Family Support & Assistance

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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 21, 2025

SNAP and MFIP recipients were notified this afternoon that November’s SNAP and MFIP food benefits will not be issued due to the shutdown, but that MFIP cash benefits will continue. Notification was sent directly to recipients via text and email. Here is the notice that was sent to recipients: 

Text message: 

This is the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.   

Due to a lack of funding caused by the federal government shutdown, SNAP and MFIP food benefits will not be issued for November until the shutdown ends or we receive further guidance from the federal government. The MFIP cash portion will continue to go out in November. If you have been receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits, continue to use them as usual.   

Visit dycf.mn.gov/federal-shutdown for more information and updates on the shutdown.  

Email: 

Subject Line: Important update about SNAP and MFIP benefits  

Due to a lack of funding caused by the federal government shutdown, the following program benefits will not be issued for November until the shutdown ends or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) receives further guidance from the federal government:     

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  
  • Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits  

The MFIP cash portion will continue to go out in November. If you have been receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits, continue to use them as usual.     

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families continues to explore solutions that will give Minnesotans access to benefits should the shutdown continue. Visit dycf.mn.gov/federal-shutdown for food support resources and updates on the latest federal government shutdown impact to DCYF programs. 

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