Welfare-to-Work Programs
Federal Welfare-to-Work programs officially ended on September 30, 2004 and are no longer operating.
The State of Minnesota provides funding for the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), which is managed through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). For information on MFIP, please visit the Department of Human Service's website or contact your local WorkForce Center. The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) works with DHS to assist in the Employment Services aspect of this program. For more information, please visit the MFIP-Employment Services program page in the Department of Human Services.
DHS also manages the Diversionary Work Program (DWP). This is a four-month program that helps low-income Minnesota families find a job. The goal of DWP is to help parents immediately go to work rather than go on welfare. Parents are expected to sign an employment plan before their family is approved for DWP. After families have an employment plan, they can receive financial assistance to meet their basic needs and get other support services, such as food support and child and health care assistance.
When most families first apply for cash assistance, they will participate in DWP.
Contact Information
Bruce Borgh or Steve Erbes, Program Coordinators
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
1st National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200
St. Paul, MN 55101-1351
Phone: 651-296-1826 or 651-297-4841; TTY: 651-296-3900
E-mail: Bruce.Borgh@state.mn.us or Steve.Erbes@state.mn.us