Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is the name given to assistance programs available to people who are income and asset eligible according to state and federal guidelines. These programs include burial assistance, cash assistance, child care assistance, emergency assistance, health care and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food support)).
How can you apply? You may call Lake County Health and Human Services at (218) 834-8400, write us at Lake County Health and Human Services, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616 or apply online through MNbenefits and/or MNSure.
Burial Assistance
In accordance with Minnesota Statute § 261.035, Lake County Health and Human Services (LCHHS) will provide for the immediate disposition or direct cremation of a deceased resident of Lake County who is otherwise unable to pay the cost of disposition of their remains.
Application for burial assistance must be made within three business days of the date of death. Application must be made to: Financial Assistance Unit, Lake County Health and Human Services, 616 Third Ave.,Two Harbors, MN 55616; Fax: 218-834-8412; Email: Financial.Assistance@co.lake.mn.us
Cash Assistance
- MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) and DWP (Diversionary Work Program) are federally funded programs known as TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)
- MSA (Minnesota Supplemental Aid)
- GA (General Assistance)
- GRH (Group Residential Housing)
Child Care Assistance
- Child care assistance may be available to families who are employed, seeking employment or are in school or training.
- Eligibility and fees are based on family size and income.
- List of Child Care Providers
Emergency Assistance
- MFIP Crisis Funds
- EGA (Emergency General Assistance)
Health Care
SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. Approved participants get a debit card to use to buy food at many stores and farmers markets. In the past, SNAP was known as Food Stamps.
Emergency SNAP for COVID-19
Due to the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Minnesota is providing additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to certain households. The households eligible for additional benefits are those that are currently not at the maximum benefit level for their household size. In addition, now every household will receive a minimum of $95 per month in E-SNAP benefits, regardless of their maximum benefit level. Below are some of the details about the program and the issuance of the supplemental benefits:
- Minnesota Department of Human Services staff will issue the supplemental benefits one month at a time.
- Benefits are not guaranteed to continue and may end at any time.
Previous E-SNAP benefit issuance was dependent upon a state peacetime emergency being in place. This peacetime emergency ended 07/01/2021. Governor Walz has worked with USDA to obtain a COVID-19 public health emergency declaration that allows E-SNAP to continue as long as a federal disaster declaration is also in place. DHS will continue to request E-SNAP on a monthly basis based on these requirements.
Pandemic EBT for COVID-19
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a temporary food benefit available to Minnesota families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if schools were open. Minnesota’s P-EBT plan for school aged children for the 2021-2022 school year has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- For the 2021-22 school year, students will be eligible for P-EBT benefits if:
- The school participates in the National School Lunch Program or the Seamless Summer Option
- The student is eligible for free or reduced-price meals
- And one or both of the following:
- Their school closes or shifts to remote learning or has reduced hours or attendance for five consecutive days due to a COVID impact
- The parent reports to the school that the student’s absence is due to a COVID impact (and the school accepts it meets the criteria).
- For those who received a P-EBT card for the 2020-2021 school year, do not throw it away. The state will add benefits to your existing card. There is a $2 fee to replace the card.
Families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) are considered pre-approved for free or reduced-price meals and do not need to complete an Application for Educational Benefits to qualify for P-EBT.
A child will receive $7.10 per day in food benefits for each school day missed due to a COVID impact. The full daily benefit level is equal to the free reimbursement for breakfast, lunch and snack for the 2021-22 school year.
Families that have questions about eligibility for these benefits can contact the P-EBT Hotline by completing the web form or by calling: 651-431-4608 or 833-454-0153. Please complete only web form, or call the hotline. Please do not do both.