MINNESOTA

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is the state’s primary welfare-to-work program low-income families with children and pregnant women.

Monthly support includes a combination of cash and food assistance, typically issued via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card — up to $1,470 per month for a family of three.

How much cash assistance will I get in MN?

For a family of three, MFIP provides a maximum cash grant of $799 and food assistance of $671 per month, subject to a lifetime limit of 60 months.

Beginning July 1, 2015, eligible families who are not currently receiving public housing or assisted rental subsidies may also receive $117 each month to help pay for housing.

How do I apply for MFIP?

Applications for MFIP can be submitted online through MN Benefits  or in person at your local DHS office in the county or Tribal district where you live.¹

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Economic Assistance Customer Service
(651) 431-4050

Minnesota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Minnesota SNAP is a county-run, state-supervised federal program that helps low-income Minnesotans get the food they need for sound nutrition and a well-balanced diet.

The program serves low-income families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.

In Minnesota, SNAP and cash assistance are often combined under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), with most families receiving a food portion through MFIP.

What is the income limit for food stamps in MN?

Most families in Minnesota with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,553 per month for a family of three, may qualify for food stamps.

How do I apply for food stamps in MN?

You can apply for SNAP online through MN Benefits  or fill out an application and submit it to your county or Tribal Nation human services office.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Economic Assistance Customer Service
(651) 431-4050

Minnesota Food HelpLine
Food Shelf & Meal Program Referrals
(888) 711-1151

Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP)

Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) provides food assistance to certain non-citizens age 50 or older who do not qualify for SNAP due to citizenship requirements.

To qualify for MFAP, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Live in Minnesota
• Be eligible for SNAP except for the U.S. citizenship requirement
• Be a qualified noncitizen or a noncitizen lawfully residing in the United States
• Not be enrolled in the Minnesota Family Investment Program

MFAP generally follows the same policies and procedures as SNAP, except for rules that make noncitizens ineligible. Income limits and deductions are the same as those used for SNAP.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Economic Assistance Customer Service
(651) 431-4050

Minnesota Free School Lunch Program

Minnesota became 4th state to offer universal free school meals. The state passed a law in 2023 that will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of income.

Before the pandemic, Minnesota students were only eligible for free or reduced breakfasts and lunches if their household income is 130% (free) or 185% (reduced) of the federal poverty guidelines.

Are school lunches still free in Minnesota?

Yes, through the Minnesota Free School Meals Program, school lunches and breakfasts remain free to all Minnesota students from kindergarten through 12 grade, regardless of family income.

Minnesota Department of Education
School Nutrition Programs
(800) 366-8922

Minnesota Medical Assistance

Medical Assistance (MA) is Minnesota’s Medicaid program for eligible children and families, pregnant women, adults, older adults, and people who are blind or have a disability. Most members do not pay a monthly premium, though small copayments may apply to some services.

Minnesota’s adult expansion group includes eligible adults ages 19–64 with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $3,142 per month for a family of three. Children and young adults may qualify for MA at higher income limits, which vary by age.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Minnesota?

Most applicants can apply for Medical Assistance (Medicaid), MinnesotaCare, or private health coverage through Minnesota’s state health insurance marketplace, MNsure . People age 65 or older, people with disabilities, and some other applicants may need to use a different application process; see Minnesota DHS application information  for details.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance Help Desk
(651) 431-2670

MinnesotaCare

As of January 1, 2026, undocumented immigrant adults are generally no longer eligible  for MinnesotaCare, though undocumented children under 18 may still qualify.

MinnesotaCare is the state’s CHIP program that provides health care coverage for children in families who don’t qualify for Medicaid, including services such as doctor visits, immunizations, hospital care, prescriptions, vision care, and dental services.

Unlike Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare requires a monthly premium based on income, capped at $80 per person. Small out-of-pocket costs may apply for certain services.

What is the income limit for MinnesotaCare?

MinnesotaCare has somewhat lower income limits than Medical Assistance (MA). It covers children in families with income at or below 288% of the federal poverty level. Because MA has a higher income threshold for children, they are usually enrolled in MA first.

While most children are covered under MA due to higher income limits, undocumented immigrant children under age 18 may still qualify for MinnesotaCare.

There is no specific open enrollment period for MinnesotaCare. You can apply for the program at any time during the year through MNsure .

Minnesota Department of Human Services
MinnesotaCare Help Desk
(651) 431-2670

Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps low-income families pay for child care so parents can work, look for jobs, or go to school, with assistance covering children under 13 (or 15 with special needs).

Minnesota CCAP includes several subprograms designed to support families with child care costs, depending on their circumstances:

1. MFIP Child Care provides child care assistance while the parent is working or participating in Employment Services, such as job training or education, as required by their MFIP plan.

2. Transition Year Child Care offers 12 months of continued child care assistance to families after they exit MFIP, helping support the transition to self-sufficiency.

