Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
Last updated August 2026
MFIP, the Minnesota Family Investment Program, is the state's TANF program for families: one or two parents living with a child under 18, or under 19 if the child is a full-time student. It provides a monthly grant with both a cash portion and a food portion, plus employment services to help a parent find work.
Know the first step, because it surprises people. Most applicants must complete a four-month Diversionary Work Program, the DWP, before MFIP cash benefits begin. The DWP focuses on getting you into a job quickly, and only if that does not resolve things do you move to MFIP itself.
The grant is more than a check. Many MFIP families also receive a $117 monthly housing assistance grant toward rent. That is on top of the cash and food portions, so ask about it rather than assuming the grant is one number.
The clock and the asset test matter. MFIP has a 60-month lifetime limit in most cases, with possible extensions in some situations. The asset limit is $10,000, but it excludes your home, personal goods, one vehicle per household member aged 16 or older, and ABLE funds, so ordinary belongings do not disqualify you.
There is a reward for landing work. After leaving MFIP, the Work Benefit Program pays employed families a $50 monthly incentive for up to 24 months, softening the drop when the paycheck starts but the grant ends. Ask your worker how it applies to you before you close your case.
MFIP's cash is modest, so stack the rest. The household usually qualifies for SNAP and Medical Assistance on friendlier income rules, and 2-1-1 tracks the local funds that fill the gaps. Apply for those alongside MFIP.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Minnesota families who are pregnant or responsible for a child under 19, with low income and resources under the program's asset limit
- Most adults take part in MFIP Employment Services, and a 60-month lifetime limit applies to how long an adult can receive MFIP
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply through your county; most applicants begin with the four-month Diversionary Work Program.
- 2
Provide proof of income, your children's information, and assets under the $10,000 limit.
- 3
Ask about the $117 monthly housing grant and the employment services.
- 4
If you later find work, ask about the Work Benefit Program's $50 monthly incentive.
What to have ready
- ID and Social Security numbers for the adults applying
- Proof of income and assets
- Proof that a child lives with you. Your county confirms the full list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for MFIP?
Families with one or two parents living with a child under 18, or under 19 if the child is a full-time student, who meet the income and asset rules.
What is the Diversionary Work Program?
A four-month program most applicants complete before MFIP cash begins, focused on getting you into a job quickly.
Is there help with rent?
Yes. Many MFIP families receive a $117 monthly housing assistance grant on top of the cash and food portions.
What is the asset limit?
$10,000, excluding your home, personal goods, one vehicle per member aged 16 or older, and ABLE funds.
Is there help after I leave MFIP for a job?
Yes. The Work Benefit Program pays employed families a $50 monthly incentive for up to 24 months.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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