Understanding MFIP: Minnesota’s Cash Assistance for Families in Crisis
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is a jointly funded, federal-state program that provides income assistance to eligible low-income families. If your family is facing financial hardship, MFIP can provide critical support while you work toward economic stability. This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is MFIP and Who Can Apply?
The Minnesota Family Investment Program helps families work their way out of poverty by giving money to families to pay for basic needs like food, clothing, and rent, and helping with job training and finding employment. MFIP helps families transition to economic stability, and parents are expected to work, and are supported in working.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for MFIP, your family must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Have a minor child or pregnant woman in the home
- Be a resident of Minnesota
- Be a U.S. citizen, qualified noncitizen, or noncitizen otherwise lawfully residing in the United States
- Have received fewer than 60 months’ assistance total from any state
- Have low or very low income (see income limits below)
- Meet asset limits
Income and Asset Limits
Families do not exit MFIP until their income reaches about 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The 2025 FPG for a family of three is $26,650 (135 percent of FPG for a family of three equals $35,978).
Assets are limited to $10,000 for applicants and participants, excluding certain items. The state doesn’t include certain things when they count your assets, such as the home your family lives in and any other real property, and personal goods like furniture, clothing, jewelry, appliances.
How Much Cash Assistance Will You Receive?
MFIP benefits are a combination of cash and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits. The MFIP grant is based on a transitional standard that increases with family size. For example, a family of three’s standard benefit in 2025 is $1,394 per month; a family of four’s monthly standard is $1,675.
The MFIP Housing Assistance Grant is $110 a month in cash assistance that is in addition to the rest of the MFIP benefits. When you get a job, the first $65 you earn does not count. After that, half of the rest of your earnings do not count in deciding the amount of your benefits.
Program Time Limits and Lifetime Assistance
Most families can get cash assistance for only 60 months. However, some families may be eligible for assistance extensions past the 60-month limit if they meet specific criteria for one of the following extension categories: ill or incapacitated, hard-to-employ, and employed participants.
The Work Benefit Program provides a monthly cash grant incentive of $50 to employed families for up to 24 consecutive months after exiting the MFIP cash and food portions.
Work Requirements and Support Services
Parents are expected to work, and are supported in working. MFIP caregivers are required to spend a specified number of hours per week engaged in work or other work activity. For example, a caregiver who is in the initial job search step of MFIP’s employment and training component is expected to spend an average of 30 hours per week.
The program provides help with child care costs and medical coverage, in some cases as long as a year after the family transitions out of the program.
How to Apply for MFIP
Applying for MFIP is straightforward. You have two main options:
Online Application
- Visit MNbenefits.mn.gov and fill out the application right on the website. It’s convenient because you can do it from anywhere, so long as you have internet access.
Paper Application
- Download the Combined Application Form in English (DHS-5223-ENG)
- Mail it or take it directly to your local county or tribal office
What Documents You’ll Need
It is important to check with your county office to know exactly what paperwork you may be required to provide after submitting your application. Some common proofs required include Social Security Numbers only for people in your household who are applying for benefits. Other common documents include:
- Proof of income and check stubs from earned income (such as pay stubs, or letter from an employer) and unearned income (such as child support, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, pension, SSI, disability, etc).
- Proof of residency
- Birth certificate for children in the home
- Photo ID
Timeline for Decision
You should get a decision within 30 days after you apply.
Local Resources for Minneapolis and Hennepin County
If you live in Minneapolis or Hennepin County, you can get help with your MFIP application:
- Contact Hennepin County by calling (612) 596-1300 or complete the online application.
- You can also apply online at MNBenefits at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov or submit forms and update information through InfoKeep at https://infokeep.hennepin.us/
- Drop off or pick up an application at a Human Service Center location. Phone hours are 9 am – 3 pm Monday – Friday and the drop box is open 24 hours/7 days a week outside the building near the entrance.
Families in other Minnesota counties should find their local county human services office for MFIP application assistance.
Special Situations
Families with Disabilities
People with disabilities don’t have to participate in the Diversionary Work Program. If you have a disability and apply for MFIP, you also have to apply for SSI. If you have a disability or are taking care of someone with a disability, MFIP’s 60-month time limit might be extended.
Teen Parents
If you are younger than 20 and have not completed high school or any 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.
Getting Help Beyond MFIP
MFIP is one important resource, but families in crisis often need additional support. Explore these Hues Hope resources for comprehensive help:
- Financial Assistance for additional emergency funds and bill payment help
- Housing for rental assistance and affordable housing programs
- Employment for job training and career support
- Food Resources for nutrition assistance programs
- Mental Health and Substance Use services for healing and recovery
Take the First Step Today
If your family is struggling financially, MFIP can provide immediate relief while you work toward self-sufficiency. The application process is simple—whether you apply online or by mail, the support you need is within reach. Contact your local county human services office or visit MNbenefits.mn.gov to get started. You deserve support during this difficult time, and Minnesota’s MFIP program is designed to help families like yours succeed.
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