COVID-19 Update
We continue to operate all public assistance programs and serve our clients over the phone, online, and by postal service. Public assistance programs that previously required an in-person interview are now being managed over the phone.
Applications for cash, food, and emergency program benefits and renewals can be submitted on the
Minnesota Department of Human Services ApplyMN website. Before applying, you can see if you are eligible for ApplyMN programs by using the
Bridge to Benefits screening tool.
Access applications, renewals and verification forms on the
Minnesota Department of Human Services eDocs website. They are available for no-contact pick-up or drop-off between 8 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W, West St Paul, MN 55118. They can also be submitted by email to
eeadocs@co.dakota.mn.us, by fax at 651-554-5748, or by calling our Customer Call Center at 651-554-5611.
Applications for health care program benefits can submitted on the
MNsure website. METS (County administered MNsure) can be submitted by email to
eeametshcteam@co.dakota.mn.us.
If none of these resources work for you, call 651-554-5611 to schedule an over-the-phone application appointment.
If you are unemployed, you may be eligible for the
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program. Dakota County is accepting applications to our
Dislocated Worker Programs.
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.
Getting an application
There are many ways to get applications for public assistance.
Online
You can apply online at the Minnesota Department of Human Services website. The ApplyMN page allows you to apply for breast and cervical cancer coverage, cash assistance, child care assistance, emergency help, family planning, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and health care.
Go to ApplyMN.
You can also download some applications from the Minnesota Department of Human Services:
Combined Application Form
By phone
You can request an application form by calling
651-554-5611. When you call for an application, you will need to give the following information: Your name, full postal address and zip code, phone number where you can be reached in case we have questions, the type of assistance you are requesting, and whether you are single or have children under age 21 living with you.
In person
You can pick up applications at each of these locations within the county:
Western Service Center (from Social Services or Public Health)
14955 Galaxie Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Northern Service Center
1 Mendota Road West, Suite 100
West St. Paul, MN 55118-4765
Burnsville Workforce Center
2800 West County Road 42
Burnsville, MN 55337
Administration Center (from Employee Relations)
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033-2343
U of M Extension
4100 220th Street
Farmington, MN 55024
Submitting an application
You can submit the
ApplyMN application online.
You can also mail or drop off your application at:
Northern Service Center
1 Mendota Road West, Suite 100
West St. Paul, MN 55118-4765
You may need to come in to the Northern Service Center for an interview. For more information on how to apply and the interview process, call 651-554-5611 and ask to speak with the Cash I&R worker.
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.