A clearer path to benefits: Information directly in Minnesotan’s hands
From waiting for answers to finding a path forward “Quick response and information given pointing me in the right direction.” That is how one Minnesotan described using the Case Status Tracker.
For someone waiting to learn whether food, housing, cash, or childcare assistance is moving forward, that direction matters. A missing document or missed deadline can delay benefits, but finding out what is happening has often required a phone call, a mailed notice, or a visit to a county or Tribal Nation office.
The Case Status Tracker offers another path. Developed by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families and Minnesota IT Services, the online tool allows people in participating counties to check their application or case status from a phone, tablet, or computer.
“People applying for benefits should be able to get clear information when they need it,” said Tikki Brown, commissioner, DCYF. “The Case Status Tracker helps reduce uncertainty for families while allowing caseworkers to focus more of their time on processing applications.”
From July 2025 through July 2026, 58,854 verification request forms were received and made available through the tracker, reflecting the volume of information involved in helping people move their cases forward.
People can access "as guest" using 3 case identifiers, or with their statewide integrated LoginMN account. Both options are available in English and Spanish and meet web accessibility standards.
What the first year showed us
The tracker began as a pilot in July 2025. During its first year, people attempted to access case information 23,622 times, resulting in 9,662 successful logins.
The difference between those numbers also tells an important story. Attempts were unsuccessful when someone lived outside a participating area, entered an invalid case number, provided information that did not match the case, or encountered a technical error. Each result helps the product team understand where the tool is working and where access or the user experience still needs to improve.
Anonymous feedback reinforces that need. One respondent said the tracker “would be extremely helpful if this was in every county.” The tool is now available in 24 counties, with five more in the process of joining. The team is also working with Tribal Nations interested in offering the service.
Feedback becomes a new feature
People using the tracker have emphasized the value of getting information without waiting on the phone. One user highlighted “the convenience of not being on hold on the phone and some detail listed about my case info.”
They have also been clear about what would make the tool more useful. One person appreciated “being able to see the current status of application” but wanted to know “what specifically is missing.”
That feedback helped point the way toward the tracker’s next phase. In July 2026, an integration with LoginMN added a secure sign-in option and access to more detailed information. Users who sign in have access to more information about their verification requests from their caseworker.
Where the tracker started and where it’s going
The tracker grew from research that began in 2023 with applicants, caseworkers, program teams, county partners, and Tribal partners. Interviews and county call-volume data revealed that status-related calls added to caseworker workloads while applicants still struggled to find timely information.
Those partners helped the DCYF and MNIT teams design and test a tool focused on the questions applicants ask most: What is happening with my case? What comes next? Who needs to take action?
County, Tribal Nation, and program partners continue to guide the work through a monthly advisory group, caseworker surveys, and an online engagement page. Their involvement reflects a broader approach to technology modernization: Start with people’s experiences, build across organizational boundaries, and continue improving as needs become clearer.
“The numbers show that people are using this service, but their feedback tells us how to make it better,” Brown said. “By building alongside applicants, caseworkers, counties, Tribal Nations, and MNIT, we can create a service that is more useful, accessible, and responsive to Minnesotans.”
People in participating counties can use the Case Status Tracker. Counties and Tribal Nations interested in joining can connect through the Case Status Tracker engagement page.