Some programs require appointments and some do not. The first step in applying for assistance is to contact either apply online or to contact our Sandstone/Pine City office. Contact the office closest to your home and request to apply for assistance. Our office can explain the application process and what steps you will need to take. If you are already on assistance but need to apply for another program, please contact your Eligibility Worker to explain what you need to do.
To access the Financial Assistance Page, please click here.
Once you apply your Eligibility Worker will be able to review the programs you applied for or may explain which ones you could be eligible for. There is no way for our agency to know if you will qualify or not and what benefits you may receive, unless you apply. Your Eligibility Worker will explain the asset and income limits as it applies to each program.
The State of Minnesota Dept of Human Services allows 30 days to process a SNAP (also known as food support) and/or cash applications and 45-60 days for a health care applications. If you provide all your verifications at the time of your interview, the process will be determined much quicker.
Can I be eligible for a Health Care Program if I have other insurance and I cannot afford to pay my copays?
Some MN Health Care Programs (such as Medicaid/Medical Assistance) does not have any insurance barriers, but other programs (such as MinnesotaCare) do have insurance barriers. Most MN Health Care Programs usually pay what your private health insurance does not. If your health insurance is considered cost effective by the State of Minnesota, Medical Assistance can reimburse you for the full or partial cost of your private health insurance premiums.
Benefits are available on the same day every month, even on weekends or holidays. Your benefits are put in your EBT account based on the last number of your case number as follows:
Cash benefits
Case benefit type |
If your case number ends in |
Your cash benefits are available after 6:00 a.m. on the |
DWP/MFIP |
1,3,5,7 or 9 |
2nd to last day of every month |
DWP/MFIP |
0,2,4,6 or 8 |
The last day of every month |
GA, MSA & RCA |
0 thru 9 |
1st day of every month |
Food Benefits
If you case number ends in
|
Your food benefits are available after 12:01 a.m. on the
|
4
|
4th of every month
|
5
|
5th of every month
|
6
|
6th of every month
|
7
|
7th of every month
|
8
|
8th of every month
|
9
|
9th of every month
|
0
|
10th of every month
|
1
|
11th of every month
|
2
|
12th of every month
|
3
|
13th of every month
|