How do I find emergency help for my family quickly in Minnesota?

Call or text 2-1-1 (or text your zip code to 898-211) any time of day. Minnesota's 2-1-1 service connects you to local emergency food, shelter, utility help, and crisis resources in your area. For mental health or suicide crises, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For domestic violence emergencies, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Can my child get health insurance in Minnesota even if our family income is limited?

Yes. Children in Minnesota may qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or MinnesotaCare based on household income. Eligibility thresholds for children are generally higher than for adults, meaning many children qualify even when parents do not. Apply at mnbenefits.mn.gov or through your county human services office, and coverage can often begin quickly after approval.

Is there help paying for child care in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low- and moderate-income families pay for licensed child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. CCAP is administered by county human services agencies. Apply through your county or start at mnbenefits.mn.gov to check eligibility. Waitlists may exist in some counties, so it's worth applying as early as possible.

What housing help is available for families in Minnesota who are at risk of homelessness?

Families facing eviction or homelessness can contact 2-1-1 to be connected to local emergency shelter, rental assistance, and prevention programs in their county. HUD funds local Continuum of Care networks across Minnesota that coordinate homeless services; your local CoC can be found through HUD's resource locator at hud.gov. Additionally, many counties have emergency general assistance programs — your county human services office can tell you what's available locally.

Child & Family Assistance Resources in Minnesota

Last updated September 29, 2026

Minnesota families facing financial hardship, housing instability, food insecurity, or family crisis have access to a wide range of state-administered and federally funded programs. Whether you need help covering groceries, keeping the heat on, or finding emergency shelter, connecting with the right program can make a meaningful difference — and you don't have to figure it out alone.

The fastest way to find local help is to call 2-1-1, Minnesota's free, confidential information and referral service available 24 hours a day. Specialists can connect you with food shelves, utility assistance, child care subsidies, housing resources, and more — in multiple languages. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211unitedway.org.

For ongoing benefits like food support, cash assistance, and health coverage, your county or tribal human services agency is the primary point of contact. Minnesota Human Services programs are administered locally, so eligibility and application processes may vary slightly by county. Starting with 2-1-1 or your county's human services office ensures you get guidance specific to where you live.

Key programs in Minnesota

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Minnesota Food Support

Provides monthly electronic benefits (EBT card) to help low-income individuals and families buy groceries. In Minnesota, this is called the Food Support program and is administered by county human services agencies.

How to access: Apply online through Minnesota's self-service portal at mnbenefits.mn.gov, visit your county human services office, or call 2-1-1 for help starting your application.

Minnesota Medicaid (Medical Assistance) & MinnesotaCare

Provides free or low-cost health coverage for children, pregnant individuals, families, and adults with low incomes. Children may qualify for Medical Assistance even if parents do not.

How to access: Apply at mnbenefits.mn.gov or through your county human services office. You can also call 2-1-1 for application assistance or to learn which program fits your family's income level.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Minnesota WIC Program

Provides nutrition support, healthy food benefits, breastfeeding help, and referrals for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children up to age 5. Administered through the Minnesota Department of Health.

How to access: Find your local WIC clinic through the Minnesota Department of Health at health.state.mn.us/wic or call 2-1-1. Walk-ins are often accepted; income guidelines are set at the federal level.

LIHEAP — Energy Assistance Program (EAP) in Minnesota

Helps low-income households pay heating costs and, in some cases, cooling costs or emergency energy needs. Administered in Minnesota by the Department of Commerce through local community action agencies.

How to access: Applications typically open in the fall. Contact your local community action agency (find one via 2-1-1 or commerce.mn.gov/energy-assistance) or call 2-1-1 to be connected to the nearest program site.

MFIP — Minnesota Family Investment Program

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

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Child & Family Assistance in other states

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