Services

DHS provides a variety of services in addition to economic support and health care to help Minnesotans.

Adult protection

Minnesota strives to ensure safe environments and services for vulnerable adults and encourages reporting of suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults.

Minnesota's Autism Resource Portal has information to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Topics include: basic needs, early interventions, health coverage, legal, advocacy and other supports.

Deaf and hard of hearing

DHS serves people who are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened or deafblind as well as their families, providers, employers and businesses.

Direct care and treatment

This health care system includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites and sex offender treatment facilities. This department, formerly a part of the Department of Human Services, was created as a separate state agency in 2025.

Home and community services

DHS supports policies and programs that help people with disabilities find the resources they need to live with choices and as independently as possible.

Social Security Advocacy Services

Social Security advocates can help people with disabilities apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI).