About us
Data requests
Department of Human Services data
The Minnesota Department of Human Services maintains data on general human services and public assistance programs, including economic assistance and public healthcare programs.
Children, youth, and family data has moved: The children, youth, and family data has relocated to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and is no longer part of the Department of Human Services. Requests for their data are now handled by contacting the data request team.
Direct care and treatment data have been relocated: The Direct Care and Treatment has been moved to the Direct Care and Treatment agency and is no longer part of the Department of Human Services. Requests for their data are now handled by contacting them at Data/Direct Care and Treatment.
Data/Direct Care and Treatment
Who can make a data request?
Public data is available to any member of the public. This includes individuals, the media, government agencies, government employees, vendors, unions, companies, and lawyers. The DHS Guide for members of the public requesting data outlines the process for submitting public data requests.
DHS Guide for members of the public requesting data (PDF)
People can obtain both public and private human services data about themselves. The DHS guide for requesting data about you explains the process for individuals to access their own data.
How do I make a data request?
A data request must be made in writing. We do not require a specific form to request information about yourself or public data. However, two request forms are available for your convenience:
Request for private data about yourself form (PDF) Request for public data form (PDF)
If you do not use the form, write a specific description of the information you seek. Written requests should include:
- A statement that you are requesting information about you under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
- A clear description with a date range of the information you would like to see.
Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
Data practices contacts
Responsible authority for the Minnesota Department of Human Services
Name: John Connolly, Temporary Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services
U. S. mail:
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Commissioner’s Office
P.O. Box 64998
St. Paul, MN 55164-0998
Data practices compliance official for DHS
Name: John Connolly, Temporary Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services
U.S. mail address:
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Commissioner’s Office
P.O. Box 64998
St. Paul, MN 55164-0998
Where do I submit my data request?
By law, the Commissioner of Human Services, John Connolly is the designated authority who is responsible for the collection, use and dissemination of human services’ data. Data requests are handled by staff members assigned to respond to requests on behalf of the commissioner.
Email dhs.datarequest@state.mn.us
By U.S. mail to:
The Minnesota Department of Human Services
Attention: Data Request
P.O. Box 64998
St. Paul, MN 55164-0998
Media
Members of the media can send requests to the media relations team.
When will I get the data?
We provide data within a reasonable period of time. If you requested data about yourself, we will respond within 10 business days of receiving your request unless we make arrangements with you for extra time.