Unprepared foods such as rice, meat and bread can be purchased with food stamps.
Low-income families in Minnesota can receive assistance in meeting their needs. The federally-funded programs are administered through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Qualified families can receive assistance with child care, purchasing food and health care. Families can also receive cash assistance to help meet other expenses. Applications are accepted for each program the local DHS offers.
Child Care Assistance Program
Low-income Minnesota families can receive help through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). The program helps parents who are either enrolled in school or working afford child care. The program also covers parents who are actively searching for work. Child care assistance is available for children up to age 12. The program extends the age limit to 14 for children with special needs. Parents are required to pay a co-payment that is based on income and number of household members.
Food Support
The Food Support program, or food stamps, helps to increase a Minnesota family's purchasing power at supermarkets and grocery stores. Each month, a qualified family receives benefits that can be used to purchase unprepared foods at authorized dealers. A family must meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's income guidelines to receive assistance. Benefits are made available each month on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) that is similar to a credit or debit card.
General Assistance Program
Single adults and childless married couples in Minnesota can receive cash assistance through the General Assistance Program (GA). Participants must be classified as ill or injured by the state. While on the program, participants are required to apply for benefits from a federally-funded program such as Supplemental Security Income. The maximum amount of benefits available monthly through the program is $260, as of 2010. Special funding is available for emergency situations such as lack of shelter.
Medical Assistance
Children under the age of 21 and their parents can receive help covering health-related expenses under Minnesota's Medical Assistance (MA) program. The program is also available to pregnant women and blind or disabled persons. Doctors visits, prescriptions drugs and hospital stays can be covered. The program also covers dental visits. A family's income must not exceed a specified amount to qualify. The amount varies by the household size.
