Emergency programs

When Hennepin County residents are in a financial crisis that poses a direct threat to their physical health or safety, the county may be able to help by providing short-term aid.

Services may include:

Emergency temporary shelter
Housing costs like damage deposits or home repairs
Utility shut-off prevention
Foreclosure prevention, moving expenses and transportation to relocate
Extra food support for people on special diets

Find emergency shelter

Open all

Apply for emergency short-term help

To apply for assistance, fill out an online application or print the combined application form and mail it back to: Hennepin County Human Services Department, P.O. Box 107, Minneapolis, MN 55440

You may also call 612-596-1300 to have a form mailed to you.

If you need assistance with completing an application, call 612-596-1300, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Please be aware that your benefits will not start until your paperwork is received and processed. A phone interview is required.

If you are at risk of being evicted, visit Prevent eviction to find out if you are eligible for rent assistance and learn about other resources that may be available to help you.

You have the right to appeal

If you don't agree with an action taken on your case, you have the right to appeal.

File an appeal

There are several options to file.

Submit a handwritten request to appeal or use the Appeal to State Agency form (DHS-0033) to Hennepin County:

Mail
Hennepin County Human Services Department
PO Box 107
Minneapolis, MN 55440
Fax: 612-288-2981
Upload to your account: mnbenefits.mn.gov
Drop off: Any Hennepin County Human Service Center drop box

Submit the Appeal to State Agency form (DHS-0033) to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Submission instructions on the form.

Timelines

Emergency assistance (with minors in the household)

Emergency general assistance (without minors in the household)

You must request the appeal hearing within 30 days of receiving a notice of proposed action, or show good cause for not requesting within that time. You may file an appeal up to 90 days after receiving the notice of proposed action if you show good cause for not filing within 30 days. An emergency general assistance application is only good for 30 days, if the appeal request is longer than 30 days ago, it is recommended you re-apply for the program.

Open all