The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is the state's welfare reform program. It helps families and pregnant women who have low income go to work and move toward financial stability. The program provides employment services and income assistance. The Diversionary Work Program (DWP) helps parents go to work quickly.
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.
When families first apply for cash assistance, they usually start in the Diversionary Work Program (DWP). It is a four-month program that helps parents go to work right away rather than enroll in MFIP.
DWP is a four-month program that helps Minnesota parents find jobs. The goal is to help parents quickly find work so that they do not need to go on the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). When families first apply for cash assistance, most will be enrolled in this program. Parents get help paying for housing and other bills, along with employment services to help them find full-time work.
A large number of our DWP/MFIP clients work with our Employment Services partner Central MN Jobs and Training (CMJTS) for additional programs and/or resources. If you have any questions or concerns for your Employment Services Job Counselor, please contact them at either their Pine City or Sandstone offices at 800-284-7425.
Please click on the secure MN Department of Human Services link below for additional resources, information, and how to apply:
Please contact our agency if you have any questions/concerns at 800-450-7463 Extension 1570 or 4100.
