Economic Assistance
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families offers economic assistance for qualifying families to assist them as they go to work, look for work or attend school.
Visit MN Benefits to begin your application for many of the programs listed below, as well as other assistance programs.
Minnesota Family Investment Program
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), is the state’s public assistance program for low-income families with children. MFIP helps families move to work and focuses on helping families. It includes both cash and food assistance.
MFIP helps families transition to economic stability. Parents are expected to work and are supported in working. Most families can get cash assistance for only 60 months.
Refugee Cash Assistance
The refugee resettlement program coordinates services to assist refugees in making the transition to life in the United States. The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program provides cash assistance to refugees who are ineligible for Supplemental Security Income or MFIP for up to 8 months after arrival in the United States. Only refugees as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act are eligible.
General Assistance
The General Assistance (GA) program provides cash assistance for some single, unemployed adults without children, including people who are elderly, ill, injured or otherwise incapacitated.
Minnesota Supplemental Aid
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) is a state funded supplement for people who receive Supplemental Security Income.
Housing Support
The Housing Support program pays for room and board for seniors and adults with disabilities who have low incomes. The program aims to reduce and prevent people from living in institutions or becoming homeless.
How to Apply
Online
Visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services MNbenefits website. Before applying, you can see if you are eligible for public assistance programs by using the Bridge to Benefits screening tool.
Access applications, renewals and verification forms online at the Minnesota Department of Human Services eDocs website.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Application for Seniors (60+)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Cash Assistance
By mail
Request mailed forms by calling 218-998-8150 or 888-350-0241.
In person
Application materials are available at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center or Otter Tail County Human Services in New York Mills. See below for address information.
Forms can be picked up between 8 am and 4:30 pm at either location.
Submitting Forms
By email
Send all completed forms to [email protected].
Fax
Forms can be faxed to 218-998-8270.
Drop box
Forms can be placed in the drop box located in the parking lot of the Otter Tail County Government Services Center. See below for address information.
By mail
Mail all completed materials to:
Otter Tail County Human Services
535 Fir Ave W
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Location(s)
Contact Information