How to Apply in person for Cash or Food Support assistance in Ramsey County
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ApplyMN is Minnesota's secure, online system. You can use it to apply for health care, cash assistance, SNAP (food support), and child care assistance programs. To get started, visit Bridge to Benefits for an online screening tool. It helps you find out if you may qualify for benefits and to register for an user ID and password. Or you can create an ID and also log-on to ApplyMN directly.
- When you select links below, you will be redirected to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (unless indicated)
Cash Assistance Programs
The following programs help people with low incomes receive Cash support. Select links to learn more.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) - This program helps to pay childcare costs for low-income working families.
Diversionary Work Program (DWP) - When most families first apply for cash assistance, they will participate in the Diversionary Work Program, or DWP. This is a 4 month program that helps parents go immediately to work rather than receive welfare.
General Assistance (GA) - This program serves as Minnesota's primary safety net for single adults and childless couples. The GA Program provides monthly cash grants for vulnerable persons whose income and resources are less than program limits.
Group Residential Housing (GRH) - This program is a state-funded income supplement program that pays for room-and-board costs for low-income adults who have been placed in a licensed or registered setting with which a county human service agency has negotiated a monthly rate.
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - This program is Minnesota's Cash and Food Assistance program for families who need assistance.
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) - This program is a state funded program that provides a monthly cash supplement to people who are older, blind or have disabilities and who receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) - This program coordinates services to assist refugees in making the transition to life in the United States. These services include resettlement and placement, cash and medical assistance, and employment and social services.
Food Programs
The following programs help people with low incomes to receive Food support. Select links for further information.
Food Support Program (FS) - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) helps low-income people with their food costs.
Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) - Non-citizens who are not eligible for other programs may qualify for the MFAP.
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - This program is Minnesota's Cash and Food Assistance program for families who need assistance.
WIC - Ramsey County Public Health
This nutrition education program is administered by Ramsey County Public Health. It provides supplemental foods to promote good health for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under 5. Participants receive vouchers for food.
Health Care Programs
The following programs help people with disabilities or low incomes and people who are 65 or older obtain coverage for medical bills.
Medical Assistance (MA) - Ramsey county intake can help you determine if you are eligible for MA. In some cases, there are spend downs (similar to insurance deductibles), and sometimes MA can pay medical bills going back three months from the date you apply.
Medicare - If you currently have Medicare or will qualify in the near future, you should learn about Medicare D, the prescription drug coverage program. Go to Minnesota Department of Human Services for more information on Medicare-related programs.
MN DHS - Other Health Care Programs - There are a variety of health care programs available to assist specific groups of people. These include persons in Nursing Homes, at-home care services, etc.
Emergency Programs
Ramsey County CHS provides emergency services include:
Ramsey County Emergency Assistance (EA) - This program is for low-income families experiencing a financial crisis.
Emergency General Assistance (EGA) - This program primarily helps low-income individuals experiencing a financial crisis.
Emergency Minnesota Supplemental Aide(EMSA) - This program is only available to persons currently receiving MSA.
Emergency aid is usually provided in the form of specific payments for shelter or other emergency expenses, which cause a threat to the health or safety of the individual or family. People currently active on a program with Financial Assistance should call their caseworker to apply for emergency aide. People not currently on assistance with Ramsey County can call 266-4444 to get information on how to apply for emergency aid.
Homeless Help and Shelter
Housing Crisis Response (HCR) in Ramsey County provides housing services and support for Ramsey County families, single adults, and youth who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Learn more about HCR
The Family Place
- Coordinates intake services
- Provides day time shelter for families with children in Ramsey County who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.
- Provides meals
- Has Ramsey County Social Services Staff on site
Learn more about The Family Place 244 10th Street E (at Sibley) in St Paul 651-225-9354
To apply for cash or food programs, please come to our offices at 160 East Kellogg Blvd., Government Center East, St. Paul, MN 55101. The lobby is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:45 pm or 7:30 am to 4:15 pm on weeks with holidays. Interpreter services are available. To have Ramsey County mail you an application, or for more information about applying for services or programs, call 651-266-4444.
To access application forms and get further information from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, please go to their website.
