Equal Justice for All

TIPS FOR AVOIDING PROBLEMS WITH MFIP

1. VERIFICATIONS.

In order to get welfare benefits, you have to prove where you live, who lives with you, and what income and assets you have. There are different ways to prove these things. For example, a worker may ask for a copy of your lease. If you have no lease, you can give a sworn statement about where you live. If you have trouble finding ways to prove things, the county is supposed to help you.

2. EDUCATION PLANS.

You can ask to go to school, rather than starting to look for a job right away. But only certain education programs will be approved. For example, your program must take less than a year and must help you get a job paying enough to get you off MFIP. You will need to tell your MFIP job counselor about your education plan at your first job assessment. Before that job assessment, talk to your school about how to make an education plan that will get MFIP approval.

3. ARE YOU ABLE TO WORK?

At your first assessment, your worker will decide whether you can get a job with your current skills. If you have a reason why you can't work, explain it to the worker. If you can't work for a medical reason, you need a doctor's statement. If you are in the middle of a crisis, you need some proof of that. If you are suffering from domestic abuse, you need to have a "safety plan." If you are doing a job search and it seems hopeless, ask your worker for a "second assessment" to talk about training needs.

4. FOLLOWING YOUR WORK PLAN.

MFIP has very strict rules about following your work plan. You can lose some or all of your benefits if you do not follow it. It is a good idea to keep in touch with your worker and to keep notes of your conversations. Call your worker immediately whenever it is impossible for you to do something that is part of your work plan. Also, if you don't go to your work meetings -- orientation, employment overview, and job assessments -- you could be sanctioned.

5. KEEPING YOUR JOB.

Sometimes, keeping a job is harder than getting it. If you have trouble at work, get help. For example, if you have a medical or family crisis, tell your employer and your worker and see if something can be worked out. Don't simply walk out on the job. If you do, you may also lose some or all of your MFIP benefits. If you have to quit, talk to a lawyer first.

6. REPORTING CHANGES.

The MFIP law requires you to report all changes in your income, assets, and household within 10 days. It is a good idea to report in writing and keep a copy, so that you have proof. If you do not report, your grant could be cut, and, in some cases, you might be criminally charged with welfare fraud.

7. LIFE AFTER MFIP.

Most people can only get MFIP for a total of 60 months (5 years). But there are ways to stop the clock. For example, months in which you only get the medical assistance and food portions of MFIP don't count toward your five years. Also, you can divide up your five years to use at different times when you need it most. Don't wait to get training, education, or other services if they could help you get off MFIP.

Prepared by Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance

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