Cash and Food Programs

The following programs help low-income people with cash or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  Click on the program links below for more information about each program. 

• Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - Minnesota's Cash and Food Assistance program for families in need of assistance.
   
• Diversionary Work Program (DWP) - When many families first apply for cash assistance, they also participate in the Diversionary Work Program (DWP).  This 4-month program helps parents go immediately to work rather than receive welfare.
     
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Formerly known as Food Support, this program helps low-income people with food costs.
     
• General Assistance (GA) - Minnesota's primary safety net for adults and childless couples, the GA Program provides monthly cash grants for vulnerable persons whose income and resources are less than program limits.
   
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) - A state-funded program that provides a monthly cash supplement to people who are aged, blind or disabled and who receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
   
• Housing Supports - A state-funded income supplement program that pays for room-and-board costs for low-income adults who have been placed in a licensed or registered setting with which a county human service agency has negotiated a monthly rate.
   
• Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) - Coordinated services to assist refugees in making the transition to life in the United States.  Services include resettlement and placement, cash and medical assistance, and employment and social services.