Minnesota calls SNAP "Food Support," administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, commonly abbreviated DHS, through county and tribal human services agencies rather than a single centralized state office. Sources report Minnesota's specific income threshold inconsistently, ranging from the federal 130 percent standard to as high as 200 percent, so confirming your household's actual limit directly through MNbenefits is worthwhile.
This guide is independently written and is not affiliated with USDA, OPM, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, or the official federal Feds Feed Families campaign.
What SNAP in Minnesota Is Called and Who Runs It
Minnesota's SNAP program is called Food Support, administered at the state level by DHS with casework handled locally through county and tribal human services agencies. Benefits are delivered on a Minnesota EBT card, accepted at authorized retailers, farmers markets, and select online retailers statewide and nationwide.
Income Limits: A Note on Conflicting Figures
- What SNAP in Minnesota Is Called and Who Runs It
- Income Limits: A Note on Conflicting Figures
- Maximum Benefit Amounts
- How to Apply
- No Drug Felony Ban
- Minnesota Food Assistance Program for Certain Immigrants
- Diverse Communities and Outreach
- Renewal Frequency
- FAQ
- How do I apply for Food Support in Minnesota?
- Does Minnesota restrict SNAP eligibility based on drug felony convictions?
- What is the Minnesota Food Assistance Program?
- How often do Minnesota SNAP recipients need to recertify?
Reporting on Minnesota's specific income threshold varies meaningfully across sources, with figures ranging from the standard federal 130 percent, to a middle figure around 165 percent, to an expanded 200 percent Broad Based Categorical Eligibility threshold in others. Given this range, confirming your household's actual current limit through MNbenefits.mn.gov or by calling your county human services agency is the most reliable approach rather than assuming any single figure applies.
Maximum Benefit Amounts
Minnesota households use the same federal maximum allotment table applied across the 48 contiguous states, ranging from $298 a month for one person to $994 a month for a family of four for federal fiscal year 2026.
How to Apply
- Online through MNbenefits.mn.gov, available 24 hours a day with your progress typically saved if you need to stop and return later
- By mail using a Combined Application Form
- In person at your local county or tribal human services office
Some counties, such as Hennepin, also accept photos of documents submitted digitally through the MNbenefits portal, making it easier to complete verification without a separate mail or in-person trip.
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STATE-SPECIFIC SNAP GUIDES
STATE-SPECIFIC SNAP GUIDES
STATE-SPECIFIC SNAP GUIDES
STATE-SPECIFIC SNAP GUIDES
No Drug Felony Ban
Minnesota has fully opted out of the federal restriction that would otherwise bar people with certain drug-related felony convictions from receiving SNAP, meaning eligible individuals regardless of criminal history, including drug felonies, can receive benefits if they meet the standard income and other requirements.
Minnesota Food Assistance Program for Certain Immigrants
Minnesota also offers the state-funded Minnesota Food Assistance Program, providing benefits to certain immigrants who don't qualify for federal SNAP specifically due to immigration status, similar in structure to programs offered in a small number of other states.
Diverse Communities and Outreach
Minnesota has some of the largest Somali, Hmong, and East African immigrant communities in the country, particularly in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and DHS has worked to provide culturally responsive outreach given this diversity. If English isn't your first language, asking your county agency about interpretation services or multilingual application assistance is worth doing.
Renewal Frequency
Some reporting indicates Minnesota recipients must now recertify every 6 months rather than annually for certain cases, a potential shift from previous practice, so confirming your specific household's current recertification schedule through MNbenefits is worth doing to avoid an unexpected gap in benefits.
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FAQ
How do I apply for Food Support in Minnesota?
Apply online through MNbenefits.mn.gov, by mail using a Combined Application Form, or in person at your local county or tribal human services office.
Does Minnesota restrict SNAP eligibility based on drug felony convictions?
No. Minnesota has fully opted out of the federal drug felony ban, so eligibility isn't restricted by this type of criminal history.
What is the Minnesota Food Assistance Program?
A state-funded program providing benefits to certain immigrants who don't qualify for federal SNAP due to immigration status.
How often do Minnesota SNAP recipients need to recertify?
This varies, and some sources indicate a shift toward 6-month recertification for certain cases. Confirming your specific schedule through MNbenefits is recommended.
Sources: Minnesota Department of Human Services, Washington County, Minnesota, USDA Food and Nutrition Administration.