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Food assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low income to buy the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. The program issues its benefits electronically on a card that's used to buy food at local stores.

We’re changing the way we serve you by offering services in a way that is more convenient for you. Apply for economic benefits whenever, wherever.

Apply online at mnbenefits.org or call 612-596-1300.

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Renewal requirements for SNAP and cash assistance programs will resume in May for June renewal.

How to renew

Complete, sign and return the Household Update Form (DHS-8107-ENG), which you will receive in the mail. Send required proof of changes, with case number on each page.

  • Email hhsews@hennepin.us
  • Fax to 612-288-2981
  • Mail to Hennepin County Human Services Dept. at P.O. Box 107 Minneapolis, MN 55440

If you do not have access to these options, there are document drop boxes available at any Human Service Center.

Available drop boxes for residents

Northwest Human Service Center (Brooklyn Center): first floor labeled Hennepin County available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only

Health Services Building (Downtown): main floor lobby 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays only

West Human Service Center (Hopkins): inside the building lobby

South Suburban Human Service Center (Bloomington): outside building by Hennepin County entrance

South Minneapolis Human Service Center: outside building near main entrance on Lake Street side of the building

North Minneapolis Human Service Center: outside building near main entrance

Application and re-certification forms

The following forms are available for residents at Health Services Building (Downtown), Northwest Human Service Center (Brooklyn Center) and West Human Service Center (Hopkins). They will be located on a table near the drop box.

  • Health Care Programs Application for Certain Populations (DHS-3876)
  • MNsure Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (DHS-6696)
  • Application for Payment of Long-Term Services (DHS-3531)
  • Application for Certain Populations (DHS-3876)
  • Combined Annual Renewal for Certain Populations (DHS-3727)
  • Combined Application (DHS-5223)
  • Minnesota Health Care Programs Renewal for People Receiving Long-Term Care Services (DHS-2128)
  • Minnesota Health Care Programs Renewal (DHS-3418)
  • Household Report (DHS-2120)
  • Combined Six-Month Report (DHS-5576)

You can visit http://edocs.mn.gov to download any form.

Speak to a human services representative

You can also get help via phone while Human Service Centers are closed to the public by calling 612-596-1300, Monday – Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Fill out an application

Be aware that your benefits will not start until your paperwork is received and processed. Depending on the program for which you are applying, a phone interview may be required before your application can be processed.

To apply for assistance, fill out an online application or print the combined application form and mail it back to the address below. You may also call 612-596-1300 to have a form mailed to you.

You can mail the form to P.O. Box 107, Minneapolis, MN 55440.

Expedited food assistance

You may be eligible to receive benefits within 24 hours of your interview. You will need to provide ID. We can help you prove your identity.

Get help applying

You may have someone else apply for you. To do this, you must write a letter identifying that person as an "authorized representative" who has permission to complete the process on your behalf. If you are in the hospital or home bound, call our office for assistance.

You have the right to appeal

Applicants or clients who do not agree with an action taken on their case have the right to appeal. If you ask, you can continue to receive assistance while waiting for the appeal to be heard. However, if you lose the appeal, you must pay back any assistance received during that time.

You may bring an attorney, advocate, friend, or relative to the appeal hearing. The State of Minnesota will send a written decision to you after the hearing. Contact the Hennepin County Appeals Office at 612-348-2550 or 612-348-8852, or the Minnesota Department of Human Services Appeals office at 651-431-3600.

The goal of the SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T) is to improve the employability, self-sufficiency and well-being of people receiving SNAP food benefits. SNAP E&T is a voluntary program — available to anyone receiving SNAP — and also offers a way to allow people on SNAP to meet the SNAP work requirements.*

SNAP E&T offers:

  • Certifications and training
  • Job readiness training (e.g., preparing a resume or job application, interviewing skills, how to job search)
  • Life skills training (e.g., decision-making skills, balancing life and work, budget management, family-strengthening skills)
  • Secure resources to get and keep a job (e.g., clothing for job interviews, uniforms, transportation expenses)

Wherever you are on your path to employment, SNAP E&T services are available at numerous locations throughout Hennepin County depending on your interests and career goals. Contact Colleen Dufek at 612-543-5159 or colleen.dufek@hennepin.us who can help you navigate your options!

*Work requirements: Some individuals who are between the ages of 19 and 49 may be limited to three months of SNAP benefits every three years unless they are working, or participating in a work or training program 20 hours per week such as SNAP E&T. Some individuals can be exempt from this requirement due to a disability, care-taking responsibilities for a child under age six, among other reasons. Other restrictions may apply. Please note that due to COVID-19, there will not be a limit to SNAP for three months every three years until June 2021.

Potential providers

We have cancelled the spring 2021 request for proposals (RFP) for SNAP employment and training.

Two main factors led to our decision:

  • Uncertainty of program waivers. SNAP is already complex. We want to avoid new providers having to learn a program with what appear to be temporary waivers.
  • Availability of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. We are looking for ways to use ARP funds for career pathways and SNAP employment and training.

For questions please contact Christine Crook-Nash at christine.crook-nash@hennepin.us.

Resources

Current providers

Are you already partnering with the county, and have a SNAP Employment and Training contract?

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