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.
This site is an independent, non-government TANF directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any state or federal government agency. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
Quick Answer
In Minnesota, you apply for TANF through Department of Children, Youth, and Families, online. Minnesota's Combined Manual requires counties to determine MFIP eligibility no later than 30 days after the date of application.
What You'll Need
- Household income information
- Asset information (must be under $10,000, excluding one vehicle per adult)
- Proof of Minnesota residency
- Information about children or pregnancy in the household
- Social Security numbers for household members
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1
Apply online at mnbenefits.mn.gov
Complete the online application, which the state estimates takes 20 minutes or less.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Submit Your Application
Need help before your application is processed?
Minnesota's Combined Manual requires counties to determine MFIP eligibility no later than 30 days after the date of application. If your family needs money sooner, most states offer a faster, one-time emergency payment.
See emergency & one-time assistance →Compare Other States
TANF rules, income limits, and benefit amounts are set state by state. These share Minnesota's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the same program.
Helpful Guides
TANF Eligibility & Frequently Asked Questions
Income limits, time limits, and work requirements, answered in plain language.
Learn more →How Much Does TANF Pay? Benefit Amounts Explained
How your payment is calculated, a real worked example, and how the amount scales by family size.
Learn more →TANF Income Limits by State
See each state's own income limit and maximum monthly benefit, side by side.
Learn more →How to Use Your TANF EBT Card
How to withdraw cash, avoid ATM fees, and what to do if your card is lost or stolen.
Learn more →TANF Work Requirements Explained
Hours, activities, exemptions, and how strictly states actually enforce this.
Learn more →What Is TANF?
What the program covers, who runs it, and how it varies by state.
Learn more →TANF Kinship Care & Relative Caregiver Benefits
Child-only TANF grants for grandparents and relatives raising a child — and how they differ from a regular case.
Learn more →TANF vs. SNAP: Is TANF the Same as Food Stamps?
How the two programs differ, and whether you can get both.
Learn more →