How to Apply for TANF in Minnesota

Minnesota's TANF-funded cash program is the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and it's now run by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) after that agency split off from the old Department of Human Services. Most applicants apply online at mnbenefits.mn.gov, which the state says takes 20 minutes or less to complete, though the interview afterward still happens through your county or Tribal Nation human services office rather than the state directly. MFIP combines cash and food benefits on the same EBT card, and it's structured so working families keep more of their benefits: the first $65 of monthly earnings doesn't count against you, and half of everything after that is also excluded.

Updated August 2026

1. 1

   Apply online at mnbenefits.mn.gov

   Complete the online application, which the state estimates takes 20 minutes or less.

2. 2

   Or file a paper application with your county

   Download and submit the paper application (Form DHS-5223-ENG) to your county or Tribal Nation human services office if you prefer not to apply online.

3. 3

   Complete a required interview

   After applying, you must complete an interview with your local county or Tribal Nation human services office, either in person or by phone.

4. 4

   Meet income and asset limits

   You must meet an income test and have less than $10,000 in assets (excluding one vehicle per household member age 16 or older) to qualify.

5. 5

   Work with a job counselor

   Most caregivers are paired with a job counselor to build an employment plan; caregivers under 20 without a high school diploma may need to complete their education instead.

Verified against the official Minnesota TANF agency site. View source