ApplyMN

is a new, secure 
online way to apply for cash assistance, food support, health care, and child care. The agency processing time frames are the same if you apply online, 
in-person or by mail.

To apply for cash assistance or food support and health care in-person

  1. Choose from the list on Where to Apply.  Call 612-596-1300 for an appointment, if required.  
  2. If you call, a worker can tell you what papers you will need to bring to prove your information.  
  3. Fill out the Combined Application Form (CAF).  You can get this form in one of three ways: 
    • Print the CAF from the Internet. 
    • Call 612-596-1300 to have it mailed to you.
    • Fill it out when you go to the office.
  4. If you need the form in a different language, ask if it is available.  
  5. All the people in your household must be listed with their social security numbers and their incomes.
  6. Collect all the papers/verifications you have; workers can help you get other documents you do not have.  Your eligibility cannot be decided until all are received by the agency.
  7. Bring your application, identifications, and papers to the office for an interview. For Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food support) only,  you have the choice of a face-to-face interview or telephone interview.
  8. See Types of Cash Assistance or Help paying for food for more information.

To apply for health care only by mail or in-person

  1. Fill out the Health Care Application (HCAPP).  You can get this one of three ways:
    • Print the HCAPP from the Internet
    • Call 612-596-1300 to have it mailed to you.
    • Fill it out when you go to the office.
  2. Complete and return the application.  NOTE: You do not have to come into the office for an interview.
  3. Be aware that the starting month for coverage can depend on when your application is received by the agency..
  4. See Health Care Programs for more information.

To apply in an emergency

  1. If your family has an immediate or financial need, for example, for shelter, call 612-596-1900 or go to one of offices (see Where to Apply) immediately and explain the emergency. You may be able to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program the same day.
  2. See Hennepin County Emergency Assistance Program (HCEAP) for more information.  

Authorized representative

You may have someone else apply for you.  To do this, you must write down that you want that person to be your "authorized representative" to act on your behalf.  

Interpreters

  • Limited English - It is important that applicants with limited English-speaking skills have access to County-provided interpreters in their native language. The languages available for interpretive services vary by office location.  If we do not have an interpreter onsite, we will phone an interpretive language line for assistance.
  • American Sign Language (ASL) - All areas offer interpreter services for the hard-of-hearing.  An appointment is preferred if an ASL interpreter is needed to schedule an ASL interpreter.  

Contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What if I do not agree with a decision made on my case?

A:  A Hennepin County Human Services Representative can help you with appeals.

Q:  I am in the hospital or homebound and cannot come to the office, what do I do?

A:  Call 612-596-1300 and arrangements will be made for you to apply.

Q:  What if I come to your office, but I cannot stay for the complete process because I have to get to work or school?

A:  If you are applying at one of our offices and cannot stay to be seen, tell a staff person and arrangements will be made or call your Team at 612-596-1300.