DWP and MFIP Resources

Minnesota’s economic support programs help families and individuals work toward economic stability. The Diversionary Work Program (DWP) is a four-month program that helps low-income Minnesota families find a job. When families first apply for cash assistance, most will participate in DWP. The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is the state’s primary program for helping low-income families with children move out of poverty through work.

What’s new:

New Updates to the MFIP Employment Services Manual

Check out the summary of updates for the MFIP Employment Services Manual. Here is a link to the entire updated MFIP ES Manual: MFIP ES Manual April 2013.

News Release: Energy Assistance Program funds still availableThe Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources wants low-income Minnesotans—especially seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children—to know that grant funds are still available to help pay their heating bills from the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).

New EBT Card Information Handout
DHS developed the handout “EBT Card Information” (DHS-6680) that summarizes some of the information the eligibility worker tells the client. The handout can be used by both eligibility workers and staff at the accounting window. This handout is not mandatory and does not replace the “EBT brochure” (DHS-3315A) but is designed to be an additional educational tool for clients by explaining the new procedures for obtaining an EBT card. An initial supply of DHS-6680 was printed and will be mailed to each county. It is currently available on eDocs: https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-6680-ENG.

2013 Joint Counselor Conference Call for Proposals (extended to 2/12/13)
The 2013 Joint Counselor Conference will be held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN! This location offers us great space for our expanded conference, and with that, we have room for more breakout sessions. Please rally your colleagues, brainstorm topic ideas, and solicit great speakers for the conference. The deadline for the breakout Call for Proposals has been extended to Tuesday, February 12th, at 5 p.m., close of business.

Mandatory Verification Tool (issued 2/6/13)
The Mandatory Verification Tool serves as an illustrational resource for workers to quick reference mandatory verifications comparatively across SNAP, cash and health care programs. Initially developed by a workgroup at Ramsey County, the final version incorporates input from all of the DHS policy areas represented on the tool. The tool is a legal-size document and consists of the following parts: mandatory verifications specific to add a person, intake and reapplication; mandatory verifications specific to ongoing case management: CSR, ER, HRF and Renewal; and a two-page supplement of relevant clarifications and/or reminders identified by asterisks on the tool. If you have a specific policy question please submit a PolicyQuest.

New E-Mail Address for Non-Policy Inquiries About DWP or MFIP (issued 5/9/12)
Tips for Work Benefit Cases (PDF) (issued 12/22/11)
Minnesota's Work Participation Rate (PDF) (updated 4/12)
Family Cap Guide and Worksheet (updated 7/1/12)
Human Services By the Batch - Case banking article by Governing.com

Training and Support:

Income Maintenance - training information
Tip Sheets
DWP/MFIP Online Resources

Bulletins:

DWP and MFIP Resources

What’s new:

Training and Support:

Bulletins:

Memos:

Reports:

Manuals, Guides and Handbooks:

Updated DHS Forms for DWP/MFIP Programs: