What’s new
Program integrity
The Minnesota Department of Human Services and Department of Children, Youth, and Families are taking action against fraud, waste and abuse of public resources. Learn more about current activities and find information specific to county and Tribal agencies, partners and providers on the PartnerLink Program Integrity page.
Each agency has a dedicated webpage for more information on program integrity efforts:
SNAP Work Rules “Fixed Clock” reset
Minnesota’s statewide fixed 36-month eligibility period for SNAP time-limited recipients reset on Jan. 1, 2026. This means all SNAP recipients who need to follow time-limited work rules are eligible for three months of benefits from Jan. 1, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2028. To qualify for more than three months of benefits, time-limited recipients must meet the work requirement or have an exemption.
Minnesota uses a fixed 36-month clock when tracking counted months for time-limited recipients. This means every time-limited recipient follows the same 36-month time period regardless of when they are approved for SNAP.
In addition to reducing administrative burden, the state decided to move to a fixed 36-month period for the opportunity to increase payment accuracy, reduce errors that lead to financial sanctions from USDA FNS, and increase ease of access to SNAP for all Minnesotans.
The department has developed the following resources to help our partners manage this event:
- Talking Points/FAQ
- Newsletter Copy
- Printable flyer (will link when published)
- Department article page: dcyf.mn.gov/news/snap-work-rules-time-limit-reset-jan-1-2026
New committee to begin work
The newly formed Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) is scheduled to meet for the first time on Thurs., Nov. 6. The committee brings human services leaders and elected officials from counties and participating Tribal Nations together to advise the DCYF Commissioner on how Minnesota plans for, designs, administers, funds, and evaluates services for children, youth, and families. The IAC was co-developed among DCYF, interested Tribal Nations, the Association of Minnesota Counties, and the Minnesota Association of County Social Services Administrators. Further information about the committee, it’s charter, members and meeting schedule is available at DCYF’s Advisory Boards and Councils.
Uptick in reports of EBT card skimming in Minnesota
The Department of Human Services is receiving reports of an uptick in reports of card skimming affecting EBT cardholders in Minnesota. Skimming happens when an individual steals card and PIN information using hidden devices on card-swiping machines. The department will be reaching out to households who may have a compromised EBT card. Learn more about how clients can protect their benefits at https://mn.gov/dhs/ebt-card-skimming/
CountyLink renamed PartnerLink to foster inclusivity, stronger relationships with Tribal Nations
Driven by partner feedback and a commitment and responsibility to foster relationships with Tribal Nations and American Indian agencies that share geography with Minnesota, the DHS CountyLink website has been renamed PartnerLink. This change emerged from extensive discussions, stakeholder feedback and a dedicated effort to foster inclusivity. The online collection of reference materials allows the department to communicate business information to county and Tribal workers who administer human services programs; those workers also use the site to send questions to department staff. Read more: http://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/whats-new/index.jsp?id=1053-599868
Recipients warned about potential SNAP/Food Stamp scam
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has been notified by the Food and Nutrition Service about a potential SNAP/Food Stamp scam at the website Food-Stamps.com. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking in to the matter. For ongoing SNAP scam alerts, see: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/scam-alerts
Elderly Waiver brochure available
Helping to move family or friends into assisted living can be a complicated, even emotional process. Sometimes financial commitments are made without the right information in hand. A new six-page brochure, Elderly Waiver services in assisted living: What you need to know DHS-7935 (PDF), is a guide for people considering moving to or already living in assisted living.
Counties, tribal nations, managed care organizations, assisted living providers, and others who work with older adults and their families are encouraged to share this information widely. Preprinted copies can be ordered through the DHS’ Bulk Ordering site.
Training available for MMIS users who work with aging, disability waivers
DHS has posted training modules for lead agency staff who use the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) to view or enter data in the Long-Term Care (LTC) Screening Document DHS-3427 (PDF) and the Service Agreement DHS-3070 (PDF). The training will benefit staff who support people 65 and older who receive services through aging and disability waivers. Find training on TrainLink under the Older Adult Programs Learning Center. See the MMIS online training on the Aging: training and conferences webpage for a list of the sessions and how to navigate in the learning center.
Follow DHS page on Facebook
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has a departmentwide Facebook page that will feature a variety of content helping to share the DHS mission. DHS invites Facebook users to share constructive ideas, information, opinions and stories. Social media guidelines and links to all official DHS social media accounts can be found in the social media statement.
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