The Family Support Grant (FSG) is a state program that provides cash grants to eligible families with individuals who have been certified disabled. Medical Assistance is not required to access this grant.
The program:
- Helps families access disability services and supports
- Prevents out-of-home placement for individuals who have disabilities
- Promotes family health and social well-being
- Supports families in transition-related activities for dependents ages 14–24
FSG provides cash grants of up to $3,113.99 (a calendar year) to eligible individuals in the family. The grants offset higher-than-average expenses incurred related to the individual's disabilities.
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 $130,807 or less (effective Jan. 1, 2025) (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)
Applying for the grant
If there is a Dakota County social worker involved, families should contact them for help in applying for the Family Support Grant.
If there is not a Dakota County social worker involved, families can complete the FSG Application and email it to ssfsgplanapproval@co.dakota.mn.us.
Extreme hardship
Families making more than $130,807 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
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.
If you choose to complete an application 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
Grant amounts
Recipients may receive a maximum of $3,113.99 if the funds continue to be available.
There are two options to receive your grant funding:- Ongoing monthly: $259.49/month - For families who have ongoing needs and expenses that occur on a regular basis.
- One-time lump sum: For families who want to apply part or all of a grant towards high-cost items. This can include adaptive devices, special equipment and home modifications. Grants up to $3,113.99 per year are allowed no matter when you applied if you can document appropriate need. You should only apply for the amount you expect needing for the year. This avoids possibly having to return unused funds at the end of the year.
After FSG grant is awarded
After being awarded a grant, the following forms must be completed and submitted to ssfsgplanapproval@co.dakota.mn.us for approval:
IRS Form W-9: Required if your FSG plan includes respite or support staff. The Social Security number requested is for the person who the FSG check is made out to.
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
- Families must keep receipts for all expenses for three years and document all spending on the Expenditure Report (DAK-7107)
- Grants are typically available to a family on an ongoing basis each fiscal year through the annual renewal process, if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
Complete and submit the FSG tracking forms and receipts to ssfsgplanapproval@co.dakota.mn.us.
If you choose to complete an application 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
For questions, email ssfsgplanapproval@co.dakota.mn.us or call 651-554-6000 and ask to speak with the FSG representative. Interpreters are available.