Financial Assistance
This division of Human Services provides financial assistance to persons who qualify. Persons must fill out a formal application in order to have eligibility determined. For more information or to request an application for financial assistance call (507) 304-4335.
Cash Assistance Programs
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP): MFIP is a combination of both cash and food assistance. It is a work-focused program with a goal of helping families move towards self-sufficiency through employment.
- Diversionary Work Program (DWP): DWP is a short-term work focused program for families. It is a four month program to reduce the risk of needing longer term assistance under MFIP.
- General Assistance (GA): GA provides monthly cash assistance to people who cannot work due to a disability, illness, age, etc. People eligible for GA are automatically eligible for General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC).
- Minnesota Supplemental Assistance (MSA): MSA provides a monthly supplement to people over 65, blind, or disabled and who are receiving Supplemental or Social Security Income (SSI). People on MSA are automatically eligible for Medical Assistance (MA).
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA): RCA provides financial assistance to refugees ineligible for SSI.
- Work Benefit Program (WB): A cash benefit for families who have exited DWP or MFIP and are working a required number of hours.
Health Care Programs
- Medical Assistance (MA): Nationally called Medicaid, this program pays for medical care for low-income people under 21 and over 65 years of age. There are 27 subprograms to Medical Assistance for which this program pays when a person is eligible. Medical Assistance pays for long-term care.
- General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC): GAMC is a state program which provides medical care for people between the ages of 21 and 65 and who are not eligible for the Federal Medical Assistance Program.
Food Programs
- Food Stamps: Food stamps are coupons or electronic benefits used to buy food. They cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or pet food; nor can they be used to buy non-food items.
- Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP): This state program provides food assistance to non-citizens who do not qualify for the Federal Food Stamp Program or the food portion of MFIP. (State Food Support Website)
Emergency Programs
- Low Income Stabilization Program (LISP): LISP Provides emergency help for families with children. The emergency must threaten the health and safety of a child. LISP is limited to once in 18 months.
- Emergency Minnesota Supplemental Aid (EMSA): EMSA provides emergency assistance to aged, blind, or disabled persons who receive MSA and face an emergency situation that threatens the persons health and/or safety. You can receive EMSA only once in 12 months.
- Emergency General Assistance (EGA): EGA provides help to people without children who are in a crisis situation, such as fires, floods, evictions, and utility shutoffs. You can only receive EGA once in 12 months.
- Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA): EMA provides medical coverage in emergency situations only for people who are not eligible for MA due to immigration status.
Other Financial Assistance Programs
Related Links:
DHS Child Support Enforcement