Dakota County determines eligibility for a variety of public assistance programs. Refer to our program pages for more detailed information about specific programs. If you have additional questions, we can be contacted at 651-554-5611.
Federal shutdown update
The federal shutdown has ended. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) benefits
will be issued on the normal schedule. For the latest information, visit the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families website.
Individuals and families can still apply for SNAP and MFIP benefits.
Be aware of scams trying to take advantage of your stress. The state has received information of new text, email and phone scams. The scams tell SNAP recipients that they need to repay their benefits. This is not true.
Find information on food shelves and free community meals in Dakota County.
How to apply for benefits
Get detailed instructions on how to apply for food, cash, medical, emergency and child care assistance programs.
View presentation on applying to public assistance programs
Apply for benefits online
Go to the MNBenefits website to apply online for food, cash, emergency and child care assistance. This includes:
- Food Support (SNAP)
- Emergency Assistance
- Housing Support (formerly called Group Residential Housing)
- Child Care Assistance
- Cash programs, such as:
- Diversionary Work Program (DWP)
- General Assistance (GA)
- MN Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- MN Supplemental Aid (MSA)
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Due to high application volumes, Dakota County will be extending interview times outside of regular business hours (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). If your application requires an interview, we may call you during evenings or weekends to complete an interview.
Apply on the MNBenefits website
Go to the MNsure website to apply for all Minnesota health care programs.
Apply on the MNsure website
For paper forms or applications in other languages, go to the Department of Human Services eDocs website.
Where to submit applications, renewals or forms
Electronic applications can be submitted online. Go to
MNBenefits or
MNsure sites.
Applications can also be submitted by:
Document Upload Portal (preferred and fastest method)
Other ways to submit documents
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Email: eeadocs@co.dakota.mn.us
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Fax: 651-554-5748
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Delivering to drop box: Front of the Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., West St Paul
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Mail: Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., Suite 100, West St Paul, MN 55118
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Using a self-service scanning station: Located at all Dakota County Library locations
If you have questions, call your financial worker or Employment and Economic Assistance at 651-554-5611.
Update your contact information
It's important that we can reach you when it's time to renew your health insurance. Make sure we have your current contact information. Contact your health plan to update your information.
Figuring out your renewal month
Enrollees with a MA health plan can contact their health plan to find out when their renewal is due.
If you are not enrolled in a MA health plan, or are unsure, contact us at 651-554-5611.
Financial resources
Get help facing a financial crisis