Bridge to Benefits is a multi-state project by Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits.
To see if you or someone else may be eligible for public work support programs, click START to use the Eligibility Screening Tool. We will ask you a few simple questions but we will NOT ask you for information that identifies you. It's easy, confidential and free!
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DHS launches online application
The Minnesota Department of Human Services launched ApplyMN,
an online application for Minnesota Health Care Programs, SNAP (food support),
Child Care Assistance, cash assistance, emergency assistance, family planning,
and breast and cervical cancer coverage. The application is available statewide
beginning April 30, 2012. Bridge to Benefits links to and from ApplyMN. Before
using ApplyMN, it is recommended to use the Bridge to Benefits screening tool
to determine your potential eligibility for programs included in ApplyMN and
other programs that may improve economically stability. For more information
about ApplyMN, click here.
Get Your Taxes Done For Free
If you pay someone to file your taxes, it will probably cost
you at least $120, and it could cost much more. If you go to a free tax
preparation site (VITA or AARP), you will not have to pay anything, and you can
still get your refund quickly. Families and individuals earning less than $50,000 per year can get their taxes done at free tax preparation sites across the state. For AccountAbility Minnesota's free tax
preparation sites click here. For other VITA or AARP tax preparation sites in
Minnesota click here or call United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 (651-291-0211
for cell phone users).
Food Support to be called SNAP
The
name of Food Support will change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program or
SNAP to align with the federal name for the program. There will be no changes
to the program requirements or benefits. The Department of Human Services will
gradually implement this name change starting February 1, 2012.
Low-Cost Home Internet Services
Comcast and CenturyLink now offer low-cost internet services plan for $9.95 plus tax per month for qualifying low-income families. To be eligible for Comcast’s low-cost plan, you must have at least one child on the School Meal Program. To be eligible for CenturyLink’s low-cost plan, at least one household member must be on the School Meal Program or at least one of the qualifying work support programs. Other restrictions may apply. To find out more information or to get the application for this service click here for Comcast or click here for CenturyLink. Or call Comcast at 1-855-846-8376 and CenturyLink at 1-866-541-3330.
Apply for Energy Assistance!
Applications are being accepted for the Energy Assistance Program now through May 31, 2012. Click here to find out if you are eligible and where to apply.
