Financial Assistance
Dakota County determines eligibility for a variety of public assistance programs. Refer to our program pages for more detailed information about specific programs. If you have additional questions, we can be contacted at 651-554-5611.
How to apply for benefits
Get instructions on how to apply for assistance programs.
Apply for benefits online
Go to the MNBenefits website to apply online for food, cash, emergency and child care assistance.
Due to high application volumes, Dakota County will be extending interview times outside of regular business hours (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). If your application requires an interview, we may call you during evenings or weekends to complete an interview.
For paper forms or applications in other languages, go to the Department of Human Services eDocs website.
Where to submit applications, renewals or forms
Applications can also be submitted by:
Other ways to submit documents
- Email: eeadocs@co.dakota.mn.us
- Fax: 651-554-5748
- Delivering to drop box: Front of the Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., West St Paul
- Mail: Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road W., Suite 100, West St Paul, MN 55118
- Using a self-service scanning station: Located at all Dakota County Library locations
In-person hours
In-person hours are available at the Northern Service Center.
- Employment & Economic Assistance lobby hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Walk-in appointments are accepted until 4 p.m.
- Child support payments can be made until 4:30 p.m.
- The lobby is closed on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 8–10 a.m. Face-to-face appointments are not available during this time.
Update your contact information
It's important that we can reach you when it's time to renew your health insurance. Make sure we have your current contact information. To report changes like name, address phone number, or household members, call 651-554-5611 and follow the prompts.
Figuring out your renewal month
Enrollees with a MA health plan can use the Minnesota Department of Human Services Renewal Lookup to find their renewal month. Or, call 651-554-5611.
Limited English Proficiency Plan
The Dakota County Social Services Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan has been developed to serve the public who do not speak English or who speak limited English. Read the Limited English Proficiency Plan.