What's New
News and updates on the DHS efforts to assist low-income Minnesotans stay healthy and living productively.
Governor proclaims May as Community Action Month
By proclamation of Gov. Mark Dayton, May 2013 is Community Action Month, dedicated to enriching economic security for all Minnesotans. Across the state and nation, Community Action Agencies focus on sustaining effective actions to help low-income individuals and communities to overcome poverty and achieve economic security. More information about Community Action Month is online.
Simplified application launched for seniors to access healthy food
To increase seniors’ access to nutritious foods, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced the launch of a new one-page application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Minnesotans age 60 and older. More information is in a news release about the SNAP application for seniors.
Toogood appointed to board of national welfare research association
Mark Toogood, director of Transition to Economic Stability Division, was recently appointed to the board of directors for the National Association of Welfare Research and Statistics (NAWRS). In his position, Toogood will participate in four meetings per year to make planning, administrative, and business decisions for the organization and for each annual conference by planning the program, identifying workshops, and selecting speakers and presenters. He will also address issues of importance to research.
ApplyMN online application simplifies process
Minnesotans in need of health care, nutrition assistance, child care assistance and emergency assistance can now apply online through ApplyMN, applymn.dhs.mn.gov. This site allows Minnesotans to fill out a single application online for a majority of public assistance programs.
Timeline extended for adults to access food program
Unemployed and underemployed Minnesotans now have a little more help purchasing healthy food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended its timeline to allow able-bodied adults without dependents an exemption from work provisions until the end of the federal fiscal year, September 2013, enabling them to access food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The waiver was first made available to states in January 2009. Minnesota is one of 46 qualifying states or geographic areas receiving the waiver now. Able-bodied Minnesotans are encouraged to voluntarily use SNAP employment and training services until they can find sustainable work. More information on SNAP is available on the DHS website.
Report offers recommendations on serving teen parents on MFIP
A report features different ways counties serve teen parents and their children who participate in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). MFIP provides low-income families with cash and food assistance for up to 60 months while they progress toward self-sufficiency. DHS interviewed financial workers, employment counselors, social workers, public health nurses, child care workers and teachers who work with teens as well as managers. The Four Rs of Service Delivery for MFIP Teen Parents: Approaches of Eight Minnesota Counties (PDF) concludes with recommendations for serving teen parents.
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