Programs and services

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.

When families first apply for cash assistance, they usually start in the Diversionary Work Program (DWP). It is a four-month program that helps parents go to work right away rather than enroll in MFIP.

The Diversionary Work Program (DWP) is a four-month program that helps Minnesota parents find jobs. The goal is to help parents quickly find work so that they do not need to go on the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). When families first apply for cash assistance, most will be enrolled in this program. Parents get help paying for housing and other bills, along with employment services to help them find full-time work.

Several programs are available to support families while parents move toward financial stability. Parents participating in MFIP and DWP may also get help with food, child care, health care and other expenses.

People who are facing evictions, foreclosures, utility shut-offs or other household emergencies may qualify for emergency help. Learn more about a cash-grant program for families with children in the household and another for adults without children in the household.