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Minnesota Family Investment Program Minnesota House Research Department Page 18 MFIP benefits are issued in the form of protective payments for minor custodial parents30 on MFIP; that is, the grant is paid to another individual on behalf of the minor MFIP caregiver and the minor caregiver’s child. Eligibility for Other Programs Eligibility for MA is not automatic and is determined separately from MFIP eligibility. MFIP participants are eligible for MA if they meet income, asset, and other eligibility requirements that apply to families and children under MA. Families who do not meet the criteria for MA can apply for MinnesotaCare. MFIP participants who are working or otherwise involved in the employment and training services component of MFIP are eligible for assistance with their child care costs through the MFIP Child Care Assistance Program.31 Counties also screen MFIP applicants to see if they are eligible for the Diversionary Work Program or other short-term assistance. Diversionary Work Program (DWP) DWP was established by the 2003 Legislature; it was repealed by the 2023 Legislature, effective March 1, 2026.32 DWP provides short-term diversionary benefits to eligible recipients. DWP benefits are designed to lead to unsubsidized employment, increase economic stability, and reduce the risk of families needing longer-term assistance. Families who meet the DWP eligibility requirements are prohibited from receiving MFIP assistance. However, counties may provide supportive and other allowable services funded by the MFIP consolidated fund. Eligibility for DWP is limited to a maximum of four consecutive months once in a 12-month period. All families who apply and are eligible for MFIP must first participate in the DWP, with certain exceptions. To be eligible for DWP, participants must:  cooperate with child support enforcement;  provide the Social Security numbers of all family members; and  develop an employment plan. All DWP caregivers must participate in a DWP employment plan, except caregivers who meet certain criteria.

30 See Minn. Stat. § 142G.14. 31 Families who leave MFIP due to either an increase in income from earnings or an increase in child or spousal support payments may be eligible for 12 months of Child Care Assistance through the Transition Year Child Care Assistance Program. 32 Laws 2023, ch. 70, art. 10, § 98.