to contact churches in your area to see what help is available.
