Resources

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Benefits (PDF) (SSDI) are federal programs that provide monthly payments to people who qualify. If you have a disability that is expected to last one year or more, or result in death, you should consider applying for federal disability benefits. More information about these programs is on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) website at ssa.gov.

Applying for SSI or SSDI can be difficult. Some people may benefit from having a qualified advocate. This directory contains contact information for agencies with experience advocating for people with disabilities (PDF). These agencies can help with applications and appeals.

• General Assistance (GA) brochure (PDF)
  This brochure explains GA program criteria and benefits.
  
  It is also available in:
  Hmong - GA brochure (PDF)
  Russian - GA brochure (PDF)
  Somali - GA brochure (PDF)
  Spanish - GA brochure (PDF)
  Vietnamese - GA brochure (PDF)
  
  
• GA fact sheet (PDF)
  This is a brief one-page explanation of the GA program.
  
  
• Electronic funds transfer brochure and authorization form (PDF)
  This brochure explains electronic funds transfer for GA, MSA and other programs. It also has a form to sign up for direct deposit of benefits.
  
  It is also available in these languages:
  Hmong - Electronic funds transfer brochure and authorization form (PDF)
  Russian - Electronic funds transfer brochure and authorization form (PDF)
  Somali - Electronic funds transfer brochure and authorization form (PDF)
  Spanish - Electronic funds transfer brochure and authorization form (PDF)
  Vietnamese - Electronic funds transfer brochure and authorization form (PDF)
  
  
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) brochure (PDF)
  This brochure explains MSA program criteria and benefits.
  
• MSA fact sheet (PDF)
  This is a brief one-page explanation of the MSA program.

Reports about GA and MSA programs are available on CountyLink, a Minnesota Department of Human Services website for county and tribal agencies.

• Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a state agency serving veterans and their families by assisting them in securing state and federal benefits, and by providing programs and services relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and veterans' preference.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is a federal agency that provides a broad range of programs and services for veterans and their families.

• Energy assistance is a Minnesota Department of Commerce program that helps pay home heating costs and furnace repairs for households that meet income limits.
• Minnesota's Disability Benefits 101 gives you tools and information on health care coverage, benefits and employment.
• MinnesotaHelp.info offers a comprehensive database of local community resources for consumers, caregivers and service providers.