Cash Assistance Programs

There are six programs available to help individuals and families whose income is not enough to meet basic needs. Each program sets its own eligibility criteria. Cash programs include:

• Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - A monthly cash grant for low-income families and pregnant women.
• Diversionary Work Program (DWP) - A short-term program that provides employment services and basic living costs to eligible families who are working or looking for work but need help with basic living expenses.
• General Assistance (GA) - An interim monthly cash grant for single or married adults who are unable to work for at least 45 days but plan to return to work or receive benefits from another state or federal program.
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) - The MSA Housing Assistance program provides help for housing costs for some people with disabilities.
• Housing Support (formerly known as Group Residential Housing) - A monthly payment used to pay room and board for those unable to live on their own due to age or a disability.
• Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) - A cash grant for people who entered the U.S. as a refugee or as an asylee and have been in the country for less than 8 months.

How to apply for MFIP, DWP, MSA, GA, or Housing Support

Apply in-person at a Washington County office location

1. Complete a Combined Application Form (PDF) ahead of time. Paper applications are available at the offices.
2. Make sure to bring any required documents like pay stubs, rent receipts, and bank statements.
3. Visit one of Washington County office locations between Monday - Friday from 8 - 11 a.m.

Apply online

1. Visit MNBenefits to submit your application electronically.
2. Upload required documents like pay stubs, rent receipts, and bank statements as part of your application.

After submitting an application, do an interview

• An eligibility worker will contact you to set up an appointment.
• MFIP and DWP require interviews to be completed in one of Washington County's four service centers.
• The interview for MSA and GA can be done in-person at one of the offices or can be done over the phone.
• Note: Housing Support placement in a residential group house requires an assessment and pre-approval by social services.

How to apply for RCA

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) must be applied for at a voluntary resettlement agency.