Groceries aren't getting any cheaper in the Twin Cities. If you've walked through a Cub Foods or an Aldi in Minneapolis lately, you know the receipt usually looks a lot worse than you expected. For a lot of folks living in the metro, Hennepin County SNAP benefits—commonly known as food stamps—are basically the only way to keep the fridge full without draining the rent money.
But honestly? Dealing with the county can be a headache. The rules change, the paperwork is dense, and sometimes it feels like you need a law degree just to figure out if you're eligible.
What's actually happening in 2026?
There is some major noise right now about federal funding freezes in Minnesota. You might have seen the news about the USDA suspending some financial awards to the state due to fraud concerns. It sounds scary, but for the average person needing to eat, the system is still running.
Hennepin County is still processing applications. People are still getting their EBT cards.
Do you actually qualify for help?
Most people assume they make too much money to get SNAP. That’s usually not true. Minnesota uses something called "Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility." This basically means the income ceiling is higher than you’d think.
For most households in Hennepin County, the gross monthly income limit is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
- Single person: Around $2,609 a month.
- Family of four: Roughly $5,359 a month.
If someone in your house is over 60 or has a disability, those numbers shift a bit. The county also looks at your "net income"—what’s left after you pay for things like rent, heat, and childcare. If your housing costs are eating up more than half your paycheck, you’re much more likely to get a higher monthly benefit.
Assets usually don't count for most people. You can own a car and have some money in savings and still get help. The state cares way more about what’s coming in every month than what’s sitting in your 2015 Honda Civic.
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The new work rules for 2026
Things have gotten a bit tighter for older adults recently. If you're between 55 and 64 and don't have kids at home, you might fall under the "ABAWD" rules—Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents.
You generally have to show you're working, volunteering, or in a training program for at least 20 hours a week. It’s a bit of a hoop to jump through. Luckily, Hennepin County has its own SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. They can actually help you find a spot to volunteer or get a job so you don't lose your food money.
How to apply without losing your mind
You have a few ways to get this done.
- Online (The fastest way): Go to MNbenefits.mn.gov. It takes about 20 minutes. You can do it on your phone.
- In-Person: If you want to talk to a human, head to a Human Service Center. There’s one at 1001 Plymouth Ave N in North Minneapolis and another at 2215 East Lake Street. They are usually open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: Call 612-596-1300. Be prepared to wait on hold. Put your phone on speaker and do some dishes while you wait.
Once you apply, the county has 30 days to approve or deny you. You’ll probably have to do a phone interview. Don’t miss that call! They usually call from a blocked or "Hennepin County" number.
Getting your money
If you’re approved, you’ll get an EBT card in the mail. It looks like a debit card. In Minnesota, the money drops onto your card between the 4th and the 13th of every month.
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The exact day depends on the last digit of your case number.
- Case number ends in 4: 4th of the month.
- Case number ends in 0: 10th of the month.
- Case number ends in 3: 13th of the month.
You can use it at almost any grocery store and even some farmers' markets in Minneapolis through the "Market Bucks" program, which basically doubles your money for fruits and veggies.
Don't forget the "Six-Month Report"
This is where people usually lose their benefits. Every six months, the county will send you a form. You have to fill it out and send it back to prove your income hasn't changed. If you ignore it, they’ll cut you off, and you’ll have to start the whole application over again.
Use InfoKeep. It’s a secure website Hennepin County uses where you can just snap a photo of your paystubs and upload them. It’s way better than trying to find a working fax machine or relying on the mail.
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Real-world next steps
If you’re struggling to pay for groceries this week, don’t wait for the 30-day application window.
Check out the Northwest Human Service Center in Brooklyn Center or the South Suburban office in Bloomington if you aren't in Minneapolis proper. They can often help with "Emergency SNAP" which can get you food money in as little as 24 to 72 hours if your bank account is near zero.
Log onto the MNbenefits portal tonight. It’s better to have the application in the system than to keep stressing about the grocery bill. Even if you only get $23 a month—the minimum for some—it’s still a few bags of pasta and some milk that you didn't have before.