South Dakota unemployment benefits
In South Dakota, unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks and pay up to $575 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Reemployment Assistance.
By Justin KullaLast updated
Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.
South Dakota benefits at a glance
| Maximum weekly benefit | $575source, July 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Minimum weekly benefit | $28source, July 1, 2026 |
| Maximum weeks of benefits | 26 weeks (15-26 weeks depending on base-period wages)source, July 1, 2026 |
| Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate | Nosource, July 1, 2026 |
| Unpaid waiting week | Yessource, October 6, 2026 |
| Severance pay | The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.source, January 1, 2023 |
| Pay in lieu of notice | The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.source, January 1, 2023 |
| Work-search requirement | Claimants must complete at least 2 work search activities per week. Registering with employment services, using reemployment services, attending a job-seeking workshop, or taking part in job search activities may count.source, January 1, 2023 |
| Extended benefits | Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026 |
| How to file | the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Reemployment Assistancesource, October 6, 2026 |
Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Reemployment Assistance.
Severance and unemployment in South Dakota
Severance pay: The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.
Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.
File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.
Local workforce boards in South Dakota
Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.
If you’re a laid-off professional
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Reemployment Assistance. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.