Cash Assistance

​​​​Renewal inform​ation for cash assistance & SNAP programs

Annual renewals continue for most households approved for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Cash Assistance programs, including the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), General Assistance (GA), Minnesota Supplemental Assistance (MSA) and Housing Support (GRH).

Please make sure you watch for and read any mail coming from the Department of Human Services or Dakota County. You will receive a notice in the mail when it is your time to renew your coverage.

To streamline the process, DHS created a shorter Household Update Form (DHS-8107).​

​​​​​ Request an electronic copy to be emailed to you

Make sure to sign your renewal and return to us timely. Include verification of any changes with your renewal.

If you have questions, call your financial worker, or Employment and Eco nomic Assistance, at 651 554-5611.

Getting you​r forms

Forms are needed during the application, recertification and verification process.

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 online

• Minnesota Department of Human Services MNbenefits website.
• Before applying, you can see if you are eligible for public assistance programs by using the Bridge to Benefits screening tool.
• Access applications, renewals and verification forms online at the Minnesota Department of Human Services eDocs website.  
• ​Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Cash Assistance
  
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Application for Seniors (60+)​
  

By mail

• Request mailed forms by calling 651-554-5611 or 1-800-247-1056.
  

In person

• Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., West St Paul, MN 55118
• Forms can be picked up between 8​ a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Submit forms

• By email to eeadocs@co.dakota.mn.us  or directly to your worker
• By fax at 651-554-5748'>651-554-5748'>651-554-5748
  
• By delivering to drop box at the front of the Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W, West St. Paul, MN 55118
• By mail to Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W, Suite 100, West St. Paul, MN 55118
  

Program eligibility

Cash assistance can be used for the basic needs of shelter, utilities and personal needs. The amount a family is eligible to receive is based on current income and basic needs. If you qualify, you may receive child care assistance.

Minnesota Family Investment Program/Diversionary Work Program
These programs are for low-income families with children as well as pregnant women. It includes both cash and food assistance. The programs' goal is to help overcome obstacles, so participants can find gainful employment. Find out more from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

General Assistance/Minnesota Supplemental Aid
Cash programs for adults without children, including those that have a serious illness, disability or other issues that limit their ability to work.  Find out more from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Information you need to provide

In addition to the application form, you will be required to provide verification of identity, age, citizenship, residence, property, income and more.  A list of acceptable verification is available.

Accessing services

All benefits are entered on an EBT card. For assistance with a lost or stolen card, call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2227'>800-997-2227'>800-997-2227​.