To renew your cash benefits, go to MNbenefits and click the Apply Now button. Individuals who are renewing their benefits will follow the same application process as those applying for benefits for the first time.

You will receive the Household Update Form (DHS-8107-ENG) in the mail even if you have already submitted your renewal application online. If you choose to complete the paper forms, once you have filled out and signed the form, return it to Hennepin County by uploading it through your InfoKeep account or to MNbenefits. You can also send your documents to our virtual drop box, or fax or mail them.

• Virtual drop box: hhsews@hennepin.us
• Fax: 612-288-2981
• Mail: Hennepin County Human Services Department, P.O. Box 107, Minneapolis, MN 55440

If you don't 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)

Main floor lobby 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 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays

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) 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.

Families currently receiving SNAP are automatically signed up

Families that have been receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits since March 18, 2020 do not need to apply. You are automatically receiving the additional $325 per child, which is loaded onto your existing EBT cards.

Check your EBT card balance at EBTedge.

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.

Trainings offered

• 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.

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 2022.

Potential providers

In spring 2022, Hennepin County will post a request for proposals (RFP) for SNAP Employment and Training services online through the Hennepin County Supplier Portal with the goal of expanding our network of providers. With the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal work and time-limit provisions for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) were waived. However, this waiver is set to end June 30, 2022. It is critical we have enough providers to serve ABAWDs to ensure they can maintain their food benefit.

For questions, contact Colleen Dufek at colleen.dufek@hennepin.us. You can also reach the office at 612-596-1708.

Resources

• Learn about SNAP Employment and Training from the Department of Human Services
• SNAP Employment and Training toolkit from the USDA (PDF)
• Potential provider checklist (PDF)
• DHS Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program information
• DHS Guidance on costs and reimbursements (PDF)
• DHS Components and activities (PDF)
• DHS Employment and Training Plan
• Hennepin County Supplier Portal
• SNAP Employment and Training potential providers information session (YouTube)

Current providers

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

• View the onboarding guide (PDF)
• View the guiding principles (PDF)

If you don't agree with an action taken on your case, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal hearing in writing or by calling Hennepin County or the state, and indicate what county agency action you are appealing.

File an appeal

There are several ways to file.

Call

• Minnesota Department of Human Services Appeals office: 651-431-3600
• Hennepin County Economic Supports office: 612-596-1300  

Submit a handwritten request to appeal to Hennepin County

• Mail
  Hennepin County Human Services Department
  PO Box 107
  Minneapolis, MN 55440
• Fax: 612-288-2981
• Online drop box: hhsews@hennepin.us
• Upload: InfoKeep or mnbenefits.mn.gov
• Drop off: Any Hennepin County Human Service Center drop box

Submit an Appeal to State Agency form

• Online - Appeal to State Agency form (DHS-0033), or
• By hand – Print, complete and submit (submission instructions on the form) or put the completed form in any Hennepin County Human Service Center drop box
• Hennepin County's case – Upload a letter through InfoKeep

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.

Timeline

You may appeal any agency action or benefits lost in the last 90 days. You may appeal a denial of restoration of lost benefits within the past year, and may appeal your benefit amount at any time during a current certification period.

Help while waiting for the appeal

You can continue to receive assistance while waiting for the appeal to be heard. If you lose the appeal, you must pay back any assistance received during that time.