A fire, flood or storm
What to do first
- If you are in danger, call 911 and follow what local officials tell you.
- Call 211 for shelter, food and supplies near you.
- Take photos of the damage and keep every receipt.
- Call your insurance company to start a claim.
- If the President declared a disaster in your area, apply with FEMA.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
FEMA disaster help
You usually have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration to apply with FEMA. FEMA sometimes gives more time, and you can ask to apply late if you have a reason.
Source: FEMA.gov
Help from South Dakota
South Dakota programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
South Dakota Department of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible South Dakota households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
South Dakota Housing Development Authority
Homelessness Assistance
South Dakota Housing funds local providers that offer shelter, homelessness prevention, and rapid rehousing services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
South Dakota Housing Development Authority
Rental Assistance
South Dakota Housing connects residents to rental assistance offered through housing programs and local partners.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Reemployment Assistance
Reemployment Assistance provides temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose a job through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
South Dakota Department of Social Services
Low Income Energy Assistance
In South Dakota, LIHEAP is called Energy Assistance.
Energy Assistance helps eligible households pay home heating costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
South Dakota Department of Social Services
South Dakota Medicaid
In South Dakota, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance.
South Dakota Medicaid helps eligible people pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
South Dakota Department of Social Services
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services connects residents to mental health and substance use treatment and support.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SBA.gov
Disaster loans for homes
The Small Business Administration makes low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, not only businesses, to repair or replace what was lost.
USDA.gov
Food help after a disaster
After some disasters, the state may offer Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) for a short time. Your state's food benefits office will say if it is open.
SAMHSA.gov
Someone to talk to
The Disaster Distress Helpline is free and open all day, every day, for anyone upset by a disaster.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA disaster assistance
Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Social Security Administration
Replace a Social Security card
Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Request it online with a my Social Security account, or visit or call Social Security. It is always free.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 Helpline Center
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988