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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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South Dakota · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you or someone you love is getting older in South Dakota and money is tight, please take a breath. You are not out of options, and you are not alone. Across the state there are real people whose whole job is to help seniors find care, coverage, and support — for free.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-833-663-9673This is South Dakota's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). One free call gets you a trained specialist who can walk you through home care, Medicaid, and local services, no matter your age or income.
Maybe you only have Medicare and Medicaid. Maybe a paid assisted-living home is simply out of reach. That is okay. This page is here to point you toward help that does not cost anything: the people who explain your Medicare, the programs that can pay for care in your own home, and the folks who can help you apply for benefits without charging you a dime.
Take it one call at a time. You do not have to understand everything today. Start with one number below, and let the person on the other end guide you to the next step.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather stay in their own home as long as possible. South Dakota Medicaid can help make that happen through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
They can start the conversation and connect you with the right people.
South Dakota Medicaid is run by the state Department of Social Services (DSS). For older adults, it can cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and — importantly — long-term care, both in nursing homes and through in-home services.
Eligibility is based mainly on your income and your assets (savings, property). The exact limits change every year, and there are special rules for married couples and for people who need long-term care. Please do not rule yourself out based on a guess. Call and let them check — many people qualify who assumed they earned "too much."
Apply for South Dakota Medicaid (DSS)
Apply online (look for "Apply for Benefits"), or by phone or in person through your local DSS office.
Call with questions about applying for or using Medicaid.
Dakota at Home can help you figure out what to apply for.
If you're on Medicare
If Medicare feels expensive, this section could put real money back in your pocket.
South Dakota Medicaid handles Medicare Savings Program applications.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
SHIINE can help you fill out either application for free.
SHIINE (Senior Health Information & Insurance Education) is South Dakota's free Medicare counseling program, part of the national SHIP network. Trained, unbiased counselors can help you understand your Medicare choices and drug plans, compare coverage during Open Enrollment, sign up for programs that lower your costs, and sort out billing problems.
It is free, and counselors do not work on commission — they are not trying to sell you anything.
Everyday essentials
SNAP
Helps buy groceries. Apply through South Dakota DSS or your local office.
Feeding South Dakota
Runs food banks and mobile pantries across the state, including programs for seniors.
Many communities offer these — ask Dakota at Home.
Dial 211 to find the nearest food pantry today.
Find local housing programs, rent help, and utility assistance.
Local public housing authority
Contact your local public housing authority about senior and low-income housing.
Can point you to housing options and home-safety programs.
Also lists housing resources by area.
Guidance & protection
South Dakota coordinates aging services through Dakota at Home, the statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center. A resource specialist can connect you to local help: meals, transportation, caregiver support, in-home services, and more.
One call connects you to local aging services statewide.
A national service that will point you to services near your town.
East River Legal Services
Provides free civil legal aid to low-income South Dakotans, including help with benefits, housing, and consumer problems.
Dakota Plains Legal Services
Provides free civil legal aid to low-income South Dakotans, including help with benefits, housing, and consumer problems.
For elder-abuse concerns or nursing-home issues, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman below.
Dakota at Home (1-833-663-9673) or 211 can connect you to the right legal aid office for your county.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted-living community and something is wrong — poor care, mistreatment, or concerns about your rights — the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is your free advocate.
These advocates work for the resident, not the facility, and your call can be confidential. Also reachable at 605-773-3656.
Find your local ombudsman
Search the National Consumer Voice directory to find your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Dial 211 — a real person will help you find food, housing, health, and senior services near you.
A national line that connects you to trusted local help for older adults.
Make one call. Start with Dakota at Home (1-833-663-9673). Tell them your situation in plain words.
Call for free1-833-663-9673It is the state's health-coverage program for people with low income and limited assets. For seniors, it can cover medical care, prescriptions, and long-term care at home or in a nursing facility — often filling gaps that Medicare leaves.
Generally, no. Medicare does not pay for room and board in assisted living. Medicaid, through programs like the HOPE Waiver, may help cover certain care services. Call Dakota at Home (1-833-663-9673) to explore your options.
Yes. Almost every resource on this page is designed for people on a fixed or limited income, and most are completely free. Being on a fixed income is a reason to call, not a reason to hold back.
Yes — Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium (around $185/month) if you qualify. Call South Dakota Medicaid (1-800-597-1603) or let SHIINE (1-800-536-8197) help you apply.
Care at home means getting help with daily tasks while staying in your own place — often through the HOPE Waiver. A nursing home provides round-the-clock care for those who need it. Medicaid can help pay for either, depending on your needs.
Yes. SHIINE, Dakota at Home, 211, and legal aid offices all help for free. Nobody should have to pay to find out what they qualify for.
You have worked hard your whole life, and asking for help now is not a weakness — it is a smart, caring thing to do for yourself or your loved one. The people at these numbers want to help, and they hear from families just like yours every single day. Start with one call today.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.