Update on SNAP, MFIP, and Medicaid
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits will not be issued for November until the shutdown ends or the federal government issues further guidance. There is no immediate impact to Medicaid or DHS programs.
Please refer to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) website for the latest information on SNAP and MFIP benefits. If you need help finding food, find resources near you via the Food Group.
Please refer to the Department of Human Services (DHS) website for the latest updates on Medicaid.
What is an Ombudsperson?
An ombudsperson is a neutral and independent official who reviews government agency practices to ensure that they are fair and reasonable. To do this, the ombudsman receives complaints from parents, families, or the public, reviews, investigates, and if appropriate, makes recommendations to remedy the complaints. Read OBFF's enabling statute.
What an Ombudsperson can do:
- answer questions;
- conduct investigations;
- review policies and procedures;
- recommend changes;
- offer information and referrals;
- advocate for equity, fairness, and transparency;
- discuss complaints in confidence;
- mediate a settlement or recommend a resolution;
- issue reports.
What an Ombudsperson can't do:
- litigate;
- join as a party, or participant;
- handle family law matters (divorce, custody, child support, visitation);
- order a court, agency, or other entity to make a change;
- accept every complaint;
- satisfy every complainant;
- make binding, or punitive recommendations.