MNbenefits is an online application that can be used when a family is applying for benefits or needing to submit a redetermination.

Note: Applications received through MNbenefits are signed electronically and this is acceptable.

Information that needs to be gathered

Not all questions from the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program Application (DHS-3550)(PDF) are on MNbenefits, so follow-up with the applicant is required. Agencies can use a variety of methods to follow-up including: phone call, email or sending a special letter, memo or the Combined Application - Child Care Addendum (DHS-5223D).

Parentally Responsible Individual Information

· Activity schedule: Request for each parentally responsible individual who is working or in school. Activity schedule is not needed to approve eligibility but is needed to authorize care.

Child information

· Relationship: Request additional information if the relationship of the child to each parentally responsible individual is not known.

· Non-custodial parent: If there is a non-custodial parent, gather information such as the non-custodial parent’s name and the custody/visitation schedule.

· Child’s school schedule: If the child is in school, gather school schedule information. A child’s school schedule is not needed to approve eligibility but is needed to authorize care.

· Child care needs: Not needed to approve eligibility but needed to authorize care.

· If a child care provider is selected, ask for information to identify provider.

· If provider is a legal nonlicensed provider, ask about the child’s relationship to the provider.

· Request information about the days and hours child care is needed with primary providers and secondary provider (if applicable).

Verifications that may need to be gathered

Applicants can submit verifications online with their MNbenefits application or after the application is submitted by coming back to MNbenefits and selecting “Upload documents”.

Refer to Chapter 7.3 (Verification – Initial Application) to determine what verifications are required. Request missing verifications that have not been submitted by the time the application is reviewed.

Legal authority

Minnesota Statutes 142E.03, subd. 1