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Learn about new laws that are causing significant changes in time-limited work rules for SNAP recipients and that impact recipients and increase workload for Minnesota's counties and Tribal Nations.

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The federal shutdown has ended, and SNAP benefits are being processed and distributed on schedule. Learn more at https://dcyf.mn.gov/federal-shutdown

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Intro

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Minnesotans with low incomes, including temporary low incomes, get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. The program provides extra support to help stretch a household's food budget and is not meant to cover all the groceries a family needs.

Services/Topics
Eligibility

Eligibility

SNAP eligibility depends on household size and income.

Benefits

Benefits

SNAP benefits are loaded to participants' EBT cards each month to buy groceries at authorized stores, farmers markets and online retailers.

Resources
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More Information

In a food emergency?

  • See if you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) when you apply at mnbenefits.mn.gov. Expedited SNAP assistance helps families in emergencies get benefits more quickly. Families who qualify for Expedited SNAP assistance can get benefits in 7 days or less.

Need help with SNAP?

Challenges with your county or Tribal Nation?

We’re here to help. If you can’t reach your county or Tribal Nation for help with your SNAP application, benefits, or case — or if you’ve already contacted them and still have a concern give us a call at 651-431-4050 or email us at dcyf.cfs@state.mn.us.

How to apply

After applying, applicants must complete an interview with their local county or Tribal Nation human services office. The interview may be in-person or over the phone. 

Eligibility

Eligibility depends on household size and income. Households may be eligible if their income is below the following limits:

Household sizeHousehold income
1$2,609
2$3,525
3$4,442
4$5,359
5$6,275
6$7,192
7$8,109
8$9,025
9$9,942 
10$10,859

Add $917 per additional household member over 10 household members.

Income guidelines are updated each year. These guidelines are effective October 1, 2025.

Households may also be eligible if:

Benefits

Approved applicants get mailed an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that looks and works like a debit card. Benefits are loaded to the EBT account each month to buy groceries at authorized stores, farmers markets and online retailers.

The amount of benefits a household receives is based on income, expenses and number of people in the household. 

Find out where to shop, what to buy, how to use an EBT card and more on the EBT Card webpage.

Families can get benefits faster with expedited assistance. Start your application on mnbenefits.mn.gov to find out if you qualify.
Apply now

Other food and nutrition resources

Your feedback matters

We review feedback on how counties and Tribal Nations interact with SNAP participants. Please provide feedback on your experience with a local county or Tribal Nation. Your feedback provides valuable information to improve SNAP service across the state. 

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Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

Minnesota offers benefits loaded on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which looks and works like a debit card. The card can be used at point-of-sale machines for cash or food purchases, or at ATMs for cash only.
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SNAP Employment and Training

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program provides free employment and education training and support for people getting SNAP benefits.
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Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) helps families with children meet their basic needs, while helping parents move to financial stability through work. Caregivers are expected to work and are supported with both cash and food assistance.