South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

Last update:

Looking for tips to access the South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with South Dakota Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of South Dakota Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Reemployment Assistance Program is administered by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) (formerly Unemployment Insurance).

Reemployment support benefits, which are not based on financial need, give temporary financial aid to qualified jobless people who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own.

Benefits for reemployment support are paid for by a special tax paid by your previous employer (s).

Below is what its official website looks like.

Image: Official South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Website

How To Qualify for South Dakota Unemployment Benefits

To be eligible for unemployment benefits in South Dakota, you must be a resident of the state and meet all of the following criteria:

  • You are jobless due to no fault of your own.
  • During the last 12 months, you worked in South Dakota.
  • You were paid a minimum salary based on South Dakota regulations.
  • You are looking for a job every week and receiving benefits.

When assessing whether an employee is qualified for unemployment insurance benefits, the Department of Labor and Regulation will evaluate three primary qualifying factors. The following are the details:

  • Whether the employee will be able to report sufficient wages within your base period
  • Whether the employee lost her job due to no fault of her own – or had to leave a previous position for good reason
  • When suitable employment is presented to you, whether the worker is able and available to take it.
  • Your application for unemployment benefits is likely to be accepted if you fulfill all of the eligibility conditions.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in South Dakota? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 15-26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $28 to Max $428
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $10,764

How Do I Apply for South Dakota Unemployment Benefits?

The best way to submit your initial claim for South Dakota unemployment benefits is to apply online. If you prefer, you may also file a claim over the telephone by calling 605-626-3179, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Central Standard Time.

If you choose the online option, you will set up a username and password that allows you to check the status of your unemployment claim and certify your weekly benefits.

Once you file, you’ll receive an eligibility determination from the Department of Labor and Regulation that outlines the wages reported by your employer and the amount you should expect to receive in benefits.

How do I Manage My South Dakota Unemployment Benefits

Once approved for unemployment benefits, you must certify your eligibility on a weekly basis. You can certify online using the account you set up when submitting your original claim, or by telephone at 605-626-3179. 

Answer questions about your efforts to find work, and report any earnings or job offers from the prior week.

How Do I Appeal a South Dakota Reemployment Decision?

If your initial reemployment assistance claim is denied, you can file an appeal within 15 days.  You may do so by mailing or faxing a statement of appeal to your local unemployment office.

Be prepared to participate in a telephone hearing before an administrative law judge. This is your opportunity to present evidence and witness testimony that helps support your claim. After the hearing, the judge will issue a decision on your appeal.

If you would like to appeal the judge’s decision, you may send a statement of appeal to the Secretary of Labor and Regulation within 15 days. Further appeals are submitted to the South Dakota Circuit Court.

How Do I Report a South Dakota Reemployment / Unemployment Fraud?

South Dakota is committed to responsibly and accurately distributing unemployment benefits. If you suspect either a claimant or an employer of fraudulent activity related to unemployment claims, you can report it below:

Report Possible Fraud: https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/report_fraud.aspx

Be prepared to provide as much specific information as you possibly can so that the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation may investigate appropriately.

How Do I Talk to a Person in South Dakota Unemployment Customer Service?

Steps:

  1. Dial 1-203-941-6868 or 1-860-967-0493
  2. Press 1 (for English)
  3. Press 1 (for regular state unemployment insurance or an extension of benefits program)
  4. Stay on the line
  5. The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from CT Unemployment

CT Unemployment Voice Main Menu

Press 1 for regular state unemployment insurance or an extension of benefits program.

  • Press 2 for self-employed individual and others who have a PUA.
  • Press 3 to reply these options.

CT Unemployment Customer Service Representatives Hours

  • Live CT Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 7am to 5pm Monday-Friday, from 8am to 3pm Saturday, Sunday closed.

CT Unemployment Support Phone Numbers

  • CT Unemployment Support Phone Number: 1-203-941-6868 or 1-860-967-0493. Live CT Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 7am to 5pm Monday-Friday, from 8am to 3pm Saturday, Sunday closed.
  • Consumer Contact Center: 1-800-956-3294. Live customer service representatives from CT Unemployment are available from 7am to 5pm Monday-Friday, from 8am to 3pm Saturday, Sunday closed
  • TTY: 711 or 1-800-842-9710.
  • Key Bank Customer Service: 1-866-295-2955.
  • Connecticut Department of Labor Agency: 1-860-263-6000.

What if I got fired?

You may be disqualified for benefits if the employer can prove you were discharged for work-related misconduct. An employer must prove misconduct before you are eligible for benefits.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.


Similar Content


South Dakota Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

South Dakota Unemployment OfficeSouth Dakota Unemployment Office LocationsSouth Dakota Unemployment Phone Number
Aberdeen Unemployment Office420 S. Roosevelt StreetAberdeen, SD 57401605.626.2340
Rapid City Unemployment Office2330 N. Maple Ave., Suite 1Rapid City, SD 57701-7898605.394.2296
Brookings Unemployment Office1310 Main Ave. S., Suite 103Brookings, SD 57006-3893605.688.4350
Brookings Unemployment Office811 East 10th St., Department 41Sioux Falls, SD 57103-1650605.367.5300
Huron Unemployment Office1000 18th St. SW, Suite #5Huron, SD 57350-4334605.353.7155
Sisseton Unemployment Office10 E. Hickory St., Suite 3Sisseton, SD 57262-1526605.353.7155
Lake Andes Unemployment Office140 W. Highway 50Lake Andes, SD 57356605.487.7607
Spearfish Unemployment Office1300 North Ave.Spearfish, SD 57783-1525605.642.6900
Madison Unemployment Office800 S. Washington Ave., Suite 103Madison, SD 57042-3517605.256.5300
Vermillion Unemployment Office904 E. Cherry StreetVermillion, SD 57069-1742605.677.6900
Mitchell Unemployment Office1321 N. Main StreetMitchell, SD 57301-1354605.995.8060
Watertown Unemployment Office2001 9th Ave. S.W., Suite 200Watertown, SD 57201-4029605.882.5131
North Sioux City Unemployment Office504 River DriveNorth Sioux City, SD 57049-3015605.242.5445
Winner Unemployment Office325 S. Monroe St., Room 117Winner, SD 57580605.842.0474
Pierre Unemployment Office116 W. Missouri AvenuePierre, SD 57501-4506605.773.3372
Yankton Unemployment Office3113 Spruce, Suite 124Yankton, SD 57078-5320605.668.2900

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.


Photo of author
Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

Leave a Comment