While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the TANF program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

South Dakota TANF FAQ Sheet

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Table of Contents 

What Is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.

Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.

What Services Does TANF Provide in South Dakota?

Temporary Assistance for Families in South Dakota (TANF) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.

For more information on the services the TANF program provides to participating families, review the South Dakota TANF PDF found here.

What Is the Difference Between TANF and Food Assistance?

TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the South Dakota Department of Social Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.

To learn more about the restrictions on TANF expenditures, visit the TANF card FAQ PDF here.

Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, TANF benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.

Many TANF participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.

To apply for Food Assistance and/or TANF, visit the South Dakota Benefit Portal here.

If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Department of Social Services at 1 (877) 999-5612.

How Much Assistance Does TANF Provide?

The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.

For example, eligible families of 4 in an independent living situation can receive a maximum of $680 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.

How to Qualify for TANF in South Dakota

To qualify for TANF in South Dakota, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident
  • Be a resident of South Dakota
  • Have children in your care
  • Participate in the South Dakota Work and Training Program
  • Meet the South Dakota state income requirements for your household size

Caretakers of children who cannot be taken care of by their immediate family may also qualify for benefits under the Caretaker Relative Grant or Child-Only TANF Grant. This grant takes into consideration the situation of emergency caregivers and will only count the resources and the income of the child (if any) and not those of the caretaker.

How to Apply for TANF South Dakota

Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Families in South Dakota, complete the following three steps:

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.

  2. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

  3. Choose where to apply for your TANF benefits. 

In South Dakota, the TANF program is a work program, so the application process begins with meeting an employment specialist at a Department of Social Services (DSS) office and creating a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP). Once your PRP is complete, you will sign a Personal Responsibility Agreement (PRA) with the department to receive TANF benefits under their rules and regulations.

To apply for TANF in person, click here to locate the DSS office closest to you.

If you have any further questions about the application process, call the South Dakota Department of Social Services at (605) 773-4678.

How to Check Your Application Status

After applying for TANF, you can check on your application status with the employment specialist in charge of your case. To contact your specialist at your local Department of Social Services office clicks here.

What Happens After You Apply for TANF?

After applying for TANF, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Social Services within 30 days of receiving your application with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits, if you are eligible.

If you have a valid bank account listed on your application, your TANF benefits will be deposited within 14 days of when you receive your determination letter. Otherwise, you will receive an EBT card in the mail within 14 days.

Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.

Note that if you receive an EBT card, which is called the Way2Go card in South Carolina, you will only be allowed to purchase items at stores that display the Quest Logo, and you can only withdraw cash from ATMs that display the Quest Logo.

You can also learn more about your Way2Go card on the FAQ page here.

If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call your local DSS office here.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within the period specified on your determination letter.

To file an appeal for a Fair Hearing by mail or email, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal, whether you were denied benefits or you received a lower benefit amount than you believe you should have
  • Your desired solution for how the Department of Social Services should remedy the situation

You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail or email.

After writing your request letter, you can send it by mail to the following address:
Department of Social Services
Office of Administrative Hearings
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501

To email your request letter, use this address: admhrngs@state.sd.us.

You can also request a Fair Hearing by phone by calling (605) 773-6851. Remember to have all the information you would have written in your request letter on hand and be sure to have your determination letter as well.

Finally, you can appeal your decision by speaking with your employment specialist at your local DSS office here.

For more information about the Fair Hearing process, click here.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Families in South Dakota, or for any further questions about your application, call the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) at (605) 773-4678.

To send the South Dakota Department of Social Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to (605) 773-7183.

You can also visit or call a local DSS Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.

If you have any questions concerning your EBT/Way2Go hard, call (605) 773-6527.

Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

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