​Before applying for public assistance, you can find out what programs you are eligible for by using the Bridge to Benefits screening tool.  The tool is easy, confidential and free.

Program eligibility

Emergency assistance programs are short-term assistance (usually a one-time payment) for people experiencing a financial hardship such as an eviction or utility shutoff. Any income not needed for basic needs will be considered available to meet the emergency as well as any cash or other assets you might have.

Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance (EA) is a short-term program for families facing a potential loss of basic needs such as utilities or shelter and have no ability to solve the emergent situation with current household resources. Emergency Assistance can only be available to families whose income is below 200 percent of the prior year's federal poverty guidelines. Assistance must resolve the financial need and potential loss of basic needs. Emergency Assistance can only be issued for a family once in a 12-month period.

Emergency General Assistance
Emergency General Assistance (EGA) is a short-term program used primarily for single individuals or couples without children. Like Emergency Assistance, Emergency General Assistance can only be available to individuals and families whose income is below 200 percent of the prior year's federal poverty guideline. The Emergency General Assistance program is used primarily for rent and utilities and can be issued only once in a 12-month period.

Emergency Cash Assistance
Emergency Cash Assistance (ECA) is a county-funded program for which applications can be taken and processed by Dakota County Employment & Economic Assistance, Neighbors, 360 Communities, and Hastings Family Services. The program has a 12-month maximum payment limit of $350 for shelter expenses and $250 for all other needs (utilities, transportation expenses, and occasionally prescription drugs). Emergency Cash Assistance is used most frequently when the financial needs are under $350 and can resolve the emergent situation.

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 will need to come in to the Northern Service Center for an interview.  You can come on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.  Intake is closed on Wednesdays and holidays.  The application and forms must be filled out before you see a worker.  Limited drop in child care is available while you are completing your business in the office.

You can schedule an appointment to apply for family cash programs at the Burnsville WorkForce Center by calling 651-554-5611 and ask to speak to a family cash I&R worker. Child care is not available at this site during your appointment. 

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.