Carlton County’s Financial Assistance Department is responsible for administering public assistance programs that are funded by Federal, State, and County dollars. Financial Assistance workers are responsible for ensuring accurate determination of benefits as well as timely issuance of benefits to eligible Carlton County citizens.

Eligibility for some programs start on the date the county agency receives a completed application or healthcare request. Some medical programs can provide coverage going back 3 months in the past but others may start on the day you apply or future months. Therefore it is important to apply for assistance as soon as you will think you may have a need for help. In some instances, hospitals may submit a request for healthcare assistance form on your behalf to set the date of eligibility. In these instances our agency will send you an application along with a notice telling you what you need to do to complete the application process.

Bridge to Benefits is a free website that helps connect struggling families across the state to important benefits that can lift them out of poverty and help them gain economic stability.
Visit http://mn.bridgetobenefits.org for more information

Kathy Benson
Financial and Healthcare Assistance

Patti Hart
Elderly & Disabled
Financial & Healthcare Assistance

Walk-in Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 10:00am until 2:00pm
Thursday 12:30pm until 2:00pm
Walk-ins are welcome on Fridays when there is an emergency situation.

These programs help eligible families on the road to self-sufficiency by supporting work efforts for those able to work.

General Assistance – Provides financial help to those persons not eligible for MFIP or MSA. This is generally for persons between the age of 18 and 65 who are unable to work. Emergency General Assistance is also available under this program.

MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) – Provides financial assistance to families with dependent children. This may include both parents. MFIP began in January of 1998. This program is time limited with a 60-month lifetime limits. Emergency assistance may also be provided under this program.

DWP ( Diversionary Work Program) – is a short-term, work focused program for families applying for cash benefits and who are not eligible for MFIP.

MSA (Minnesota Supplemental Aid) – Provides financial assistance for persons over 65, blind or disabled. This program also provides for emergency needs and special needs.

GRH (Group Residential Housing) – State-funded program providing at a minimum room and board for eligible people living in a licensed or registered group living arrangement.

These programs help eligible families with their health care needs.

General Assistance/Medical Care - Provides help with medical bills for individuals between the ages of 21 and 65 who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. For GAMC the earliest possible begin date is the date of application or the date all eligibility factors are met, whichever is later.

MA (Medical Assistance) – Provides help with medical bills for individuals under 21, over 65, blind, disabled, or pregnant. Provides help with nursing home or homecare services. For eligible applicants, coverage can go back up to 3 months.

MinnesotaCare - A state-subsidized health care program for people who live in Minnesota and don’t have health insurance. Like other health insurance plans, MinnesotaCare provides coverage for many medical expenses.

QMB/SLMB - These programs can help people pay for their Medicare Part A and B premiums, Medicare deductibles, and Medicare co-insurance and co-payments.

This program provides assistance with food costs for all individuals or families who qualify. Please refer to the Department of Human Services Website at www.dhs.state.mn.us for the current income and asset guidelines.

Programs are available for eligible families, single adults, or married adults with no children who are in an emergency situation such as an eviction or utility shut-off. Emergency funds will only be issued if the emergency will be resolved.

EA (Emergency Crisis Funds) – Limited funds available for families with a dependent child or children. A family can only receive emergency crisis funds once in an 18 month period. Applicants must show they have spent a certain percentage of their income from the last 60 days on basic needs in order to qualify.

EGA (Emergency General Assistance) – Available in a limited amount to single adults who qualify. Emergency assistance can be received only once in a 12 month period. Applicants must show how they have spent their income from the last 60 days to qualify.

EMSA (Emergency Minnesota Supplemental Aid) – Available to qualified disabled or elderly applicants who are eligible for the Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) program or a Group Residential Housing (GRH) participant. EMSA applicants can receive emergency funds only once in a 12 month period.

Helps with the cost of child care for eligible families using approved child care providers.

Child Care Fund Plan for 2012 & 2013

If you are looking for information on Child Care in the Carlton County Area please use the Child Care Resource and Referral Network of Minnesota. Their phone number is 1-800-890-5399 or visit their website at http://mnchildcare.org

The Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network helps families find child care and understand their care options, supports child care providers through grants and education and informs the community on the importance of child care.  

Where can I apply for assistance?
You have 2 options.

Walk-in Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
9:00am until 11:30am and 12:30pm until 2:00pm
Thursday 12:00pm until 2:00pm
Walk-ins are welcome on Fridays when there is an emergency situation.

How do I qualify for assistance?
Each program has a set of income and asset rules. Because each person’s circumstances vary, it is hard to determine eligibility without the details. An application needs to be completed to determine what you qualify for. For income and asset guidelines for medical, cash, and food support programs you can refer to the Department of Human Services website at www.dhs.state.mn.us.

What should I bring to the interview when I apply?
You need identification such as a driver’s license, Minnesota ID, Tribal ID, or social security number. Some programs require proof of citizenship. We may also ask for proof of income (both earned and unearned), proof of assets such as bank accounts, certificates of deposit, bonds, life insurance policies, vehicles, real estate, burial agreements, and any other assets. We may ask for health insurance information as well. The application process can take up to 2 hours or more but generally is less than that.

What should I do if I suspect someone is fraudulently receiving assistance?
If you suspect someone is misusing or abusing Minnesota Assistance programs, you can call the toll-free 24-hour hotline at 1-800-627-9977 or Carlton County’s Fraud Investigator at 218-384-9550 or 1-877-400-9895 (MN and WI toll-free only).

To access forms, income and asset guidelines for cash, medical, and food support programs
www.dhs.state.mn.us

Department of Human Services Web Payment Service
http://payments.dhs.state.mn.us

Minnesota RX Connect
Compare prescription drug prices

Healthcare Member Help Desk
Questions about medical co-pays or coverage
1-800-657-3739

Lakes and Pines
Assistance with housing costs, energy housing, early childhood education and family development.
www.lakesandpines.org

Senior Linkage Line
Assists senior citizens and disabled individuals connect to area services. Also provides assistance with Medicare Part D issues.
1-800-333-2433

Disability Linkage Line
Disability Linkage Line provides Information, Assistance and Referral to persons with disabilities, family members and others to find needed resources,
programs & information
Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00 throughout Minnesota..
1-866-333-2466


Minnesota Help Info
Statewide directory of community services
www.minnesotahelp.info

Legal Aid
Provides legal services for individuals over 60 years old or individuals with low income.
1-218-726-4800
1-800-622-7266

Domestic Abuse Project
1-218-879-1989
1-218-348-1817 Crisis Line

MN Gambling Problem Hotline
1-800-333-4673

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Carlton County Public Health & Human Services is about strengthening families, protecting our children and our seniors, offering hope to those in crisis and making our community a stronger, safer & healthier place for all of us to live.