Descriptions of Cash Assistance Programs

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP):

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) helps families with children meet their basic needs, while helping parents move to financial stability through work. Caregivers are expected to work and are supported with both cash and food assistance.

General Assistance (GA):

The general assistance program provides cash benefits for single adults (ages 18 to 64) that cannot support themselves. This program is for those that do not qualify for federal categorical assistance but meet the State General Assistance requirements. The GA program provides monthly cash grants which can include emergency payments. Participants must have lived in Minnesota for at least 30 days, be unable to work for at least 45 days, have little to no income or other resources, have no Social Security Income (SSI), and not have a minor, dependent child living in the household.

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA):

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) provides cash assistance to help adults who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pay for their basic needs.

Housing Support (Formerly GRH):

The Housing Support program pays for room and board for seniors and adults with disabilities who have low incomes. The program aims to reduce and prevent people from living in institutions or becoming homeless.

Refugee Cash Assistance:

RCA is available for immigrants’ first eight months in the United States and assists them in the transition to life in the United States. Refugees are defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Applicants must be 18 or older, or married couples with children, or Pregnant women and their spouses, until they meet eligibility requirements for the MFIP program, or Adults who are disabled or older than 65 that are not yet found eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Participants who are disabled or 65 years or older will be required to apply for Supplemental Security Income. Refugee services include: resettlement and placement, cash and medical assistance, and employment and social services.