Houston County Human Services Mission Statement for the Financial Assistance Department

The Houston County Financial Assistance Department, in partnership with other agencies, administers public assistance programs timely and accurately, assists individuals in the eligibility process as necessary, guides individuals in moving toward self-sufficiency, and treats all individuals with dignity and respect.

Services and Responsibilities

In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Houston County Financial Assistance Department works to help people with low incomes transition to economic stability. Economic Stability includes cash assistance programs, food support, child care assistance, child support services, refugee services, employment services and health care programs.

How To Apply for SNAP, Cash Assistance, Housing Support and Child Care Assistance Programs:

You may obtain a Combined Application Form (CAF) by making a request in one of the following ways:
  • Mail your request: Houston County Human Services, 304 S Marshall Room 104, Caledonia, MN 55921
  • Call Houston County Human Services: 507-725-5811
  • Fax request to 507-725-3990
  • Stop by the Houston County Human Services office: 304 S Marshall Room 104, Caledonia, MN 55921
  • Apply online: MNbenefits.mn.gov
  • Download: Combined Application Form from the DHS website
  • Applications for SNAP and Cash programs require an interview 

MNbenefits is Minnesota's secure, online system you can use to apply for cash assistance, SNAP (food support), emergency help, and child care assistance programs.

How to Apply for Health Care Coverage:

MNsure

Apply for public and open market health insurance at the MNsure website.

The MNsure website was launched on January 2014. You can apply for public healthcare programs and shop online for healthcare coverage by visiting MNsure.org or by calling 1-855-3MNsure (1-855-366-7873) for more information, including the names of community agencies that can help you apply or provide language assistance.

We also have self-service computers available for people to apply through MNSure in our lobby at our Houston County Office.

MNsure Paper Application

If you need health care coverage right away and cannot apply at MNsure.org, you can download and complete a MNSure Paper Application from the Minnesota Department of Human Services website and submit the completed and signed paper application to our office via mail, email, or fax at 507-556-3012.

Certain Populations Paper Applications

You WILL NOT want to apply through MNSure and you WILL want to complete a Health Care Application for Certain Populations (PDF) if you are any one of the following:

Other documents:

Medical Assistance (MA)

MA is a federal program that may pay medical bills for people who cannot pay them. Recipients must be under age 21 or over age 65, pregnant, blind, disabled, or parents or caretakers of a child under age 19. Click here for more information about MA.

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

RMA is a federal program that may pay medical bills for certain refugees who cannot pay them, who cannot get MA, and who have been in the U.S. eight months or less. Click here for more information on RMA.

MinnesotaCare

MinnesotaCare is a state and federal program that helps people who do not have other insurance, and do not get MA or GAMC. Recipients will pay a monthly premium. Click here for more information on MinnesotaCare.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is Minnesota's welfare reform program for low-income families with children. It includes both cash and food assistance. The purpose of MFIP is to help families transition to economic stability. MFIP parents are expected to work and are supported in working. Most families can get cash assistance for only 60 months. In July 2004, Minnesota started a Diversionary Work Program (DWP). This is a short-term, intensive work program to help families move immediately to work rather than go on welfare. For more information about MFIP and DWP.

Emergency Assistance (EA) and Emergency General (EGA)

EA and EGA are short-term help for people who need money for crisis such as fire, utility shut off, eviction, illness, theft, loss of job, or other major problems. EA is for those who have children in the home under the age 21. EGA is for those who cannot get MFIP or EA.

General Assistance (GA)

GA is a monthly cash payment which helps with money for food, housing, and other basic needs. It is for people who cannot work, have little or no income and are not able to get help from other state and federal programs. For more information about GA.

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)

MSA is a monthly cash payment which helps people whose disability, retirement, or other income is not enough. People must be 65 or older, or disabled and age 18 or older, or blind. For more information about MSA.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

RCA is a monthly cash payment for certain refugees who have been in the U.S. eight months or less. For more information about Refugee Assistance.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as Food Support)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an electronic benefit program that can be used like money to buy food to supplement your nutritional needs. It is for single people and families with or without children who meet the income requirements. You may also qualify for SNAP right away if you meet any one of the criteria below. You should call us right away for an in-office or telephone interview if any one of the following statements are true:

  • You have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in liquid assets.
  • You are a destitute migrant or seasonal worker, and you have $100 or less in liquid assrets.
  • Your household income and liquid assets are less than your actual monthly housing and utility costs.

For more information about Supplemental Nutrition Food Support Program (SNAP)

Child Care Assistance Program

In partnership with the Department of Human Services, Wabasha County administers the federal and state Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) that provides a subsidy for child care for working parents who are income-eligible.

Basic Sliding Fee (BSF) Child Care

  • For work hours for families whose income is under 175% of the Federal Poverty level
  • Must be working a minimum of 20 hours per week

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Child Care

  • For approved activities as authorized by family's MFIP Case Manager
  • For work hours for up to 12 months after family has closed MFIP due to excess income

Find out more about Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program