Apply for Minnesota Programs

Title

How to Apply for Minnesota Programs (Online, Paper, or In Person)

Purpose
To help Hub staff explain how people can apply for Minnesota benefit programs — including the correct application for each type of program and where to submit it.

Q&A

Q: How can someone apply for Minnesota programs?
People can apply online, by paper, or in person at their local county or tribal human services office.
Most programs use one of two systems: MNbenefits (for cash and food programs) or MNsure (for health care programs).

Q: How do you apply online?

• For non-health programs, such as Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), use MNbenefits.
• For health care programs, such as Medical Assistance (MA), Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD), or MinnesotaCare, use MNsure.

Q: How do you apply using a paper application?

• For non-health programs, use the Combined Application Form (DHS-5223).
  • Completed forms must be turned in to the person’s county or tribal human services office.
• For health care programs, use the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (DHS-6696).
  • Completed forms can be faxed to 651-431-7750 or mailed to the address listed on the form.

Q: Can someone apply in person?
Yes. Applicants can visit their county or tribal human services office to apply in person, get help completing an application, or drop off a completed paper form.
Each county and tribal agency may have its own application hours and procedures.

Internal Notes

• Online applications:
  • MNbenefits covers non-health programs such as MSA, SNAP, General Assistance (GA), Housing Support, and MFIP.
  • MNsure covers health programs such as MA, MA-EPD, and MinnesotaCare.
• Paper applications:
  • Combined Application Form (DHS-5223) — for non-health programs. Submit to county or tribal human services offices.
  • Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (DHS-6696) — for health programs. Submit by fax (651-431-7750) or mail to the address printed on the form.
• In-person applications:
  • County and tribal offices are required to provide reasonable accommodations and language assistance for people with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
• Hub staff should explain available application options and provide direct links, but do not complete or submit applications on behalf of callers.