Emergency Programs

Program Qualifications

Emergency programs are available to qualifying persons to prevent homelessness or utility shut off. Emergency programs include:

  • Emergency Assistance (EA)- EA helps eligible families who have children in the home under age 18.
    • EA is a program that helps families with children under the age of 18 who are in danger of being evicted or having a utility shut off.
    • EA can be used once in a 12-month period.
    • Eligibility is based on income and assets at the time of application.
    • EA is funded by allocation with limited funds.
    • Additional rules may apply.
  • Emergency General Assistance (EGA)- EGA helps eligible adults without minor children in the home.
    • EGA helps eligible households that do not qualify for EA, MFIP, or DWP.
    • This program may be used in a crisis to assist with utilities and housing.
    • EGA can be used once in a 12-month period.
    • EGA is funded by allocation with limited funds.
    • Additional rules may apply.

The Economic Assistance Lobby is closed:

The Economic Assistance lobby in the Blaine Human Service Center is closed until further notice. Please see below in How to Apply and to the right in Contact Us for contact information.

How to Apply

  • Apply Online
    • Apply online at MNBenefits.
    • Available to new applicants as well as those with active cases interested in applying for additional programs.
  • Paper Applications
    • Call the EZ Info line at 763-422-7200 to request an application by mail or fax.
    • Print online at eDocs Online
    • Fax, mail, or drop off the paper application. Drop off locations are listed on the Economic Assistance page.

All Financial Assistance intake interviews will take place over the phone, rather than in-person. After an application is submitted and assigned, your assigned worker will call you for your phone interview. The worker will call the phone number listed on the application. The phone number of the worker will show as 763-422-7200 on caller ID.