Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is the state’s welfare-to-work program for low-income families with children, combining cash, food assistance, and employment services into one monthly benefit.

MFIP benefits are generally limited to 60 months, with certain exceptions for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and children under age 18.

MFIP is designed to be a welfare program that expects, supports, and rewards work. Participants are expected to complete a specific number of work-related hours per month.

FAQ

Who is eligible for MIFP in Minnesota?

To be eligible for cash assistance in Minnesota, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Be a resident of the state of Minnesota.
Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
Meet an initial income test
Meet an initial asset limit of $10,000.

What is the income limit for MIFP in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a family is considered “needy” if its countable income at the initial income test is less than the threshold called the “Family Wage Level ”.

For example, the current limit for a family of three is $1,617 per month, above which the family no longer receives cash assistance, but may continue to receive food benefits.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$767
2	$1,260
3	$1,617
4	$1,939
5	$2,241
6	$2,600
7	$2,829
8	$3,123

The amounts shown represent income eligibility thresholds by household size. Families with income at or below these limits may be eligible for TANF benefits.

There is also a $10,000 asset limit which includes cash, bank accounts, liquid stocks and bonds, and vehicles.

How much do I get for MFIP in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, MFIP integrates cash assistance and the “food portion” (SNAP) into a single monthly benefit. A family of three with no income may receive up to $1,470 per month in combined cash and food benefits.

Household Size	Food	Cash
1	$254	$443
2	$466	$679
3	$671	$799
4	$853	$910
5	$1,031	$1,006
6	$1,262	$1,102
7	$1,373	$1,199
8	$1,556	$1,283

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash and food benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

MFIP-eligible families who do not receive public housing or rental assistance may receive a $117 monthly MFIP Housing Assistance Grant to help cover housing costs.

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

After your application is received, an interview will be arranged to determine your eligibility, either by phone or in person for a face-to-face interview.

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

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Minnesota?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Minnesota, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact MNbenefits (DHS) at (651) 431-2000 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

What is DWP in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, DWP stands for the Diversionary Work Program (DWP), a four-month program that helps parents work right away rather than go on welfare.

Most parents, including pregnant women, will be enrolled in this program before they start to get MFIP benefits. To qualify, they must:

Meet an initial income test
Meet an initial asset limit of $10,000

DWP recipients will get help with employment services and may be eligible to receive child care assistance, food stamps, housing, as well as medical assistance.

What is Minnesota Supplemental Aid?

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) is another state program that provides supplemental cash assistance to people who are aged, blind, or disabled and SSI recipients.

MSA recipients receive a monthly cash grant to supplement their income, up to $81 per month for single adults and up to $111 per month for couples, along with medical assistance and other support services.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Supplemental Aid
(651) 431-4049

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

Find the specific contact information for your county or tribal nation from the directory here . ↩