Program Information

Offers the following emergency assistance as a very last resort (individuals must utilize all other local organizations before reaching out to Welfare):

• Economic Assistance - Rent / Utility shut offs (disconnects):
  • County does not help with deposits, of any kind, reconnect fees or previous/past bills.
  • BROWN COUNTY IS ASSISTANCE OF LAST RESORT. According to SD Codified Law - APPLICANTS MUST Apply and ACCEPT Assistance from ALL Other Organizations (The Journey Home, Salvation Army, local churches, family, bank etc.) BEFORE county will consider assistance (according to SDCL). Other organizations will assist without a repayment requirement, unlike county assistance which files a Lien against the individual(s) for any assistance received. Individual(s) applying or living in the same household cannot have an active warrant or unpaid lien. ANY Applicant who is unemployed without good cause will be denied. Federal poverty income guidelines apply.
  • One-time assistance allowed in a 12 month period for economic assistance. Assistance must be repaid, and failure to repay disqualifies from further assistance.
• Medical
  • Assistance is only for emergency hospitalizations for which the hospital provided the County a notice of hospitalization. Any other hospital or medical bills must be approved before the procedure is undertaken. Failure to sign up for health care insurance if that option is available and affordable will disqualify someone from assistance. No assistance with prescriptions, medical equipment or therapy(s).
• Burial

All assistance received becomes a poor relief lien and is to be paid back to the county.

Eligibility

18 years and older, must meet income guidelines and a resident of Brown County

Disabilities access

Accessible parking, route, entrance, and restrooms.

Required Documents

Call for information

Application Process

Call to schedule an appointment