Food Programs

Renewal inform​ation for cash assistance & SNAP programs

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is resuming annual renewals and six-month reviews for cash assistance programs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Cash Assistance programs include Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), General Assistance (GA), Minnesota Supplemental Assistance (MSA) and Housing Support (GRH). 

• This process will start up for households who have renewals due for June and will continue going forward each month. 
• Each month, the state will mail notices and paperwork to households that need to complete a renewal.

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

Renewals for M​innesota Health Care Programs are suspended. It has not been determined when they will resume.

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

COVID-19 update

Due to COVID-19, walk-in assistance at the Northern Service Center lobby is limited, but some in-person services are available by appointment for those who have no other options to apply for public assistance benefits. For all other public assistance questions or needs, we are serving our customers over the phone, postal mail and online. Please contact your worker directly or call 651-554-5611 to reach our office as needed. 

Getting your forms

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

Apply online

• Minnesota Department of Human Services ApplyMN 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.

Submitting forms

• By email to eeadocs@co.dakota.mn.us or directly to your worker
• By fax at 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 

Your application will be assigned to a financial worker right away.  A financial worker will call you to complete a telephone interview.  Please answer all questions on the application.

You can get help with your SNAP application (screening and application assistance) from Second Harvest Heartland at 651-307-9033. 

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.

Public notice of nondiscrimination statement

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, Dakota County is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. ​