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Stearns County Human Services

Family Support Grant (FSG)

705 Courthouse Sq, Fl 2, St. Cloud, MN 56303

Eligibility

* Families of children with a certified disability, under age 25 years, living in their biological or adoptive home * Children with Mental Health Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) diagnosis under Minnesota Rule 79 * Children currently residing in a facility who would return to their family home if a grant were awarded * Family annual adjusted gross income must be under $130,807 for calendar year 2025, unless where extreme hardship is demonstrated * The child cannot be on a Waiver Program, get Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services or the Consumer Support Grant (CSG). Eligible families can get the FSG while on a waiting list for a waiver. * Families must apply for the grant (it is not automatic) * Funding is limited, so there may be a waiting list

Hours

8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
https://www.stearnscountymn.gov/1479/Human-Services

Application process

Contact the local county or tribal human services office with questions about the Family Support Grant (FSG). * Apply at the county or tribal human services office or contact the Disability Linkage Line at (866) 333-2466 * Families will need to show proof of: - Certification as disabled by Social Security or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) Psychiatric Certification of Mental Health (SED) diagnosis and currently under Rule 79. - Family income - Make a budget of the costs that the family plans to use the grant for, with proof of how the need is disability-related

Fees

None

Service area

Stearns County, MN

Description

The Family Support Grant (FSG) is a state program that helps families of children and young adults with disabilities to pay for disability-related items and services. The goal is to promote family well-being and to prevent the child having to move out of their home. The money must be used for disability-specific costs that are not covered by any insurance (state or private insurance). Such items/services must be pre-approved by their County of Financial Responsibility and be included in the recipient's Individual Support Plan. Examples of how the money may be used include: * Day care costs associated with staffing/other accommodations that are over and beyond that of any other child without disabilities * Educational services not already covered by the Department of Education * Medical costs not covered by insurance * Medications not covered by insurance * Supports in acquiring employment, and transition-related activities for program recipients between the ages of 14 through 24 * Respite care services * Specialized clothing * Specialized dietary items and food supplements over and beyond daily recommended levels/limits by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children in same age brackets/cohort without disabilities * Specialized equipment, which may include home or vehicle modifications * Transportation specific to disability

Last Update

02/17/2026

Providing organization

Stearns County Human Services