Other Programs
Food Support (formerly called Food Stamps)
Food Support enables low income individuals and families to supplement their food budget, in order to better meet their nutritional needs. To apply for Food Support, contact your County Financial Worker. If you do not have a Financial Worker, contact your County Human Services Office.
A number of deductions can be claimed in determining if you are within the income limits for Food Support. These include deductions for dependent care, child support paid by you, rent, utilities and other items. The “Medical Expense Deduction” is sometimes used by people with disabilities. Food Support allows medical expenses of over $35 a month to increase the amount of assistance provided. Allowable expenses can include:
- medical, dental, and hospital care;
- prescription drugs;
- Medicare premiums;
- costs related to service animals;
- spenddown expenses; and
- certain other expenses.
Expenses must be paid by you, verifiable and reported to your County Financial Worker. If you receive Food Support and have out-of-pocket health care expenses greater than $35 a month, call your County Financial Worker to ask about this deduction.
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) provides cash assistance, food support, health coverage, child care assistance and employment supports to low income families with children. MFIP helps families work their way out of poverty by expecting, supporting and rewarding work. Benefits received are based on household composition and income. In certain cases, people receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration may qualify to receive MFIP payments for their children.
To apply for MFIP, contact your County Financial Worker. If you do not already have a Financial Worker, contact your County Human Services Office.
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)
Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) provides a monthly cash supplement to people who are aged, blind or disabled. In order to be eligible, a person typically must be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If the individual does not receive SSI, then their income must be within MSA income guidelines. People with special dietary needs may be eligible for MSA’s “Special Needs Diet” allowance, which allows them to receive a higher MSA payment.
To apply for MSA, contact your County Financial Worker. If you do not have a Financial Worker, contact your County Human Services Office.
Long-Term Disability
Private, long-term disability insurance policies vary widely, particularly in their rules about how benefits are affected by returning to work. Consult your written policy or contact your former employer or insurance agent if you have questions. If you encounter difficulties, the MN Department of Commerce may be able to offer assistance. Call 651-296-2488 and press 1 for Insurance Complaints. For general guidelines on work and long term disability policies, see the Long Term Disability Flyer.
Tax Incentives
People with disabilities who work may qualify for special tax incentives, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and free tax preparation services. See the Connection's Tax Incentives fact sheet and Tax Preparation Tips fact sheet.
