Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
The Supplemental Nutrition Program, also known as SNAP or Food Stamps, is a federal program that supplements low income individuals and families to purchase food that is nutritious to prepare well-balanced meals. Households must meet certain requirements and provide information/verification about their income.
If eligible, SNAP participants get their benefits electronically on an EBT card that help supplement a household’s food budget at many stores and farmers markets.
If you have questions regarding your EBT card or balance, you may contact the EBT line at 1-888-997-2227, or log into your account at the ebtEGDE website.
To learn if you may be eligible for SNAP, please check out the SNAP Resource Page (DHS).
Applications are available at the county agencies or can be completed online at the MNbenefits website.
Important: Do not delay. The day we receive the first page of the Combined Application Form with at least your name, address, and signature is the first day that you may be eligible for SNAP. This sets the date of application. You will still need to complete & return the rest of the application prior to your scheduled interview. People who meet the expedited SNAP criteria could receive benefits right away or within 5 days.
For ways to contact our agency, apply, and/or how to turn in proofs, please check out our main Financial Assistance page.
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) includes both cash and food benefits. For more information please check out our Cash Assistance section.
The Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) provides food assistance to non-citizens age 50 years old or older who do not qualify for SNAP because of their citizenship status. Please check out the MFAP Resource Page (DHS).
SNAP time-limited work rules start in July
Pine County is no longer an exempt county, please note. Starting July 1, 2023, you or someone in your household must follow the SNAP time-limited work rules. This means you can only get SNAP for three months in a 36-month period unless you meet work requirements or are exempt. If you don’t follow the work rules, your SNAP benefits may decrease or end. Different people in your household may need to follow different work rules.
How to prepare for the return of SNAP time limits
1. Learn about exemptions: There are many exemptions from the time-limited work rules, some examples include: being pregnant, being homeless or having a physical or mental condition that doesn’t allow you to meet the work requirements. If you meet an exemption and tell your County or Tribal Nation eligibility worker, you do not need to follow any of the SNAP work rules.
2. Follow these work rules to keep your benefits: The time-limited work rules require people to take part in work activities for at least 80 hours per month. If you’re already meeting the work requirements, tell your county or Tribal Nation eligibility worker.
3. Learn about SNAP Employment and Training: If you want help finding a job, education or training to help meet your work requirements, the SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program can help.
Lakes and Pines SNAP applications:
Lakes and Pines can assist Pine County residents with their SNAP applications, please see our Resources section for more information and ways to contact them. If you receive SNAP and are looking for work, Lakes and Pines SNAP Employment and Training provides counseling and support through the job search assistance, resume writing, interview tips, and more. This is a free and voluntary program.
Safe At Home (SAH) Program is a Minnesota address confidentiality program that assists survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by providing a substitute address for people who move or are about to move to a new location unknown to their aggressors. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office administers this program. If you are a participate of this program, please notify your worker right away. Your information is kept confidential and we will work with you regarding notices, delays in getting your mail, etc. For more information on the Safe at Home Program, including information about finding a shelter, or enrolling in the program please visit the MN Secretary of State's Safe at Home website.
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