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Minnesota

All kinds of help

Money

Cash help for basic needs, monthly payments for people with disabilities, retirees and veterans, and help with taxes. Your state runs cash help for families. Social Security pays disability and retirement benefits, and the VA pays veterans benefits. Free tax help can make sure you claim the credits you qualify for.Help in Minnesota and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Minnesota Department of Human Services

    Minnesota Family Investment Program

    In Minnesota, TANF is called MFIP.

    MFIP provides cash and food assistance to eligible families with children while supporting work and family stability.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 651-431-2000

  • Minnesota Department of Human Services

    General Assistance

    General Assistance provides monthly cash support to eligible adults with little or no income.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 651-431-2000

  • Minnesota Department of Human Services

    Child support services

    Minnesota's child support program helps parents establish and manage child support services and payments.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 651-431-2000

  • Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

    Minnesota veterans benefits and services

    MDVA helps veterans and their families find and apply for state and federal benefits and services.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 888-546-5838

  • Minnesota Department of Revenue

    Working Family Credit

    The Working Family Credit is Minnesota's refundable state tax credit for eligible workers with low or moderate incomes.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaper

    Apply online Call 651-296-3781

Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in Minnesota

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Social Security Administration

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

    Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have your medical records and work history ready.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • Social Security Administration

    Social Security retirement benefits

    Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

    Apply online at SSA.gov about four months before you want payments to start, or call Social Security.

    Apply on SSA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-772-1213

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    VA disability compensation and benefits

    Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

    File a claim online at VA.gov or call VA. A free accredited representative can help you file.

    Apply on VA.gov Official pageCall 1-800-827-1000

  • Internal Revenue Service

    Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

    A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

    Claim it when you file your federal tax return. Free help from VITA or IRS Free File can make sure you get it.

    Official pageCall 1-800-829-1040

  • Internal Revenue Service

    VITA and TCE free tax help

    IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Find a site near you on IRS.gov or call the locator line, then bring your ID and tax papers.

    Official pageCall 1-800-906-9887

  • Internal Revenue Service

    IRS Free File

    File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

    Start from IRS.gov so you get the free version. Fillable forms are free for everyone.

    Apply on IRS.gov

Checked on October 9, 2026

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