South Dakota · Resources
The numbers you actually need — South Dakota.
Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.
If you need help right now
State Medicaid agency
The office that determines eligibility and runs the program
South Dakota Department of Social Services (SD DSS) — Medicaid
SD DSS administers South Dakota Medicaid, including long-term-care Medicaid and the HOPE waiver for home and community-based services.
Aging services — your entry point
Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging
South Dakota Department of Human Services — Long Term Services and Supports
South Dakota coordinates aging and disability services through the Department of Human Services' Long Term Services and Supports division.
Adult Protective Services
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number
Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)
Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan
Senior Health Information & Insurance Education (SHIINE)
South Dakota's federally-funded SHIP program. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling.
State health department
Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities
South Dakota Department of Health
Licenses and regulates nursing facilities, assisted living centers, and home health agencies.
Finding a lawyer
Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified
State Bar of South Dakota Lawyer Referral Service
East River Legal Services
Civil legal aid for low-income residents of eastern South Dakota, including older adults.
Dakota Plains Legal Services
Civil legal aid for low-income residents and Native communities in western South Dakota, including Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations.
Nonprofits worth knowing
State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state
Alzheimer's Association — South Dakota Chapter
24/7 helpline, caregiver support groups, education across South Dakota.
AARP South Dakota
Statewide advocacy and caregiver resources.
South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Resource for elder abuse and intimate-partner violence affecting older adults.
Other hotlines
Numbers worth saving in your phone
- 1-800-633-4227
Medicare (federal)
1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.
- 1-877-265-9684
SD Information & Assistance
Single point of entry for aging and disability services in South Dakota.
- 211
211 South Dakota / Helpline Center
Local community resource referrals 24/7.
Forms & templates
Official South Dakota document references
SD Durable Power of Attorney (SDCL §59-7)
South Dakota durable power of attorney statute. SD has not adopted the full Uniform Power of Attorney Act but has its own statutory framework.
SD Living Will (SDCL §34-12D)
South Dakota's Living Will statute, allowing an individual to direct withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures in defined terminal-illness conditions.
SD Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (SDCL §59-7-2.5)
Health-care power of attorney statute, allowing designation of an agent for medical decisions.
Key statutes we cite
South Dakota laws referenced across our topic guides
| Citation | Subject |
|---|---|
| SDCL §59-7 | South Dakota Power of Attorney |
| SDCL §59-7-2.5 | Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care |
| SDCL §34-12D | South Dakota Living Will Act |
| SDCL Title 29A | SD Uniform Probate Code |
| SDCL §55-1 | South Dakota Trust Code (dynasty trust friendly) |
| SDCL §28-6 | South Dakota Medicaid |
| ARSD 67:16 | Medicaid Long-Term Care and Estate Recovery |
More from South Dakota
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Phone numbers, websites, and statute citations on this page are verified at publication and re-reviewed quarterly. If something looks wrong, please tell us.