The Family Support Grant (FSG) is a state program that provides cash grants to eligible families (under the age of 25) with individuals who have been certified disabled. The
funds need to address the individual’s disability-related needs.
The grant
cannot be used towards parent pay, housing or food. Medical Assistance is not required to
access this grant.
Program eligibility
The Family Support Grant is available to children:
- Younger than 25 years old
- Who live in their biological or adoptive family home
- Whose family has an annual adjusted gross income of $134,665 or less (except in cases where extreme hardship is demonstrated)
- Who have been certified disabled by one of the following:
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- State Medical Review Team (SMRT)
- Eligible for Rule 185 developmental disability/related condition case management
- Have a serious and persistent mental health (SPMI) diagnosis under Rule 79
An individual cannot receive FSG at the same time as receiving services under the following programs:- Personal Care Assistance (PCA) / Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
- Consumer Support Grant (CSG)
- Waiver services
Covered services
The grant must be spent on services and items that are directly related to the child's disability. Only expenses that are beyond typical cost of caring for a child of similar age may be covered.
Families must use grant funds to purchase services and items:
- Described in their child's assessment or service plan
- Not available through other funding sources or other community programs
- That support safety needs, sensory needs, transition-related activities, etc.
For a list of approvable items on FSG, please refer to the 
Client Driven Support Expenditure Guide (Somali, Spanish)
Extreme hardship
Families making more than $134,665 per year can request an exception to this criteria by providing a completed Hardship Form (DAK-7949).
Send the Hardship Form with the FSG Application.
The following items will be looked at:
- Family size
- Presence of disability in other family members
- Substantial debt due to child's disability
Grant amounts
Recipients may receive a maximum of $3,113.99 per calendar year.
Applying for the grant
If there is a Dakota County case manager involved, families should contact them for help in applying for the Family Support Grant.
Dakota County offers two types of Family Support Grants:
Immediate Needs FSG
This is a one-time grant intended to offer funds quickly for goods and services to meet the individual's immediate needs. This grant will not renew.
How to apply:
Dakota County will review the application based upon need. The FSG team will notify the family with an update on if the grant is being awarded and any additional steps.
Ongoing FSG
This is an ongoing grant that can be renewed each year. It can be received either monthly or as a lump sum.
How to apply:
Dakota County will review the application based upon need. The FSG team will notify the family of the rating result and provide an update on if the grant is being awarded.
After Ongoing FSG grant is awarded, the following forms must be completed and submitted to ssfsgplanapproval@co.dakota.mn.us for approval:
If you choose to complete the FSG plan and send by mail, the address is:
Dakota County Social Services
Attn: Team C - FSG
1 Mendota Road W., Suite 300
West St. Paul, MN 55118-991
After funds are received
If you need to change an FSG plan, please complete the Consumer Directed Support Plan Change Request Form (DAK 7112).
If you have a case manager, send all completed forms to them for review. If you do not have a case manager, send all completed forms to ssfsgplanapproval@co.dakota. mn.us.
If you choose to complete send the completed forms by mail, the address is:
Dakota County Social Services
Attn: Team C - FSG
1 Mendota Road W., Suite 300
West St. Paul, MN 55118-991
For questions, email ssfsgplanapproval@co.dakota.mn.us or call 651-554-6000 and ask to speak with the FSG representative. Interpreters are available.
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