The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) helps families with children meet their basic needs, while helping caregivers move to financial stability through work. Caregivers are expected to work and are supported with both cash and food assistance.
When families first apply for cash assistance, they usually start in the Diversionary Work Program (DWP) before enrolling in MFIP.
Services/Topics EligibilityCaregivers must meet an income test, have less than $10,000 in assets (minus deductions) and provide verifications.
Caregivers may be eligible for cash, food, child care assistance and employment services.
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After applying, applicants must complete an interview with their local county or Tribal Nation human services office. The interview may be in-person or over the phone.
The Minnesota Family Investment Program is for families with children and pregnant women. Most caregivers with minor children are only eligible for a total of 60 months. To qualify, applicants must:
Families get a monthly benefit that includes cash and food assistance issued automatically through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and employment services to help them find and keep a job.
Monthly cash and food benefits are issued automatically through an EBT card. Benefits change depending on income.
Caregivers are better off working when they are getting MFIP cash assistance. The first $65 earned from a job does not count toward a households income limit. After that, half of the rest of a household's earnings do not count in determining the amount of benefits received.
Caregivers may be eligible for child care help while looking for work, going to school or working.
Most caregivers work with a job counselor to create an employment plan.
Caregivers younger than age 20 that have not completed high school or any equivalency program may need to finish their education. A job counselor or social worker can help these caregivers make a plan to receive a high school diploma or go to work.
Caregivers may be able to pursue English as a Second Language, a General Education Development diploma or certificate or post-secondary education.
