Economic Assistance Programs
Economic Assistance
Economic Assistance assists eligible Pennington County residents based on criteria defined in state statutes and approved guidelines. It functions as a resource of last resort, after any alternative avenues have been explored. Grant funding is utilized when available. Economic Assistance considers rent, utilities, transportation costs, burials, and medical services, rental deposits, birth certificates and government-issued IDs, when grant funding is available.
Economic Assistance assists residents who meet the eligibility criteria, as outlined in the Pennington County approved guidelines and South Dakota State Statutes.
This program is a resource of last resort which assists individuals who have no other resources available.
The amount of assistance is established in the county guidelines and a lien may be placed against the individual. Economic Assistance is not an on-going program, but is designed to address a current 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.
If you would like to apply for assistance, please call 605-394-2156 to schedule an appointment. During the call, you will be informed of what information you will need to determine eligibility.
Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance eligibility is determined by state statute, and an individual's availability and affordability of health care coverage. All medical services must meet the criteria of medical necessity set by state statute and must be referred by a physician. The county works directly with medical providers and past and current employers in assessing eligibility. The county also investigates any potential third-party coverage or payor.
Non-emergency medical services must receive approval prior to being performed.
When the county approves financial assistance, a lien is filed and a re-payment plan established.
This program is a resource of last resort that may assist individuals who have no resources, public or private third-party coverage.
Types of medical assistance provided:
- Specialty Doctor
- Emergency Hospitalization
- Emergency Medication
- Medical Transportation Costs
If you would like to apply for assistance, please call 605-394-2156 to schedule an appointment. During the call, you will be informed of the information necessary to begin the application process. Upon making the appointment you will be provided a packet of information including a list of information you will need to determine eligibility.
Please inform us if you are calling for pre-authorization of a medical service or have an immediate need for medications.
Funeral / Burial Assistance
We recognize that this is a difficult time for your family. As you make decisions and sort through options you may be eligible for financial assistance through Pennington County. Any assistance must receive prior authorization and will result in a lien being placed on the estate or in the name of the deceased and certain family members. If the deceased was married at the time of death the spouse must apply. A parent must apply on behalf of a minor child.
To complete an application for assistance, an immediate family member (or a representative if no immediate family exists) will need to contact Pennington County Human Services at 605-394-2156, Monday – Friday between the hours of 6:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
All Economic Assistance programs are intended to be a resource of last resort.