What’s new
Federal shutdown update
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
- Find updates, key messages, and FAQ’s for county and Tribal social services program workers and administrators.
- For further for program clients and the public, visit DCYF’s Federal Shutdown page.
- For information about shutdown impacts on Medicaid or Department of Human Services programs, visit the DHS website.
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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