The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is reminding all Minnesotans that this coming Monday, January 31, 2022, is the last day that you can use the ApplyMN system to request SNAP benefits, emergency assistance, child care assistance, and other cash assistance programs. DHS recommends that if you have an open application on ApplyMN to please complete and submit your application now or switch to the new MNBenefits and submit your application there. Starting, Tuesday, February 1, 2022, all online applications for the aforementioned programs and more can only be submitted through MNBenefits.
Launched as a 16-county pilot program in late 2020, MNBenefits went live to all 87 Minnesota counties and Tribal Nation services agencies in November 2021. Of this new system, which allows residents to apply for up to nine programs all at once, DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead states, “The last thing Minnesotans facing life’s challenges need is a cumbersome, bureaucratic process to navigate. MNbenefits will help people in need get the important services they are eligible for more quickly.” The nine assistance programs that can now be applied for through the MNBenefits online system are:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Emergency Assistance (EA)
- Housing Support
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- Diversionary Work Program (DWP)
- General Assistance (GA)
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
MNBenefits is also mobile-friendly and readily available across all internet browsers. It is currently available in only English and Spanish, however the DHS notes that more languages will come online in the near future. DHS also explains that with MNBenefits, “It’s easy to upload documents, and no account login is necessary, eliminating a common barrier to access,” while adding that The new system “also creates efficiencies for DHS, county and tribal nation staff, boosting capacity to provide more timely service and a better client experience.”
To learn more about MNBenefits, visit the DHS Integrated Service Delivery webpage. And, to access MNBenfits directly and apply for benefits, please click here.