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1. How do I apply for cash, food, or emergency benefits?

Contact the Scott County Financial Assistance Unit at 952-445-7751 to inquire about financial assistance programs. Visit our Income Maintenance / Financial Assistance page to view a list of services.

Before enrolling in a financial assistance program, you will be screened for eligibility. This includes: 

• submitting a completed application (visit our How to Apply page for application links)
• completing an interview with a case worker,
• providing all required verification / documentation for a determination of eligibility to be made.

2. How do I get an application?

There are several ways to obtain an application for financial assistance. To start, we strongly recommend contacting the Scott County Financial Assistance Unit at 952-445-7751 so we can help you determine the best program for your situation.

As part of the process, you will be screened for potential eligibility. This includes submitting an application, completing an interview, and providing all required verification for a determination of eligibility to be made. More details can be found on our Cash & Food Programs page. 

Available application options:

• Visit our office in Shakopee to complete an application (Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm) 
• Call the office at 952-445-7751 and one can be mailed to you
• Apply online at MNbenefits.MN.Gov
• Print an application from the MNBenefits site 
  • direct link: Combined Application for SNAP and Cash Assistance Programs - English Language Version (PDF)

3. How long will it take to process my application?

It depends, but usually 30 days. 

Foods Stamp & SNAP Applicants: Your county or Tribal Nation has 30 days to process your application, and subsequently approve or deny your case. Some people with very low income can get expedited services, and their cases should be processed in 7 days. 

Because of the pandemic, Minnesota counties and Tribal Nations are receiving a higher volume of applications than normal. It may take longer than usual to hear back. If it’s been more than two weeks and you haven’t gotten any mail or phone calls from your county or Tribal Nation, or you want to contact them directly, you can look up their contact information on the MN DHS Human Services Office Directory. Scott County residents can either contact their case work directly for application updates or call 952-445-7751 for more information. 

Have other questions about the process? Review other MNbenefits Frequently Asked Questions

4. How do I get a new EBT card or a replacement for a lost or stolen EBT card?

Once you have applied for and/or been approved for cash or SNAP benefits, you will be issued an EBT card. 

For questions about your EBT card or to obtain a replacement card, contact the EBT office at 888-997-2227.

5. What is the policy for reporting changes, and how do I do it?

Most changes must be reported to your case worker for cash and health care programs within 10 days of the change. For SNAP, there are different timelines based on your reporting type and program specific policy. Read your notice to determine your policy requirements. 

Change Report Form (PDF) to the agency.