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: Polk County Social Services
Contact: 218.281.3127
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 and food assistance. Most families have a lifetime limit of 60 months on MFIP.
Agency: Polk County Social Services
Contact: 218.281.3127
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: Polk County Social Services
Contact: 218.281.3127
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Quality care and early education helps prepare your child to enter school ready to learn. 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. More detailed information is in the booklet Do you need help paying for child care? (PDF). Transition year child care assistance can help families pay for child care while they work or look for work for up to one year after their Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Diversionary Work Program (DWP) case closes. To qualify, your family must meet both of these criteria: Have participated in MFIP or DWP for three out of the past six months Be working or be looking for work. Talk to your worker about getting transition year child care assistance. The Basic Sliding Fee program can help families pay for child care while they look for work, go to work, or attend training or school to prepare for work. Some counties may have a waiting list for this program. Counties get a set amount of money to use each year. It is provided on a first come-first served basis until funds are allocated fully. Additional applicants are put on a waiting list. If more funds become available, the county will contact you.
Agency: Polk County Social Services
Contact: 218.281.3127
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
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. ICCC has a certified navigator on site to assist with applications. Click here to apply.
Agency: Inter-County Community Council
Contact: 218.796.5144 ext. 6 or Toll-Free: 1.888.778.4008
Agency: MNsure
Contact: 1.855.366.7873
Fuel Assistance
This program assists income eligible households with their home energy bills.
Agency: Tri-Valley Opportunity Council
Contact: 1.800.584.7020
Home Weatherization
Programs to assist eligible individuals with energy savings through weatherization and/or home improvements.
Agency: Tri-Valley Opportunity Council
Contact: 1.800.584.7020
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: Polk County Social Services
Contact: 218.281.3127
Medical Assistance
Eligible persons may be helped with medical and dental expenses.
Agency: Polk County Social Services
Contact: 218.281.3127
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: Polk County Social Services
Contact: 218.281.3127
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: Inter-County Community Council
Contact: 218.796.5144
Agency: Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.
Contact: 1.800.584.7020
Agency: Polk County Social Services
Contact: 218.281.3127