Minnesota Family Investment Program (Cash Benefit)

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is a cash assistance program for low-income children and families. It is Minnesota’s version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

MFIP is administered by Minnesota Department of Human Services but eligibility and case management are completed by county human service departments.

Application Information:

You may apply for the MFIP program online or by filling out a paper application called the Combined Application Form (CAF).

What you may need to apply (verification documents):

It is important to check with your county office to know exactly what paperwork you may be required to provide after submitting your application. Some common proofs required include:

• Social Security Numbers only for people in your household who are applying for benefits.
• For non-citizen applicants, proof of acceptable immigration status only for people in your household who are applying for benefits.
• Proof of income and check stubs from earned income (such as pay stubs, or letter from an employer) and unearned income (such as child support, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, pension, SSI, disability, etc).
• Proof of identity of applicants (driver's license, state ID, passport, etc.)
• Proof of residency in Minnesota (state ID, lease agreement, etc.)
• Proof of assets (savings/checking accounts, debit cards, etc.)
• Ages of children

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be asked to provide the following:

• Proof of the number of hours you work.
• Proof of pregnancy
• Amount of child support payments made to another household.
• TANF use in other states.
• Relationship of eligible caregivers in the household
• Proof of expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, childcare expenses, child and spousal support payments, etc.

Do not send or hand in original documents. Make a copy of all proofs that you are asked to provide.