Assistance for Single Moms in Minnesota

Single moms can receive aid and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Minnesota. Assistance programs help with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Helping Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a county-run, state-supervised Federal program. A household can stretch their food budget with the help of the food support benefits that the program issues every month. 800-657-3698 for more information.

Minnesota School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Schools provide nutritious meals to students each school day with the help of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The Minnesota Department of Education administers these U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. For meals that meet established nutrition standards, participating schools receive Federal and state funds. For more information call 800-366-8922.

Minnesota Special Milk Program
Children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible cams that do not participate in the Federal child nutrition meal service program are provided with milk from the Special Milk Program. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have access to a school meals program. Schools and institutions are reimbursed for the milk they serve. 800-366-8922 for more information.

Minnesota Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a breastfeeding and nutrition program that helps young single moms and families eat well and be healthy.
WIC staff provides:
- Information about nutrition during pregnancy, and about feeding your baby and young children.
- Vouchers for a variety of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, whole grain foods and more.
- Information and referrals to other health and social services.
WIC can help:
- Pregnant women learn about nutritious foods for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
- Support breastfeeding and help new moms meet their breastfeeding goals.
- Families provide nutritious foods to their young children so they are healthy, happy and ready to learn.
For more information, please call 800-942-4030.

Minnesota Summer Food Service
When National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meals are not available, The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will serve nutritious meals at no charge to children during summer. Serving meals to children up to age 18, there are a number of sites located in many low-income areas throughout Minnesota. Please call the National Hunger Hotline to get more information at 866-348-6479.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) represents the state’s welfare reform program for low-income single moms with children. MFIP aids families by helping them move in to work. Cash and food assistance is also included. Most families will participate in the Diversionary Work Program, or DWP, after they first apply for cash assistance. Parents can go immediately to work and get off welfare after they have been through this four month program. Some families may be referred to MFIP after they finish four months of DWP or when they first apply for assistance. MFIP aids families in their transition to economic stability. Parents are supported in working and are also expected to work. 60 months is usually the maximum amount of time a family can get cash assistance.

Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Rental Assistance Vouchers
The HUD funds most of the main programs. Very low income single moms as well as income qualified disabled residents and the elderly can receive help. Section 8 and other Housing and Urban Development resources can help pay for a portion of an applicant’s rent.

Credit Services
Credit counselors in Minnesota offer budgeting skills, mediation services, repayment plans with your creditors, and low cost debt management plans to help single moms get out of debt. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Financial Assistance
Across the state of Minnesota, the Salvation Army, the nation’s leading non-profit agency, has a number of centers and Family Service programs. Low income single moms, children, seniors, and other can be provided with financial assistance and basic needs.

Minnesota General Assistance Medical Care
Single moms without dependent children who have very low income can get health care coverage from the Minnesota's General Assistance Medical Care program. Services include, hospitalization, prescriptions, doctor visits, eye exams, and more. The income limits listed here may be slightly different than the actual income figures used by Minnesota, due to different calculation methods. For more information on the program, please call 800-657-3659.

Minnesota Medical Assistance
Comprehensive health coverage is offered through the Minnesota Medical Assistance Program. Some of the services covered are: hospitalization, doctor visits, eye exams, prescriptions, eyeglasses, dental care, and more. When medically necessary, certain home care services are also covered. For more information, please call 800-657-3659.

Legal Assistance
Low to moderate income single mothers, the elderly and the disabled can receive free legal assistance from the numerous non-profit law firms that operate across the state of Minnesota. To contact the Legal Services State Support please call 651-228-9105.

Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through unemployment insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in Tennessee during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program. In order to apply, please call 651-296-3644 (Twin Cities calling area) or 877-898-9090 (outside of the Twin Cities calling area).

Minnesota Energy Assistance Program
Low-income households and single moms, particularly those with the lowest incomes paying a high proportion of household income for home energy can receive help with paying for heating costs from the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Some of the services included are: education on efficient and safe use of home heating energy; advocacy with energy suppliers and human service providers on behalf of consumers; payment of energy bills; help with utility disconnections or necessary fuel deliveries; and repair or replacement of homeowners' malfunctioning heating systems. Call 800-657-3710 for more information.