Public assistance programs

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SNAP (food support)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency.

Apply for assistance
Apply online through MNbenefits at mnbenefits.mn.gov

Mail/Drop Off/Email/Fax: Paper applications (DHS 5223 Combined Application Form) can be downloaded and completed electronically or printed through MN Department of Human Services eDocs: https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5223-ENG

Mail/Drop Off:
Rice County Social Services
Rice County Government Services Building
320 Third St. NW
Faribault, MN 55021

The Government Services Building is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. There is also a secure dropbox located outside the entrance for outside of normal business hours drop-offs.

Email: [email protected]
Fax: 507-332-6247
For more information, call 507-332-5995

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

People with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992.

Submit completed forms to the USDA by mail
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
Fax: 202690-7442
Email: [email protected]

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Financial Assistance

Minnesota Family Investment Program
MFIP is a monthly cash or food benefits program. It is for families with dependent children and some pregnant women. MFIP is time limited. Most parents with minor children only receive help for a total of 60 months. Because MFIP expects, supports and rewards work; parents must meet work rule requirements or the grants will be reduced.

General Assistance
GA is monthly cash payment that clients use for clothes, food, housing and other basic needs. It is not for people who can work. It is for people who

  • Are not able to receive help from other state or federal programs
  • Have little or no income

Minnesota Supplemental Aid
MSA is a monthly cash payment that helps people whose disability, retirement or other income is not enough to meet their needs. It can also give short-term help for a crisis. MSA is for people who are:

  • Age 65 or older
  • Disabled

Childcare Assistance
View Childcare Assistance Program.

Refugee Cash Assistance
RCA is for people who have been in the U.S. eight months or less, and who meet income guidelines.

Health care

Medical Assistance
MA is a federal program that may pay medical bills for people who can't. afford them MA is for people who are

  • Under 21 or over 65
  • Blind
  • Disabled (mentally or physically)
  • Pregnant
  • Some parents or caretakers of a child under age 19 are eligible. Those receiving AFDC will also get MA.

Printable applications/apply online