3. Basic Sliding Fee (BSF) serves low-income working families who are not receiving MFIP. Under this program, families pay a monthly co-payment based on income, while CCAP covers the remaining child care costs.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Minnesota?

Applications for CCAP are available online at MN Benefits . In some counties, there is often a waiting list in place so it is best to apply as soon as possible to get on the list.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
(651) 431-3800

Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program

To be considered, applicants must demonstrate financial need AND are not currently receiving assistance under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).

Minnesota Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Minnesota WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services, at no cost, to Minnesota families who qualify.

The program serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children in Minnesota whose gross income falls below certain limits; and who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies.

What is the income limit for WIC in Minnesota?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, WIC serves women, infants, and children in Minnesota whose income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.² That’s about $4,212 per month for a family of three.

Families who are already eligible to participate in any of the following programs: Medicaid, MFIP, SNAP, and Energy Assistance are automatically eligible for the WIC Program without proof of income.

How much does WIC pay per month in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in Minnesota?

To apply for WIC, you must attend an in-person certification appointment at a local WIC clinic. If you need help finding a nearby clinic, please call

Minnesota Department of Health
WIC Clinic Locator / Referral Line
(800) 942-4030

Minnesota Energy Assistance Program

Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay home heating costs for low-income households with a direct, one-time payment directly to their heating vendor.

Eligible households may receive up to $1,400, depending on household income and fuel costs. Those with the lowest incomes and the highest cost for energy will get the most help paying their bills.

Eligibility for energy assistance is limited to households with incomes at or below 50% of the State Median Income (SMI). For example, a family of three could earn up to $5,178 per month and still qualify.

How can I apply for Minnesota energy assistance online?

EAP service providers include Community Action Programs, counties, tribal governments, and non-profits serve all areas of Minnesota. To apply for assistance, you need to contact your local EAP service provider .

Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2027, or until available funds are depleted.

Minnesota Department of Commerce
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
(651) 539-1500

For help finding your local EAP provider, call
(800) 657-3710

Minnesota State Grant

The Minnesota State Grant is a need-based grant that does not require repayment. The program serves Minnesota resident undergraduate students enrolled at an eligible Minnesota institution.

Award amounts depend on financial need, enrollment status and the allowable cost of attendance at the institution. Applicants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application . Applicants must apply by the 30th day of the term.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE)
Email: financialaid.ohe@state.mn.us
(800) 657-3866

Minnesota North Star Promise Scholarship

North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship is a “last-dollar” program that provides free college tuition to Minnesota students who attend any public or tribal college in Minnesota.

The program is intended to help cover the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied.

NSP is open to all Minnesota resident students with a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $80,000, as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

There is no separate application. Students must complete the FAFSA or MN Dream Act  by the 30th day of the term to be considered.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE)
Office of Scholarship & Financial Aid
(651) 355-0616

Minnesota Working Family Credit

Minnesota Working Family Credit (WFC) is a refundable credit for working individuals and families whose income is below a certain level and is claimed when filing a Minnesota income tax return.

Minnesota’s WFC is unique from most other states because its formula applies a percentage of a claimant’s earned income  rather than a percentage of their federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The credit is calculated as 4% of the first $9,480 of earned income in tax year 2025, with a maximum credit of $379 per eligible taxpayer.

How much is the earned income credit in Minnesota?

For tax year 2025, the maximum credit ranges from $379 for taxpayers with no qualifying older children to $3,089 for those with three or more. The actual credit amount depends on earned income and the number of qualifying children.

How do I claim for Minnesota Working Family Credit?

To claim the state credit, you must file a state tax return (Form M1, Individual Income Tax) and attach Schedule M1WFC, Minnesota Working Family Credit to your return.³

I qualify for the Federal EITC. Does that mean I also qualify for Minnesota’s Working Family Credit?

Not necessarily. Minnesota’s rules are different from the federal rules. As a result, there are circumstances when you may qualify for the federal credit, but not for the state credit.

Minnesota Child Tax Credit

According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, beginning with the 2025 tax year, eligible families can opt to receive half of their anticipated credit in three advance payments before filing their next return. To receive them, you must file your 2025 return by April 15, 2026 and check the advance-payment box on Schedule M1CWFC; the remainder is paid when you file your 2026 return.⁴

As Kiplinger has reported ⁵, Minnesota currently offers the largest state child tax credit in the country, allowing eligible families to get up to $1,750 per eligible child.

The Minnesota Child Tax Credit is a fully refundable state tax credit, meaning you can receive the full amount as a refund even if you do not owe any income tax.

The credit is phased out if your income is over $37,910 for Married Filing Jointly, or over $31,950 for other filers. The credit amount gradually decreases for incomes above these limits.

To claim the credit, you must file a Minnesota income tax return and complete Schedule M1CWFC, Minnesota Child and Working Family Credits.³