After a Minnesota Program Application

Purpose:
To help Hub staff explain what happens after a person submits an application for Minnesota benefits, including how to check status, what verifications may be needed, and how to submit documents if a paper form was used.

Q&A

Q: What happens after someone submits an application for Minnesota programs?
Once an application is received, the county, tribal agency, or state system reviews it to determine eligibility.
The applicant may need to provide additional documents (called verifications) or complete an interview, depending on the program.

Applicants will get a notice by mail or through their online account once a decision is made.

Q: How can someone check the status of their application?

• If they applied online using MNbenefits:
  They can log in to their account to check application status, upload verification documents, or see messages from the county or tribal agency.
• If they applied online using MNsure:
  They can log in to their MNsure account to view application status, report changes, or upload documents.
• If they applied using a paper form:
  • For non-health programs (such as SNAP or MSA) using the Combined Application Form (DHS-5223) — contact the county or tribal human services office where the form was submitted.
  • For health care programs using the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (DHS-6696) — call the MNsure Contact Center at 1-855-366-7873 (toll-free) for updates.

Q: How can someone send in their verifications or other documents?
It depends on how they applied:

• MNbenefits applications: Upload directly through their MNbenefits account.
• MNsure applications: Upload through their MNsure account, or mail/fax documents to the address or fax number listed on their eligibility notice.
• Paper applications:
  • For non-health programs (DHS-5223): Mail, fax, or drop off documents at the person’s county or tribal human services office. Each office sets its own contact information and fax number.
  • For health care programs (DHS-6696): Mail or fax to 651-431-7750, as listed on the application form.

Encourage applicants to include their case number or name and date of birth on all documents so they can be matched to the correct case.

Q: How long does it take to process an application?

• SNAP or cash programs: Up to 30 days after the agency receives the application (expedited SNAP may be faster).
• Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare: Usually within 45 days, but it may take longer if additional information is needed.

Applicants will receive a written notice once their eligibility is determined.

Q: What should someone do if they haven’t heard back yet?
If it’s been more than 30 days (for SNAP/cash) or 45 days (for MA/MinnesotaCare) and no notice has arrived, the person should contact their county or tribal human services office or the MNsure Contact Center to check on their application.

Internal Notes

• Hub staff should confirm how the person applied (MNbenefits, MNsure, or paper form) before giving directions.
• Paper submission reminders:
  • Always note whether the form was DHS-5223 (non-health) or DHS-6696 (health).
  • Counties and tribes manage their own mail, fax, and drop-off procedures.
• Verification documents:
  • Typical items include proof of income, ID, disability, or residence.
  • Missing documents are the most common reason for delays.
• Staff should explain the process and provide official links only; do not collect or transmit personal application materials.