Family Support & Assistance

Contact & about information

Note:  Please call before you come for information. Some services are by appointment only.

"Partnering with individuals and families to improve their well-being, self-sufficiency, and economic stability."

Reception Desk hours:
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Benefit Issuance hours:
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Local impact of federal government shutdown on public assistance programs

Last updated on October 15, 2025

The federal government shutdown continues to affect several public assistance programs. At this time, we are monitoring the situation closely and making updates day by day. Our hope is that the federal government will reopen soon so we can resume full program operations.

We want residents to have the information they need to plan ahead. While we remain optimistic, we also want to be transparent about what we currently know.

What to expect

  • Unless the shutdown is resolved, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) benefits will not be issued.
  • You may begin seeing updates on MNBenefits.mn.gov, on EBT Edge, and in the news before official client notices are sent.
  • These are federally funded programs, and the State of Minnesota and county agencies do not control when funding will resume.

Current status (Last updated on October 15, 2025)

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Due to the shutdown, new SNAP applications cannot be approved until federal funding resumes. Counties will continue to accept and process applications, complete interviews, and request verifications—but approvals and denials are on hold.
  • Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP): Due to the shutdown, November MFIP benefits cannot be approved until federal funding resumes. Counties will continue to accept and process applications, complete interviews, and request verifications—but approvals and denials are on hold.
  • Other Programs (not impacted): State-funded programs such as Diversionary Work Program (DWP), Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), General Assistance (GA), Housing Support, and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) will continue to be processed and issued as usual.
    • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): No impact at this time.
    • Minnesota health care programs / Medical Assistance (MA): No impact at this time. 

How you can make your voice heard

If you would like to share how this situation impacts you, you can contact your federal representatives:

We will continue to provide updates as soon as we receive new information from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and our federal partners. Our teams remain committed to serving Minnesotans and ensuring that when the shutdown ends, we can move quickly to process pending cases and restore full service.

See more on the State of Minnesota's Department of Children, Youth, and Families webpage. 

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Fax:
202-690-7442

Email:
program.intake@usda.gov