Financial Help

There are financial aid programs available to aid people who meet certain eligibility criteria who need help with food, shelter, medical care or other basic needs. Most of these programs are funded with federal, state and local monies, managed by the state and administered through the county of residency.

Long-term Care Consultation (LTCC)
This is an evaluation completed by a county social worker and/or a public health nurse. It provides an assessment of an individual’s current living situation and needs, and is at no cost to the person or family. LTCC may also help determine if someone is eligible for a long-term care waiver program.

Elderly Waiver Program (EW)
The Elderly Waiver (EW) program funds home and community-based services for people age 65 and older who are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) and require the level of care provided in a nursing home, but choose to reside in the community. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) operates the EW program under a federal waiver to Minnesota's Medicaid State Plan. Health plans administer the program.

Alternative Care Grant (AC)
AC is a companion program to Elderly Waiver with the same general guidelines, but is for persons over age 65 who do not qualify for Medical Assistance.

Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
MA-EPD allows working people with disabilities who meet certain criteria to qualify for MA under higher income and asset limits than regular MA. This is offered in conjunction with the MN Work Incentives Connection.

Other Programs for Persons under 60 with Disabilities
Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals Waiver (CADI) and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBI) and the Community Alternative Care Program (CAC) are similar waiver programs.

Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)
CDCS allows the consumer to be in charge of the service of the services helping them remain at home. This option is similar to the other waiver programs, however, it allows the consumer more choices and involvement with their own care. You can use CDCS if you qualify for programs such as EW, AC, CADI, Title III, or MSHO.

Other programs
Other programs include Utility (Energy Assistance) and Telephone Assistance programs, MN Supplemental Assistance (MSA), Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI), Food Support Program (food stamps) and rent or subsidized housing assistance.

Updated 07/13/2007