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Pinterest In your state, the average household that includes an older adult gets
$118/month
in SNAP benefits. You could get more or less depending on your income and household size.
Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Support or Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families pay for food.
If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). This EBT card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Minnesota SNAP work?
- What is the application process like?
- How do I know if I'm eligible?
- How do I prepare to apply?
- How do I apply for SNAP in Minnesota?
- What happens after I apply?
- What if I need food assistance right away?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does SNAP in Minnesota work?
Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Support or Food Stamps, is run by the state's Department of Human Services (DHS). County and Tribal Nation human services offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.
SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.
What is the SNAP application process like in Minnesota?
While the idea of applying for Minnesota SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DHS county worker can assist you.
Generally, here are the steps to apply for Minnesota SNAP:
- Check your eligibility: Minnesota offers a short eligibility screening questionnaire. Answer the questions to see if you may qualify for SNAP benefits.
- Fill out an application: You can apply for Minnesota SNAP online, in person, or by mail. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
- Have an interview: You must take part in a phone or face-to-face interview with a county worker once DHS receives your application.
- Wait for a decision: Most Minnesota SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
- Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll receive your new EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.
How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP?
To be eligible for Minnesota SNAP, your household (defined as people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together) must meet certain guidelines.
You must:
- Be a resident of Minnesota and a U.S. citizen.
- Meet certain income limits, with some exceptions.
- Meet certain work requirements, with some exceptions.
The amount of money you will get in Minnesota SNAP benefits depends on:
- How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
- How many people live with you
What are the Minnesota SNAP income limits?
The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income most people or families can earn and still get SNAP benefits. Most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), while households with a member who has a disability or is age 60+ must meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.
What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?
- Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
- Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.
If every person in your household receives General Assistance (GA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), you automatically qualify for SNAP.
Even if you automatically qualify, you may still need to apply separately for SNAP benefits.
These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just click on the green button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’
| Family size | Maximum monthly income (200% FPL) | Maximum monthly income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $3,287 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $4,144 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $5,857 | $2,929 |
| For each additional person, add: | +$857 | +$429 |
Source: Minnesota DHS found on the internet at https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&dDocName=cm_002012&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased
You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit.
Common deductions include:
- A standard $198 deduction
- 20% of gross earned income
- Dependent care costs
- Court-ordered child support for someone outside the household
- Unreimbursed medical expenses above $35 per month
- Deductions for rent, mortgage expenses, property taxes, home insurance, and utility costs
A DHS county worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for.
What are the Minnesota SNAP asset (resource) limits?
There is no asset limit for SNAP in Minnesota.
What should I do before I apply for SNAP in Minnesota?
When applying for Minnesota SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.
Before you start, gather the following information to make your application process easier:
- Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
- Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
- Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
- Child care or dependent care costs
Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:
- Driver's license or other government-issued ID
- Birth certificate
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Social Security card
- Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
- Marriage license or divorce decree
If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.
How do I apply for Minnesota SNAP?
There are several ways to apply for SNAP in Minnesota. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.
The quickest and easiest way to apply for food stamps in Minnesota is online. You’ll be glad to know that when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.
To get started:
- Visit the MNbenefits website and click ‘Apply Now.’
- On the next screen, select the county where you live from the drop-down menu.
- On the next screen, read through information about the application process and then click 'Continue.'
- Choose your language preferences and then click 'Continue.'
- Choose 'Food (SNAP)' from the menu and click 'Continue.'
- Follow the prompts to complete your application. It should take you about 20 minutes. Fill out as much information as you can. You can submit an incomplete application with only your name, address, and signature. But this may result in a longer processing time.
- At the end of the application, you can add documents like pay stubs, rent receipts, or medical bills. You can use your phone to take photos of paper documents or select photos from your device. If you don’t have all the documents you need, you can always return to the MNbenefits homepage to add them later.
QUICK TIPS:
- You can switch from English to Spanish by using the drop-down menu at the top right of the MNbenefits website.
- Visit this page to download a SNAP application in languages other than English.
- Browse the MNbenefits Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.
Download and print the Combined Application Form if all members of your household are under age 60. If you and/or your spouse are age 60 or older, use the Senior SNAP Application.
Mail or bring the completed form to your local county or Tribal Nation office. Find an office near you.
What if I need food assistance right away?
You may be able to get Minnesota SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. Households that meet the following requirements may qualify for expedited (faster) benefits:
- Households with monthly gross income less than $150 and liquid assets less than $100
- Migrant or seasonal farmworker households that have low income and $100 or less in liquid assets
- Households in which the combined monthly gross income and liquid assets are less than their monthly housing costs and the applicable standard utility deduction, if applicable.
Need food today? Search for food banks in your area to find resources while you wait for your Minnesota SNAP application to be processed.
How can I get help with my application?
There are multiple options available should you need help filling out your Minnesota SNAP application.
You can:
- Connect with a SNAP specialist, who can walk you through the process of completing and submitting your Minnesota application.
- Contact your local DHS county or Tribal Nation office. Find an office near you.
- Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.
NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559
What happens after I apply for SNAP in Minnesota?
It can take up to 30 days for DHS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.
After applying, you must have an interview with a DHS county worker. These are usually done over the phone, but can also be done face to face. Your county or Tribal Nation office will contact you to schedule an appointment. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local SNAP office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).
What can I expect during my SNAP interview?
Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHS county worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.
During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your monthly income?
- Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
- What other regular bills do you have?
It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.
Once all requested information is received, you should receive a letter regarding your Minnesota SNAP eligibility within 30 days. This notice will explain whether or not your household is eligible for food assistance benefits.
What happens after I am approved for SNAP?
If you are approved for Minnesota SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in Minnesota, that period is 12 months.
Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your Minnesota EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be loaded with your first month of benefits once they are authorized. Going forward, benefits are issued between the 4th and 13th of each month based on the last digit of your case number.
What if my Minnesota SNAP application is denied?
If your application for benefits is denied, and you disagree with the reasons for that decision, you have 90 days to appeal the decision and request a fair hearing. Your request must be made verbally, or in writing. You can fill out and submit a request form online. or print it and mail it or fax it to the DHS Appeals Office.
Other important tips and information when applying for SNAP in Minnesota
To create or change your Minnesota EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, visit ebtEDGE or call Customer Service at 1-888-997-2227 (or the number on the back of your card).
For Minnesota SNAP, you must report certain changes that can impact your benefit amount by the 10th of the month following the change. This may include changes to your address, employment status, income, household status, and immigration status. Ask your DHS county worker about which types of changes you should report.
You must renew your Minnesota SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.
BenefitsCheckUp can help you assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others.
