Financial Assistance
Income Maintenance
Income Maintenance programs include Financial Assistance for families or adults who are unable to work; Emergency Assistance and Diversionary Assistance; Medical Programs and Food Benefits. Apply online for health care, breast and cervical cancer coverage, family planning, cash assistance, SNAP (food support), emergency help and child care assistance programs. Click here to apply.
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) helps families with children meet their basic needs, while helping parents move to financial stability through work. Parents are expected to work and are supported in working with both cash assistance and food assistance. Most families have a lifetime limit of 60 months on MFIP.
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880
General Assistance -(GA)
General Assistance (GA) provides cash assistance for single adults without children who have a serious illness, disability or other issue that limits their ability to work. People who receive GA also may qualify for federal disability benefits and are encouraged to apply. Learn more about federal disability benefits. People who get GA are also eligible for help with medical and food costs through Medical Assistance (MA) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880
Minnesota Supplemental Aid - MSA
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) provides cash assistance to help adults who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pay for their basic needs. Some people who are blind, have a disability or are older than 65 but do not get SSI because their other income is too high may also be eligible for MSA if they meet the income limit. Learn more about federal disability benefits.
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
The Minnesota Family Investment (MFIP) and Diversionary Work Program (DWP) child care assistance program can help make quality child care affordable while families work, go to school or complete other activities in their employment plan. Transition year child care assistance can help families pay for child care while they work or look for work up to one year after their MFIP or DWP case closes.
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880
MNsure
MNsure is a marketplace where Minnesotans can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNsure is the only place where consumers can qualify for financial help either through federal tax credits or through MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance. Click here to apply.
Agency: MNsure
Contact: 1.855.366.7873
Agency: Inter-County Community Council
Contact: 1.888.778.4008
Agency: Northwest Community Action, Inc.
Contact: 1.800.568.5329
ApplyMN - Assistance Application
ApplyMN is a simple, secure Web application that connects you with state and county services to help meet your family’s basic needs. You can use ApplyMN to apply for: cash assistance, child care assistance, emergency help, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services
Contact: 651.431.4049
Fuel Assistance / Energy Assistance
This program assists income eligible households with their home energy bills.
Agency: Inter-County Community Council
Contact: 1.888.778.4008
Home Weatherization
Programs to assist eligible individuals with energy savings through weatherization and/or home improvements.
Agency: Inter-County Community Council
Contact: 1.888.778.4008
Housing Assistance
The Rental Assistance Program assists income eligible individuals or families pay rent.
Agency: Northwest Minnesota Multi-County Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Contact: 218.737.2441
Medical Assistance
Eligible persons may be helped with medical and dental expenses.
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880
Basic Sliding Fee Child Care
Assistance in paying for child care in or outside of child's home. Families receiving child care assistance under this program must be engaged in employment, job search or education leading to employment.
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880
Group Residential Housing - GRH
GRH is a state- funded program that provides at a minimum, room and board for adults who live in certain authorized group living arrangements. It is a program for adults with disabilities/disabling conditions who can’t support themselves. The goal of GRH is to prevent or reduce homelessness or institutionalization. GRH is unique in that the income supplement is not paid directly to the recipient.
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. The program provides support to help stretch your household food budget. It is not intended to meet all of your household’s food needs. It is a supplement. If you are approved for SNAP, you can use your benefits at many stores, farmers markets and senior dining sites. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit cards are used to make food purchases. Click here to apply.
Agency: Pennington County Human Services
Contact: 218.681.2880