12 verified resources.
About Veterans for Fathers
Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.
12 Resources
1. South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs — Free
State agency in Pierre connecting South Dakota veterans with federal and state benefits, services, and support programs. Staff help with VA claims, education benefits, and state-funded initiatives. Fathers who served should bring DD-214, photo ID, and dependent documents when visiting the Capitol Avenue office weekdays. Services are free to veterans and their families, and county veteran service officers operate in every county.
(605) 773-3269 · 425 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
2. Sioux Falls VA Health Care System — Free
Full-service VA medical center providing healthcare to enrolled South Dakota veterans, including primary care, mental health, specialty services, and pharmacy. The 22nd Street campus in Sioux Falls serves eastern South Dakota with inpatient and outpatient options. Father veterans should bring DD-214, VA ID, photo ID, and current medication lists to visits. Call the main line to enroll or schedule appointments on weekdays.
(605) 336-3230 · 2501 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website
3. VA Black Hills Health Care System — Free
VA healthcare facilities serving veterans in western South Dakota through the Fort Meade and Hot Springs campuses. Services include primary care, specialty clinics, inpatient care, and mental health. Enrolled father veterans can schedule appointments by phone. Bring DD-214, VA ID, photo ID, and current medication lists to visits. Community-based outpatient clinics extend access to smaller communities across the region weekdays.
(605) 347-2511 · 113 Comanche Rd, Fort Meade, SD 57741 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website
4. SD Veterans Home — Hot Springs — Paid
Long-term residential care for eligible South Dakota veterans operated by the state in Hot Springs. Services include skilled nursing, domiciliary, and supportive living programs. Father veterans and their families can contact the home to learn about eligibility, fees, and admissions. Bring DD-214, photo ID, medical records, and any VA rating letters when applying. Tours can be scheduled by calling the main line during business hours.
(605) 745-5127 · 2500 Minnekahta Ave, Hot Springs, SD 57747 · 24/7 · Visit Website
5. South Dakota American Legion — Free
Veteran service organization providing advocacy, benefits counseling, and community programs throughout South Dakota. The Pierre headquarters and local posts support veterans with VA claim assistance, family services, and youth programs such as Boys State. Father veterans can call or visit to find their nearest post. Bring DD-214 and photo ID when working with a service officer to file a benefits claim or appeal.
(605) 224-2471 · 600 E Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
6. Disabled American Veterans — South Dakota — Free
Advocacy and benefits assistance for disabled veterans in South Dakota provided by trained DAV service officers. Based at the Sioux Falls VA, officers help fathers file claims, appeal decisions, and navigate compensation, pension, and healthcare. Services are free and confidential. Bring DD-214, current medical records, and existing VA correspondence to appointments. Call ahead to schedule a meeting with a service officer.
(605) 336-3230 · 2501 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website
7. Veterans of Foreign Wars — South Dakota — Free
VFW department serving South Dakota veterans with advocacy, benefits help, and community programs. Posts across the state provide camaraderie, youth scholarships, and emergency relief through the Unmet Needs program. Father veterans eligible by overseas service can call or visit the Sioux Falls office to find a local post. Bring DD-214 and campaign documentation when applying for membership or filing a claim.
(605) 336-9612 · PO Box 1122, Sioux Falls, SD 57101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
8. Aberdeen Vet Center — Free
Readjustment counseling and mental health services for combat veterans, their families, and survivors in northeast South Dakota. The Aberdeen Vet Center offers confidential individual, group, and family counseling focused on PTSD, military sexual trauma, and transition stress. Father veterans can call to schedule appointments at the 6th Avenue office. Bring DD-214 and photo ID to your first visit. Services are free to eligible vets.
(605) 225-1640 · 2400 6th Ave SE Suite 2, Aberdeen, SD 57401 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
9. SD National Guard Family Programs — Free
Support services for South Dakota National Guard members and their families through the Rapid City office. Services include deployment support, family readiness groups, youth programs, and emergency assistance referrals. Father soldiers and spouses can call to find resources during mobilization or transitions. Bring military ID and unit information to appointments. Offerings include Yellow Ribbon events and Military and Family Life Counseling.
(605) 737-6700 · 2823 W Main St, Rapid City, SD 57702 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm
10. VA Home Loan Guarantee — South Dakota — Free
VA-backed home loans helping eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses in South Dakota purchase homes with favorable terms, often without a down payment. Fathers can apply through VA-approved lenders and must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. The VA home loan line and website provide application steps, funding fee details, and refinance options. Bring DD-214 and recent income documentation to lenders.
(800) 827-1000 · Online resource · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
11. Operation Homefront — Northern Plains Region — Free
Financial assistance and family support for military and veteran families in South Dakota through Operation Homefront's Northern Plains region. Programs include critical financial aid, transitional housing, and family events. Father veterans and active-duty dads can apply online for assistance with rent, utilities, and emergency needs. Bring DD-214 or LES, lease, and bills when applying. Eligibility varies by program and income.
(210) 659-7756 · National resource serving SD · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
12. Warrior-Scholar Project — SD — Free
Academic boot camps helping enlisted veterans transition into competitive four-year colleges, with South Dakota sessions hosted through SDSU in Brookings and USD in Vermillion. Week-long residential programs focus on writing, STEM, and college skills. Father veterans planning to use the GI Bill can apply online. Bring DD-214 and recent transcripts when applying. Programs are free and include meals, housing, and materials.
Brookings and Vermillion, SD · Session-based · Visit Website