Dakota County determines eligibility for a variety of public assistance programs. Refer to our program pages for more detailed information about specific programs. If you have additional questions, we can be contacted at 651-554-5611.
Federal shutdown update
Individuals and families can still apply for SNAP and MFIP benefits through the end of October. If you submit an application, it does not guarantee you will get benefits in November.
For up-to-date information about benefit changes, visit the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families website.
MNbenefits and Dakota County will remain open to assist individuals and families with benefits in the following programs:
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) provides cash and food benefits for people with dependent children who have low income and limited assets.
According to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, Dakota County can continue to approve October MFIP benefits through Wednesday, Oct. 29. If the shutdown continues, the county will not be able to approve anything after that date and November benefits are not expected to go out.
How to apply for benefits
Get detailed instructions on how to apply for food, cash, medical, emergency and child care assistance programs.
View presentation on applying to public assistance programs
Apply for benefits online
Go to the MNBenefits website to apply online for food, cash, emergency and child care assistance. This includes:
- Food Support (SNAP)
- Emergency Assistance
- Housing Support (formerly called Group Residential Housing)
- Child Care Assistance
- Cash programs, such as:
- Diversionary Work Program (DWP)
- General Assistance (GA)
- MN Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- MN Supplemental Aid (MSA)
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
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 on the MNBenefits website
Go to the MNsure website to apply for all Minnesota health care programs.
Apply on the MNsure website
For paper forms or applications in other languages, go to the Department of Human Services eDocs website.
Where to submit applications, renewals or forms
Electronic applications can be submitted online. Go to
MNBenefits or
MNsure sites.
Applications can also be submitted by:
Document Upload Portal (preferred and fastest method)
Other ways to submit documents
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Email: eeadocs@co.dakota.mn.us or directly to your worker
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Fax: 651-554-5748
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Delivering to drop box: Front of the Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., West St Paul
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Mail: Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., Suite 100, West St Paul, MN 55118
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Using a self-service scanning station: Located at all Dakota County Library locations
If you have questions, call your financial worker or Employment and Economic Assistance at 651-554-5611.
Update your contact information
It's important that we can reach you when it's time to renew your health insurance. Make sure we have your current contact information. Contact your health plan to update your information.
Figuring out your renewal month
Enrollees with a MA health plan can contact their health plan to find out when their renewal is due.
If you are not enrolled in a MA health plan, or are unsure, contact us at 651-554-5611.
Financial resources
Get help facing a financial crisis
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Biennial Service Agreement
Dakota County Employment & Economic Assistance is developing the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Biennial Service Agreement for 2026-2027. This plan outlines the services available to assist low-income families. The plan covers Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2027.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services requires a public comment period. Please submit any comments on this plan by 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30. Comments can be submitted via mail or email to:
Jill Pittelkow, Program Supervisor
1 Mendota Road West, Suite 170
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Email:
jill.pittelkow@co.dakota.mn.us
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Biennial Service Agreement for 2026-2027