FAQ@DLL
Untapped Resources
The Food Support Program
by the Disability Linkage Line
Staff
Q: I need help paying my bills. Can I get some financial
help?
A: Disability Linkage
Line (DLL) receives numerous calls from people living on fixed
incomes who struggle making ends meet during the month. Besides
looking at financial resources, DLL explores other supports that
help someone’s income stretch further. One such
benefit, the Food Support Program, is an often untapped resource
that can add money into someone’s pocket for other bills. According
to a report by the Legal Services Advocacy Project (LSAP), only 59%
of Minnesotans who qualify for Food Support are actually enrolled
in the program.
What is Food Support?
The Food
Support Program helps Minnesotans with low income get the food they
need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. The program is meant to
provide some additional help, not meet all of someone’s food budget
needs. Once enrolled, the program issues benefits electronically through
what looks like a credit or ATM card. Food support benefits can be spent
like cash in most food stores.
How Do I Know If I Qualify?
If
you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions, you
MAY qualify for Food Support.
· Do you and
everyone who lives with you receive Supplemental Security Income
(SSI), General Assistance (GA) or Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)?
· Do
you get either Transition Year Child Care or Basic Sliding Fee
Child Care assistance?
· Do you participate in the Diversionary
Work Program (DWP)?
If you did not answer “Yes” to any of those questions, you still
may qualify. To find out, get on the internet and complete the eligibility
screening tool at www.foodstamps-step1.usda.gov (Your
local library usually has computers you can use.)
How do I apply?
To apply for
the Food Support Program, call your local county office and request
an application. If you need help finding the application online, call DLL.
Either way, you will need to complete the application and give it to your
county human services office. You will also need to be interviewed and
provide proof of items such as your income, assets and housing costs.
If you are unable to go to your county office for an interview, you
can authorize a friend or relative who is familiar with your circumstances
to apply on your behalf. If you are unable to authorize someone,
you can request to be interviewed over the telephone.
If you have additional questions about Food Support or other community
resources, please call DLL at 1-866-333-2466. DLL provides free,
disability-related information and assistance for Minnesotans. ![]()
DLL does not endorse any particular Web site or provider. They assume
no responsibility for transactions between the readers of this article
and listed organizations.
If you have additional questions about telework, please call the
Disability Linkage Line at 1-866-333-2466. The DLL provides free,
disability-related information and assistance for Minnesotans. DLL
does not endorse any particular Web site or provider. They assume
no responsibility for transactions between the readers of this article
and listed organizations.
