Apply For Minnesota TANF
This page provides the Minnesota TANF eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet both state and federal guidelines for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Individuals who apply for TANF must meet the monetary and non-monetary state guidelines, complete work-related activities, provide paternity information about the children in the household and report as required by the state.
Minnesota residents who qualify for welfare are required to furnish information such as citizenship, income, resources, and age. Only household members who are eligible can receive Minnesota welfare benefits. Read on for more information about applying for TANF. If you have additional questions or issues about this program, then contact TANF Minnesota.
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) helps families with children meet their basic needs, while helping parents move to financial stability through work. Parents are expected to work, and are supported in working with both cash and food assistance. Most families have a lifetime limit of 60 months on MFIP.
Minnesota TANF Eligibility
MFIP is for families with children and pregnant women. To qualify, your family must:
- Meet an initial income test
- Meet an initial asset limit of $2,000
- Provide needed verifications
Asset and vehicle limits
- You may own up to $2,000 in assets and qualify for MFIP. Your worker can tell you what property is counted toward the limit
- You also may own a licensed vehicle with a loan value up to $10,000. Any loan value above $10,000 will count toward the asset limit. If you own more than one vehicle, the combined value over $7,500 of all other vehicles will count toward the asset limit
Lifetime limit
Most parents with minor children only get cash help for a total of 60 months.
MFIP Benefits
Families get a monthly benefit that includes cash and food assistance. Parents also get help to find and keep a job.
Employment services
- Most people work with a job counselor to create an employment plan. Your job counselor may change your employment plan if you have issues that make it hard for you to get a job
- You must look for a job at least 30 hours per week for up to six weeks
- You must meet certain rules for your job counselor to approve post-secondary training or education
- If you are under age 20 and have not completed high school or an equivalency program, you may need to finish your education. Your job counselor or social worker will help you make a plan to get your high school diploma or go to work
- You may get child care help while you are looking for work, going to school or working. Your job counselor must first approve your employment services activities as part of an employment plan
Cash and food assistance
Cash and food benefits are issued automatically through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card (DHS-6315) (PDF). Benefits change depending on your income. You are better off working when you are on MFIP. When you get a job, the first 43 percent of your earned income will not count in deciding the amount of your benefits. If you do not follow all the program rules, your family’s monthly benefit will be reduced.
Apply For Minnesota TANF
- Online at ApplyMN.dhs.mn.gov
- Or on paper using the Combined Application Form DHS-5223. Mail or bring the completed form to your county or tribal office
Minnesota Employment Search
Part of the requirement, while on the TANF program, is finding a job to help sustain your financial needs. Minnesota provides an online job site for you to search for employment. You can view the job site by clicking here.
Apply Online For Minnesota TANF
If you have questions about applying for TANF benefits, or you want to see if you can apply for TANF Georgia online, then visit the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families website here.