Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) helps families with children meet their basic needs, while helping parents move to financial stability through work. Parents are expected to work, and are supported in working with both cash and food assistance.

Most families have a lifetime limit of 60 months on MFIP. When families first apply for cash assistance, they usually start in the Diversionary Work Program (DWP). It is a four-month program that helps parents go to work right away rather than enroll in MFIP.

MFIP is for families with children and pregnant women. To qualify, your family must: Meet an initial income test Meet an initial asset limit of $2,000 Provide needed verifications. You may own up to $2,000 in assets and qualify for MFIP.

Your worker can tell you what property is counted toward the limit. You also may own a licensed vehicle with a loan value up to $10,000. Any loan value above $10,000 will count toward the asset limit. If you own more than one vehicle, the combined value over $7,500 of all other vehicles will count toward the asset limit Lifetime limit Most parents with minor children only get cash help for a total of 60 months.